Callistus nodded, a hint of pride in his smile.

She gave a smile, "Not bad taste, not bad," offering two thumbs up. "Congratulations to you both. Remember to invite to the wedding." She headed back inside.

Ivan raised an eyebrow, watching her disappear behind the door. "What was that about?"

"Nothing important," Callistus replied, laughing softly. 

Ivan shook his head with a chuckle, still curious but willing to let it slide. After that, they both decided to go for some ice cream.

—

Later that evening, Callistus was lounging on the couch, watching TV while Ivan cooked dinner in the kitchen. He held his phone in one hand, barely paying attention to it.

A notification buzzed, but Callistus ignored it until Ivan called him for dinner. Setting his phone aside, he got up and headed to the dining room.

"Cal, dinner's ready," Ivan called out.

Callistus immediately walked over, joining Ivan at the table. They ate together, sharing laughter to the same things they're interested in. 

"I think we can unpack your things tomorrow," Ivan said between bites. "If there's not enough time, we'll finish up over the weekend."

Callistus thought for a second, realising the boxes had piled up and blocked the entrance to his room. "So, where do I sleep tonight?" he asked, "On the couch?" 

Ivan glanced at him with a playful smirk. "With me," he replied casually, taking another bite of his food.

Callistus couldn't help but smile, a mixture of excitement and nervousness fluttering in his chest. He knew that moving in with Ivan was a big step, but being close to him felt right—like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

—

"Bro!" Mia shouted as she spotted Callistus in the canteen with Star and Myiesha.

Callistus smiled, making his way over to them. He waved and sat down at the table, glad to be around familiar faces.

"What's with the turtleneck today?" Mia asked, eyeing him curiously.

"What?" Callistus replied, playing it cool.

"You usually just wear a collared shirt," she pointed out.

"Wanted to try something new," he lied, hoping they wouldn't press further.

Star changed the subject, glancing at him. "So, you took Ivan's offer?"

"Yeah," Callistus nodded. "I moved in yesterday."

"That's fast," Myiesha commented, taking a bite of her food. "Right after the party?"

Callistus nodded again. "Yeah, but I'm only doing it because it's free, and now I have transport," he added with a casual shrug.

—

Mia and Star arrived at Callistus's new place on a warm Friday evening, bearing drinks to celebrate his move. 

"How is it here?" Mia asked, her voice light as she took in the surroundings.

Callistus scratched his neck. "It's okay," he replied, glancing around. The place still felt new, unfamiliar. 

"You've been staying in the guest bedroom?" Star asked, walking behind her brother as they made their way up the stairs. 

There was an unspoken curiosity in her voice, a hint that she knew more than she was letting on.

"Well..." Callistus hesitated, trying to keep up with her quick steps, feeling the weight of her question.

As they reached the second floor, Star's gaze drifted to an open door. She stepped closer, peeking inside. The room wasn't Ivan's, that much was clear. Boxes were scattered everywhere, some open, while others remained untouched, still taped shut.

"Oh," Star remarked, her surprise evident as she took in the sight.

Callistus followed her gaze, his face flushing slightly. "Yeah," he admitted, "I haven't finished unpacking yet."

The room told the story of a man who hadn't quite found his place. Clothes were hanging over the bed's edge, and various personal items were on the floor, a clear sign of struggle to adjust.

"You slept like that?" Mia questioned him in disbelief.

"So you see..." Callistus began, searching for an explanation, his mind racing for something plausible. "No," he eventually confessed, a sheepish smile as he pointed awkwardly at Mia.

Mia wasn't convinced. "Then where did you sleep? With Ivan?" she asked, only joking.

"How'd you know?" Callistus blurted out before he could stop himself, his expression changing to one of mild panic.

At that moment, Ivan's laughter echoed through the hallway, soon joined by Star and Mia's. Callistus's face turned an even deeper shade of red as he realised how easily he had given himself away.

When the laughter finally eased, Ivan stepped closer, taking Callistus's hands in his own and turning him to face him directly. "Cal, I love you and all," Ivan said, his eyes twinkling with amusement, "but that was way too obvious."

Star and Mia were still catching their breath, but their teasing smiles softened as they saw the genuine affection between the two men. Callistus, still embarrassed, tried to hide his face in Ivan's shoulder, but the warmth in Ivan's eyes only made him feel more flustered.

Star, however, wasn't about to let them off the hook just yet. "So," she began, "what's the deal with you two now? Are you guys, like, officially a thing?"

Mia jumped in eagerly, her curiosity intrigued. "Yeah, spill it! I need all the details."

Callistus hesitated, glancing up at Ivan. Ivan squeezed his hand reassuringly. "We're figuring it out," Ivan said, his voice calm. "It's new, but... yeah, we're together."

Star and Mia exchanged looks, their excitement barely contained. They were genuinely happy for them, their joy radiating in the room like sunshine breaking through clouds.

"So, how did this happen?" Star pressed on, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Was it all romantic, or did one of you just make a move?"

Callistus felt the heat rise to his cheeks again, the memories of the past few days flashing before his eyes. Ivan rubbed his thumb along Callistus's hand, the small gesture filled with unspoken promises.

"We just... clicked," Ivan said, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. "It felt right."

"Clicked, huh?" Mia teased, nudging Callistus with her elbow. "So, when's the wedding?"

"Mia!" Callistus exclaimed, overwhelmed by the teasing but unable to hide the small smile that tugged at his mouth.

Mia laughed, waving off his concern. "Hey, I'm just kidding!" she said, though the glint in her eyes suggested she wouldn't mind seeing that happen. "But seriously, I'm glad you're happy."

Star nodded, her smile warm. "Yeah, you deserve this, Cal," she agreed. Then, a playful light entered her eyes as she added, "And Ivan doesn't need to marry that girl anymore!"