The moment you and Naomi walk inside with your suitcases, conversations stop.
Shawn grins.
"So the mysterious best friend actually exists."
Tori waves eagerly while Archie gives you an easy smile.
"Worth the wait."
Introductions quickly follow—Stephen, Karl, Serge, Sasha, Isla and Scarlett.
Then you spot Arno sitting slightly apart from everyone near the window.
Dark hair, unreadable expression, quiet presence.
Naomi gestures toward him.
"And that's Arno."
His eyes find yours for a moment.
"Arno."
"Hi."
He gives you a small nod and looks away.
Shawn laughs.
"Don't worry. That's basically a warm welcome from him."
Arno doesn't look up.
"Shut up, Shawn."