Malachi checked himself out in the mirror, admiring the pop of his red suit against the black buttoned undershirt he wore.

A cool cross necklace hung around his neck, adding the final touch to his look.

He reached up, gathering his thick locs into a neat, high ponytail, the dark strands catching the light as he secured them with a simple black band.

The ponytail added a touch of formality to his already polished appearance, balancing the bold lines of his suit with a touch of his personal style.

He adjusted the collar of his shirt, then ran a hand down the front of his jacket, feeling the smooth, luxurious fabric.

Malachi took out his phone, murmuring to himself, "Let's see where this girl is," as he scrolled through his contacts to find Bianca.

Just as he was about to call her, a loud banging erupted at his door, interrupting his thoughts.

"What the hell?" he muttered, striding over to the door.

He swung it open to reveal Deon, halfway through buttoning his sleeve, a grin plastered on his face.

"You ready? It's starting in a few minutes," Deon announced, oblivious to the impatience in Malachi's eyes.

"Deon, first off, don't bang on my door like that," Malachi replied with a sigh, attempting to keep his annoyance in check.

"And second, I'm not going with you."

Deon raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? Who's taking you then?"

Without another word, Malachi simply smiled, a subtle quirk of mischief in his expression, and gently closed the door.

Malachi dialed Bianca's number, listening to the ringing that seemed to stretch longer with each second.

Just as his annoyance began to peak, she finally picked up.

"Don't you know to answer on the first ring?" he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Shut up, Mal.

Can't you see I'm driving?" Bianca shot back, her playful irritation coming through clearly.

He laughed, a deep, genuine sound. "I'm just messing with you.

How far out are you?"

"Look out the window. I'm right outside," she responded confidently.

"Already? Alright then," Malachi replied, hanging up with a smile.

He moved to the door, anticipation quickening his steps.

As he reached for the knob, it swung open to reveal Miguel, his hand poised to knock.

"Look at that, we're in sync," Miguel said with a chuckle, dropping his hand.

Malachi spun Miguel around, gently steering him toward the hall.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Yeah, yeah, B's here," he said with a mischievous grin.

"Let's get outta here before Deon finds us and starts nagging me again," Malachi muttered, pulling his hood low over his head.

"What's up with you and him, anyway?" Miguel asked, slowing down to match Malachi's pace.

"You guys used to be cool."

Malachi shrugged, his face tight. "I don't know. I just don't like him."

"You know that's prejudice, right?" Miguel said, a hint of frustration in his voice.

He shoved Miguel hard, sending him stumbling down the hall.

Malachi didn't look back, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared around a corner.

As the duo exited the grand mansion, its towering façade looming majestically against the night sky, they were met with the familiar sight of Deon casually leaning against the side wall, his attention seemingly absorbed by the glow of his phone screen.

His posture was relaxed, one foot propped against the wall, but there was an air of restlessness about him.

Malachi, already descending the steps, paused mid-stride and glanced over at Deon with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Deon's presence was as predictable as it was enigmatic, especially when there were possibilities of mischief involved.

Deon, sensing the gaze, looked up from his phone, offering a lopsided grin that spoke of mischief well-planned.

Malachi, with a sudden playful impulse, gave Miguel a gentle push toward Bianca's sleek, obsidian-black car parked nearby.

Miguel stumbled good-naturedly, grinning as he opened the door and hopped into the back seat.

Malachi followed swiftly, sliding into the front passenger seat beside Bianca with an easy grin.

Bianca turned toward them, arching a perfectly shaped eyebrow at their impromptu switch.

"Hey," she exclaimed, mock indignation in her voice.

"You guys that happy to see me?"

Caught off guard, Miguel and Malachi exchanged a quick, comically shocked look before bursting into laughter.

The shared glance conveyed years of friendship and countless shared misadventures.

Malachi was the first to regain his composure, shaking his head with an amused smirk.

"No," he replied with faux seriousness, crossing his arms as he settled comfortably into the seat.

"But yes, of course!" Miguel chimed in loudly from the back, exaggerating his enthusiasm with a wide grin.

Bianca started the car with a flick of her wrist, a nonchalant "whatever" escaping her lips as she did.

Her eyes darted to Malachi in the back seat.

"Mal, what's that address?" she asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.

Malachi leaned forward, handing over his phone with the GPS map displayed.

The rhythmic hum of the city filled the car as they journeyed through the maze of streets, the Pegasus Hotel drawing nearer.

Its towering, art deco façade loomed as they arrived, the building's lights casting shimmering reflections onto their windshield.

She parked and turned off the engine with precision, her smile warm as she faced her companions.

Miguel, the joker of the group, nudged Malachi's shoulder, a playful grin stretching across his face.

Malachi shot him a look, eyebrow cocked, as if to say, "Really?" The camaraderie was palpable in Bianca's amused chuckle as she slipped free of her seatbelt.

As if on cue, her door swung open, revealing the valet — a tall man, sharp in his valet uniform and sporting a taper fade.

His hand, extended like an offering, startled Bianca.

"Oop!" she exclaimed, her laughter bubbling as she took his hand.

Malachi stepped out, his eyes narrowing as he regarded the valet with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Meanwhile, Miguel shrugged, as if to say, "What can you do?"

The valet's voice was smooth, his words wrapped in a polite drawl.

"My apologies, light skin, but I'm a gentleman at heart."

Bianca felt at ease again, her wary chuckle softening as she adjusted her dress.

As the brothers headed towards the entrance, the valet greeted Malachi with a friendly fist bump.

"How's it going, my guy?" he said with a casual nod.

Malachi stepped around the valet, not breaking his stride as he heard Bianca calling out to him.

She quickly went after him, trying to catch up.

Miguel, lingering momentarily, turned to the valet with an apologetic half-smile, hands raised as if to make peace.

"My bad, bro, he's not a people person."

The valet glanced over his shoulder at Malachi and Bianca as they navigated through the crowd gathered at the entrance.

Walking hand in hand, Bianca playfully poked Malachi's head, scolding him with a teasing smile.

Chewing gum nonchalantly, the valet said, "Is that so?" with a glint in his eyes that suggested an understanding beyond words.

Miguel couldn't shake the uneasy feeling as he glanced at the valet, who seemed to take notice of his suspicion.

With an almost playful smirk, the valet gave Miguel a friendly pat on the shoulder.

"Enjoy the show," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching up just a bit too knowingly.

"I've got a hunch it's going to be memorable."

That sneaky smile of his lingered, making Miguel wonder what exactly he might be hinting at.

Miguel started making his way towards the entrance but couldn't help glancing back at the valet one last time.

Just then, he heard Malachi call out to him from inside.

Turning his focus back, he saw Bianca waving him over with a welcoming smile.

With a small nod, Miguel shook off his uneasy thoughts and headed inside to join them.

To be continued...