The warm, crackling fire had long died down, but the laughter still echoed in the air as the four friends lounged on the porch. The day had passed in a perfect blend of nostalgia and new memories, but now a calm quiet settled in. The sun had set, and the night sky stretched above them, filled with a million stars.
Eva rested her head on Liam's shoulder, her eyes closed, content in the moment. Mei sat cross-legged beside Max, tracing little patterns on his knee absentmindedly. It was one of those moments when no one needed to speak, and everything felt perfectly balanced.
"Do you think we'll ever have another night like this?" Liam asked quietly, breaking the silence. His voice was soft, thoughtful.
Max glanced at him, his usual playfulness replaced with a rare moment of seriousness. "Why wouldn't we? You're acting like this is the last supper."
Liam smirked. "Not the last supper, but... life's changing, you know? We're not students anymore. We've all got different paths now. Jobs, responsibilities." He looked down at Eva, brushing a stray hair from her face. "Things are moving fast."
Max chuckled softly, his hand resting on Mei's. "Yeah, they are. But I think we're all gonna be fine. We've got each other."
Mei smiled at Max's words, squeezing his hand gently. "Liam's got a point, though. Sometimes I wonder how different things will be in just a year."
Eva shifted slightly, opening her eyes. "Do you think we'll drift apart? I mean, not just us, but... people in general. Life pulls you in so many directions."
There was a moment of silence as they each considered the question.
"I think it depends," Mei said softly. "People grow apart when they let the little things slip away. The calls, the texts, the visits like this. It's easy to let the distance grow."
Max nodded, his playful grin creeping back. "Yeah, but not us. I'm too stubborn to let you guys off the hook that easy. I'll be crashing your houses for pancakes even when we're all old and grey."
Liam laughed, the mood lifting slightly. "You can crash my place as long as you promise to actually do the dishes. That's all I ask."
"I make no promises," Max replied, raising his hands in mock surrender.
Eva smiled at the banter, but her mind was still turning. "I think about the future a lot," she admitted. "Not in a worrying way, just... I wonder what it'll be like."
Mei leaned forward, resting her chin on her knees. "What do you see for yourself, Eva? What's your dream?"
Eva paused, as if the question had surprised her. She thought for a moment, then smiled softly. "I want to work in a career that helps people. Maybe counseling or social work. Something where I can make a difference." She looked at Liam. "And... I want a life with someone I love. Maybe kids, a home. Simple things."
Liam's face softened, and he squeezed her hand. "You'll get it all, Eva. I believe in you."
Max, feeling the moment teetering on the edge of too much emotion for his taste, quickly piped up, "And if you need an annoying neighbor who shows up unannounced to borrow sugar but ends up staying for dinner, you know who to call."
Everyone laughed, grateful for Max's ability to lighten the mood.
"What about you, Max?" Liam asked, turning the question back to him. "What's your big dream?"
Max looked up at the stars for a moment, a rare seriousness creeping into his expression. "I think... I just want a life where I'm surrounded by people I love. I don't need anything big. No grand career or fancy title. Just good people, good times, and a home that feels like... well, like this."
Mei smiled warmly at his words, her heart swelling with affection for him. She knew Max wasn't one for deep emotional declarations, but when he did open up, it always hit her right in the chest.
"What about you, Mei?" Eva asked, her voice soft. "What do you see for your future?"
Mei looked down at her hands for a moment, thoughtful. "I want stability, a career that challenges me, but also leaves me time for the people I care about. I want to travel a bit, see the world with Max. And eventually..." She glanced at Max, her face softening. "I'd like a family. But we're taking it one step at a time."
Max blinked, looking a little caught off guard. "Wait, family? Like... kids?"
Mei laughed at the look on his face. "Not tomorrow, Max. Someday."
"Oh." Max relaxed visibly, leaning back in his chair. "Cool. Just... give me a heads-up, alright?"
Liam snorted. "You're hopeless, man."
Max smirked. "Hey, I'm prepared for anything. Just... maybe not diapers yet."
Later that night
The evening wound down, and soon it was time for Liam and Eva to head home. They stood at the door, exchanging hugs and promises to meet up again soon.
"Next time, our place," Eva said, smiling as she hugged Mei. "You guys are due for a visit."
Max clapped Liam on the back. "Looking forward to it. But don't forget to stock up on pancakes. I'm bringing my own syrup."
Liam grinned. "You got it."
As the door closed behind them, Max and Mei stood in the quiet of their home, the remnants of the day lingering like a pleasant aftertaste.
Max turned to Mei, a rare softness in his eyes. "You know... I meant what I said earlier. I don't need much. Just this." He gestured around the room, then at her. "You and me, this life we're building. That's all I need."
Mei smiled, stepping closer to him. "I feel the same."
Max pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. They stood there for a moment, simply holding each other, the warmth of their connection filling the room.
And in that quiet, they both knew: whatever the future held, they'd face it together.