30. official

"I feel like we should make a dramatic announcement," Hamzah said as we walked up to Martin and Mandy's apartment, a smug grin on his face.

I scoffed, adjusting my tote bag on my shoulder. "We're not celebrities. We're just two people who finally stopped being idiots about their feelings."

He wiggled his eyebrows. "Still, it's a big deal."

Before I could respond, the door swung open, revealing Mandy in sweatpants and a hoodie, her hair piled into a messy bun. "Took you guys long enough," she said, stepping aside to let us in.

I frowned. "Uh, took us long enough for what?"

She gave me a knowing look. "For whatever you're about to tell me."

Hamzah and I exchanged glances. That was fast.

Martin was sprawled out on the couch, controller in hand, eyes glued to the TV screen as some chaotic video game action played out. "Sup," he said without looking up. "Make yourselves at home."

Hamzah threw himself onto the couch beside him, while I took a seat next to Mandy on the opposite end. I glanced at her, suddenly feeling awkward. "So... we have something to tell you."

Mandy grinned. "Oh, I know."

I narrowed my eyes. "What?"

She shrugged. "You two have been giving each other heart-eyes for months. It was only a matter of time before you made it official."

I opened my mouth to protest, but honestly... she wasn't wrong.

Martin finally paused the game and turned to us. "Wait, hold on. You guys are actually together now?"

Hamzah smirked, throwing an arm over the back of the couch. "Yep. Officially."

Martin blinked, then looked between us. "Damn. About time."

I groaned, flopping back against the couch. "Okay, seriously, was everyone just waiting for this to happen?"

Mandy laughed. "Pretty much."

Martin shook his head, a grin tugging at his lips. "I mean, I'm happy for you guys. But also, this changes things."

I raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

He turned to Hamzah. "If you guys ever break up, I'm keeping Cora."

Hamzah scoffed. "Wow, dude. No faith in me at all?"

Mandy nodded. "Honestly, same. I'm team Cora."

I burst out laughing as Hamzah dramatically clutched his chest. "This betrayal cuts deep."

Mandy leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "But seriously, we're happy for you guys. As long as you don't get gross about it."

I smirked. "Define gross."

"No excessive PDA. No staring at each other like lovesick teenagers. No weird inside jokes that make the rest of us feel left out," she listed off.

Martin nodded. "And no 'we're so in love' baby voices. That's instant exile."

Hamzah shot me a mischievous look. "You hear that, babe?" he said in an exaggerated, syrupy tone. "Guess we gotta tone it down."

I shoved him. "You're the worst."

Martin groaned. "I already regret this."

Mandy rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "You two are going to be unbearable."

Hamzah grinned. "Oh, absolutely."

And just like that, things felt the same-but also different in the best way possible.