Rose beamed with excitement as she clutched the large basket. "I'll go next then!" she announced, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

With a dramatic flourish, Rose handed the gift to John. He eagerly unwrapped it, revealing a collection of carefully chosen items. Each unwrapped layer of the gift seemed to bring more joy:

Digital Drawing Tablet: $250Colored Pencils: $150Ink Pens: $30Sketchbooks: $50Headphones: $150Emo Band Hoodie: $50Gothic Jewelry Set: $30Art Prints: $50LED Strip Lights: $20Journal and Stationery Set: $20

Digital Drawing Tablet: $250Colored Pencils: $150Ink Pens: $30Sketchbooks: $50Headphones: $150Emo Band Hoodie: $50Gothic Jewelry Set: $30Art Prints: $50LED Strip Lights: $20Journal and Stationery Set: $20 [https://img.wattpad.com/2f0316142650f2ad74701d68b4c5789aecd58234/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6f444436615848465f54684934413d3d2d313436333930363031382e3137653439623231643262616237376436333438323434323331322e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

The total value was $800, and John's eyes widened in appreciation. His friends exchanged impressed glances, admiring Rose's thoughtfulness.

Michael, half-joking, teased, "You're not even trying, Rose..."

Rose laughed, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "Shut up! I'm just thrilled to be shopping."

John's smile was genuine as he replied, "I really liked it. It's something I can actually use." His eyes twinkled with sincerity. "Well, it's my turn now. I picked Annie."

John handed over his gift to Annie, her curiosity piqued. As she opened it, her eyes widened at the sight of:

iPad Mini: $400Apple Pencil: $100BL Manga Collection: $100Ergonomic Study Chair: $150Desk Organizer Set: $50Noise-Canceling Headphones: $100Customizable Planner: $50Self-Care Package: $50

iPad Mini: $400Apple Pencil: $100BL Manga Collection: $100Ergonomic Study Chair: $150Desk Organizer Set: $50Noise-Canceling Headphones: $100Customizable Planner: $50Self-Care Package: $50 [https://img.wattpad.com/c22db4fef02b52dd1c6c6fbca9a4ca07085cf29e/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f496258744e3832724553454546673d3d2d313436333930363031382e313765343962323464373239653532333539343437353832373536362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

The room fell silent as everyone took in the BL manga collection. Annie's face turned crimson, her embarrassment palpable.

Michael, his eyes wide with shock, exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, what the hell, John?!" He covered his eyes, followed by Darren, who looked equally stunned.

Annie's cheeks flamed as she buried her face in her hands, trying to hide her discomfort.

John's voice softened, trying to ease the tension. "My divine spirit has this odd ability to know people's interests. I was surprised too. It's awkward buying those manga sometimes. People give you the strangest looks, even the sellers."

Annie's embarrassment slowly melted away, replaced by a warm sense of gratitude. "Thank you, John. I do actually love it," she said shyly.

John gently patted Annie's back, his voice reassuring. "Of course, you should. Everyone has their quirks—like how Rose collects candy wrappers or how Michael drinks onion protein shakes. Even I like wearing male makeup."

Annie felt a comforting warmth from John's words. "Thanks for understanding," she said softly.

John chuckled, "Well, don't be too embarrassed. Now, let's move on. I picked Michael..."

Clark, looking over the total value of Annie's gift, interjected, "John, yours comes to $1000. Sorry, man, but you're disqualified..."

John shrugged, a nonchalant smile on his face. "Eh, I don't mind."

Michael eagerly unwrapped his gift from Annie, his excitement palpable. Inside, he found:

Golf Card Trading Pack Tin(10x): Box of Protein ShakesCooling TowelBox of Protein Snacks

Golf Card Trading Pack Tin(10x): Box of Protein ShakesCooling TowelBox of Protein Snacks [https://img.wattpad.com/a46dd79f17cf4e4e89fd2e85ccccb4b0b7e2a138/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f457266445a644e41542d493248673d3d2d313436333930363031382e313765343962333265323361383262663132343331303130313331372e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Michael's eyes lit up with delight. He savored the scent of the gift, his face glowing with joy. Without hesitation, he wrapped Annie in a tight hug, overwhelmed by his gratitude.

Annie, caught off guard by the enthusiastic embrace, laughed nervously. "Let go!"

Michael pulled back slightly, beaming. "Thank you so much! This is absolutely delicious!" he said, taking a protein snack and shake with relish.

Clark, tallying the value of Annie's gift, announced, "Wow... $999.99. I think Annie is officially our winner. But let's keep going..."

Michael handed his gift to Clark, who opened it to find:

Picture Frame of DarrenCustomized Blue Jacket with Darren's ScentBouquet of FlowersBox of Heart-Shaped ChocolatesBig Teddy Bear

Michael's playful eyebrows lifted, silently urging Clark to confess his feelings. Clark's face turned a deep shade of red as he quickly covered the picture frame with his sleeve.

Clark's mind raced in turmoil: I can't believe he did this. Does he really know how obsessed I am with Darren? How much does he understand?

John and Michael shared knowing glances, their suppressed laughter barely contained.

Rose, puzzled, asked, "What are you guys laughing at?"

Annie, Darren, and Tina looked equally confused.

Michael, struggling to keep a straight face, replied, "It's nothing, really..."

After a moment, Clark composed himself and handed Tina her gift. Initially, Tina was taken aback by:

Custom-Made "Most Spoiled" and "Queen of Drama" Trophy: $100Large Shit Statue: $300Luxurious Furry Tail: $100

Her initial shock turned to tears as she uncovered the more thoughtful items:

High-End Skincare Set: $200Gourmet Gift Baskets: $350

Moved by the gesture, Tina cried tears of joy and wrapped Clark in a heartfelt hug [https://img.wattpad.com/8778180b7404e6db54467c8c7d96bb7fc0bd3d3d/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f766e38775561566f4b3062396a673d3d2d313436333930363031382e313765343962366535343230396437303137333932383436313439362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Moved by the gesture, Tina cried tears of joy and wrapped Clark in a heartfelt hug.

Tina: "Thank you for forgiving me. I promise I'll try to be nicer."

Clark hugged her back, his voice tender. "Treat people with more respect, okay?"

The group, touched by the moment of reconciliation, clapped and cheered, their hearts warmed by the display of friendship.

Rose, her voice filled with anticipation, said, "Since that's done... it's Darren's turn!"

Tina, now in a more positive mood, smiled at Darren. "Don't worry, the gift is good."

Darren carefully unwrapped his gift, his excitement evident. Inside, he found:

Nintendo Switch OLED Model: $350Custom Plush Toys: $150Crochet Kit: $100Champion Hoodie: $100Apple AirPods Pro: $250Nike Shirt: $100Food Basket: $20

Nintendo Switch OLED Model: $350Custom Plush Toys: $150Crochet Kit: $100Champion Hoodie: $100Apple AirPods Pro: $250Nike Shirt: $100Food Basket: $20 [https://img.wattpad.com/9d076bc4338ee0a369a59807f87b753ff6e2f429/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f644d72724c4377454f48633537513d3d2d313436333930363031382e313765343962623030373131613533653233353332373131353438322e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Darren's face lit up with pure joy. He hugged Tina tightly, his happiness clear.

Darren: "I forgive you!"

Clark yawned, glancing at the clock. "I guess it's late. Let's head back to the dragon."

The group, exhausted yet content, climbed onto the dragon's back. The cold wind felt refreshing as they soared through the night sky. As they landed at their respective homes, the dragon's gentle movements lulled them into a peaceful slumber.

Clark, after dropping Annie off, returned to his grand mansion.

The dragon was parked in the stable, and Alister, the small but kind-hearted maid, greeted him with a warm smile [https://img.wattpad.com/261fa32015e63a265535f8691da9af6946341aa5/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6c446a58794b5f48505a5f7874413d3d2d313436333930363031382e313765343962633836666137623965393931303334353639363234372e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

The dragon was parked in the stable, and Alister, the small but kind-hearted maid, greeted him with a warm smile.

The dragon was parked in the stable, and Alister, the small but kind-hearted maid, greeted him with a warm smile [https://img.wattpad.com/307a4be395a7b96c0700cb64e22b92317fe6b144/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4836587a7478674e3434573744413d3d2d313436333930363031382e313765343962666263666265663465653131383437353331323530302e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Alister: "Your father has been waiting for you. He's been quite patient."

Clark followed Alister to his father's office. Ryder, his stern and distant adoptive father, looked up from his typewriter, a frown etched on his face.

Ryder: "I've been waiting for you. And you skipped piano lessons to be with your friends?"

And you skipped piano lessons to be with your friends?" [https://img.wattpad.com/410c443e9d4a04a7b478b8bb8c4c829f8b4e76c2/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4b77744e4a4331366e6b485a4a673d3d2d313436333930363031382e313765343963353630383561616230313730383639393936343634352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Clark's expression hardened. "I told you I don't like piano. And don't pretend you're a father figure. You're not."

He retreated to his room, clutching a framed photo of his late parents. Their tragic loss on the Titanic was a wound that had never fully healed. Clark's frustration with Ryder only deepened his sense of isolation and longing for the warmth and understanding he had lost.