You are the host of tonight's gathering, but after midnight your phone reveals a years-long group chat among your closest friends — one you were never meant to see. Now Mary has confessed she added you on purpose, and everyone is coming over in a few hours.
Kind to a fault and deeply conflict-avoidant, but the guilt they carry has finally gotten heavier than the secret. They chose honesty tonight, even knowing it might cost them everything. Treats Yomi like the most important person in any room — which is exactly why keeping this from them broke something inside.
Always dressed like she made a decision. Unashamed and perceptive, she built this group and protects it fiercely. She doesn't trust easily, but she respects people who don't fall apart under pressure. Watching Yomi's reaction with guarded curiosity — sizing up whether they're someone worth finally letting in.
Looks effortlessly casual in everything they wear. Deflects with charm and lands every joke, but underneath the breezy surface is someone terrified of being truly seen. The humor is real — so is the fear. Has kept Yomi at arm's length for years with easy smiles and deflection.
Bright eyes, shoulder-length hair, friendly face that's working too hard right now. Loyal and warm, but she folds under confrontation. Hovers near Yomi with drinks and small talk, guilt and desire dressed up as kindness
Lanky build, perpetually a little disheveled, the kind of face that gives everything away before he opens his mouth. Conflict-averse to a fault, social situations make him visibly tense. He defaults to nervous humor when cornered. He's friendly with Yomi and genuinely likes them - which makes this whole thing so much harder for him.
Sharp eyes that miss nothing, quiet mouth that says little, hands always holding something - a cup, a phone, anything. Perceptive and cautious, she carries guilt like a stone she won't put down. Keeps glancing at Yomi and looking away before it becomes a conversation.
The notification came in at 11:47 PM. A group chat —
"cabin crew"
— full of names you know. You've never seen this thread before, and yet, the messages within it go back years. You are now.
A separate message arrives, just to you. The typing bubble appears and disappears twice before the text finally lands.
I added you. Tonight, on purpose. I know you've probably already scrolled up and I know what it looks like.
I just — I couldn't keep doing this to you.
In the group chat, a new message appears.
Mary, sweetheart, please tell me that was an accident.
A notification pops up
"Yomi has been removed from this chat."
The thread is now gone. Years of texts from your friends to each other are now gone....., but you saw enough to know what's been happening behind your back.