The rest of the drive was spent in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When they arrived at Callistus' apartment, Ivan helped him inside, making sure he was settled before heading back to work. 

Once Ivan left, he couldn't resist the urge to call Mia. As soon as she answered, he blurted out, "Being with him like I've known him forever."

Mia chuckled on the other end. "Well, maybe deep down, you do. That's a good sign."

Callistus smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "Yeah, maybe it is.".

—

The next morning, Callistus felt better. The rest and care he'd received from Ivan and the others had done wonders for his recovery. He got up, feeling more energized.

As he walked into the office, he was greeted with smiles and well-wishes from his colleagues. Danish came over. "Glad to see you're back on your feet!"

"Thanks," Callistus replied, smiling.

Star appeared next, grinning. "I heard you're still looking for a new place. Have you thought about Ivan's offer?"

"I did, but I don't think it'll be the best for both of us," Callistus replied, scratching his neck.

"Don't worry," Star replied. "Are you coming to the party next week?"

Callistus nodded. "Yeah, I'll be there."

Star smiled. "Great! See you then."

With that, everyone went back to their normal positions, and Callistus settled into his work, feeling more at ease.

—

A week went by in a blur as the end-of-month closing kept everyone at the office busy. Callistus and Ivan only spoke briefly when Callistus needed help with work-related issues. Their interactions were limited, but there was an underlying sense of understanding and camaraderie.

As Saturday night rolled around, Callistus went down to the convenience store to get some drinks and snacks before Mia picked him up.

"Any clue where we're headed?" Callistus asked, buckling his seatbelt.

Mia grinned mischievously. "You'll see."

After about 20 minutes, they pulled up to a row of charming bungalows. Callistus kept looking around, not taking his eyes off the window for a second.

"We're here for the party," Mia announced as she parked the car.

"The party's here? At whose place?" Callistus asked.

"Ivan's," Mia said, leading the way to the front door.

As they walked in, Callistus noticed they were a bit late. Danish and Isabell were in the living room talking, while Pavanya and Myiesha were already in the kitchen preparing something.

Mia waved as she set the food they brought on the kitchen counter. "Thanks, Pav. Thanks, Myiesha."

Star walked down from the stairs, greeting them. Everyone was in casual clothes, the TV was on, blaring songs. Ivan came down too, but he was in a suit, having just come from a meeting. The relaxed atmosphere put Callistus at ease.

Ivan spotted them and walked over with a smile. "Glad you made it. Welcome."

"Thanks for having us," Callistus replied. "Nice place."

"Thanks. Make yourselves at home," Ivan said before returning to a group gathered around in the living room with microphones in their hands.

Callistus mingled with his colleagues, joining in the singing and laughter. The room was filled with the warmth of camaraderie, a welcome contrast to the stress of the past two weeks.

After some time, Callistus found himself chatting with Danish and Star near the snack table.

"This is what we need after that crazy closing period," Danish said, munching on some chips.

"Definitely," Callistus agreed.

"Have you found a new place yet?" Star asked, giving him a knowing look.

Callistus shook his head. "Not yet. I have to be out in a week."

"Don't stress too much about it. You've got time," Star reassured him.

As the night went on, Callistus felt more relaxed and even joined in a few rounds of karaoke. He was on the couch while Myiesha and Pavanya were in the middle of a duet when Ivan approached him, holding out a glass of water.

"Here, drink," Ivan said with a smile.

"Thanks," Callistus said, accepting the glass and taking a sip. "Didn't realize I was thirsty."

Ivan chuckled. "Moving and singing will do that to you."

The party continued into the night, filled with more singing, laughter, and casual conversations. Once their energy died down a bit, they decided to play a drinking game. Myiesha and Pavanya went to the kitchen before coming out with a jar of fruit punch cocktail. 

They started with "Two Truths and a Lie," taking sips whenever they guessed wrong.

"I have..." Callistus began, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Never cut myself a bald spot, made a random girl obsessed with me, or I love animals."

Myiesha immediately raised her hand. "Made a random girl obsessed with you," she said confidently.

Callistus chuckled. "Wrong. I cut myself a bald spot once, right in the front, when I was 14."

Everyone burst into laughter, imagining the scene, as Myiesha took a sip. Round after round, they played multiple games like Kings Cup, Never Have I Ever, and Quarters, drinking different beverages with each game.

Soon it was midnight, and everyone was quite drunk except for Mia and Danish, who needed to stay sober to drive. Ivan, the drunkest among them, looked surprisingly composed. His face betrayed no redness, a testament to his impressive tolerance.

"What about him?" Mia asked Danish, nodding towards Ivan.

Although his face showed nothing, he had passed out on the couch, his eyes closed, resting his head.

"Just leave him here," Danish replied. "I don't think he'll do anything stupid."

"I'll stay," Callistus said suddenly. Though tipsy, he wasn't as drunk as the others. "He took care of me; I'll return the favour."

"Are you sure?" Danish asked. Callistus nodded in response.

Star called her boyfriend to pick her and Myiesha up. Isabell left with Danish, while Pavanya went with Mia. With the house emptying out, Callistus looked at Ivan lying on the couch.

"Ivan?" Callistus said softly.

Ivan replied with a groan.

"How about we go upstairs?"