"Your children are full of energy!" Sophia said, turning to Oliver. "They're so adorable."

Oliver returned the smile, his eyes filled with pride.

"Indeed! They are beyond adorable!" Frederick chimed in, letting out a cheerful giggle. "Ha, kids. It's hard to believe I'm a grandfather now. Oh, how time flies!" he said.

Oliver crossed his arms and smirked, nodding in agreement. "It's truly wonderful. Just think about how swiftly time passes," he mused. "It's been a decade since I've known each person in this room."

"Hm, you're right," Sophia's expression turned reflective. "Whenever I contemplate the ticking of time, I can't help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions," she confessed.

"I agree with your sentiments, Sophia," Gregory said. He then gazed into the lobby, his expression turning pensive. "It's a sweet feeling to witness the growth of our relationships. However, it's also tinged with bitterness, knowing that time inevitably marches on, bringing unexpected events that may lead to... to... uh..." he trailed off.

Oliver gently placed a reassuring hand on Gregory's shoulder. "It's alright," he whispered.

"Heh," Gregory shrugged.

"Well... I shall say I also share the same thought," Oliver said, his gaze falling. "As we move further away from certain moments, nostalgia creeps in. Whenever I see the past, I feel down and bitter. But when I allow myself to immerse in that feeling, embracing the liberation it brings, I feel better."

"Huh," Frederick pondered for a moment, with a smile forming on his face. "That's a wonderful way to describe the nature of nostalgia," he thought.

"Yes. And now that I have emerged from my misery, I sincerely hope that no troubles cross my path again," Oliver expressed as his gaze swept across each person by his side. "I'm already filled with contentment, surrounded by the best men and women in my life. I am deeply grateful to have met each one of you."

"Likewise, we feel truly splendid to be in your company," Gregory affirmed, placing a comforting palm on Oliver's shoulder.

     Oliver turns his gaze towards Gregory, his lips curling into a smile while he bites them gently. His eyes grow heavy, brimming with tears that well up from within. The tears threaten to spill forth, not from sorrow but from an overflowing surge of happiness that fills his heart.

     Drawing closer to Gregory, Oliver takes a step forward. In response, Gregory wraps his arms around Oliver, their bodies embracing in a tight and loving hug. At that moment, their hearts intertwine as they close their eyes, basking in the warmth between them. Their love and affection become a resilient shield, warding off any potential harm or distress, as they serve not merely as companions but as soulmates.

     Witnessing his son embraced by another man, Frederick's face beams with joy. Unable to contain his happiness, he steps closer and joins the embrace, wrapping Oliver and Gregory in his arms, completing the circle of love and support. Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany watch from the background, exhaling softly as smiles grace their cheeks. One by one, they step forward, extending their arms to encircle Oliver, Gregory, and Frederick in a warm hug.

     Oliver feels the collective embrace of his family and companions, their love wrapping around his heart and coursing through his entire being. He squeezes his eyes shut, cherishing the moment and silently wishing for its eternal recurrence, a timeless oasis of peace. Oliver's chest fills with an overwhelming sense of compassion and bliss, for he cannot conceive of a greater love than what he is experiencing at that very moment.

     Slowly, everyone releases their grip. Oliver lifts his head and meets Gregory's gaze. The lovers exchange glances, their eyes reflecting the depth of their affection, as they smile, a beautiful match to their immense love for one another.

"Alright, alright. But for real, can we stop these dramatic moments that always end up with these two men cuddling each other?" Edgar chuckled. "It's getting preposterous!"

Laughter erupted as everyone joined in, their hands covering their mouths in amusement.

"Indeed, you might see it that way," Oliver giggled. "...But these moments still hold a significant purpose in life, you know? Live your life to the fullest," he stated, playfully emphasizing every word. "We exist in a world that can be cruel and harsh, but it's up to us to shape our own lives and choose happiness," he added. "...But don't forget to maintain your morals."

Edgar's gaze lowered as he brushed his hands together. "Yeah... you're right," he admitted.

"Just look at you now, Ed," Oliver continued. "You've grown into a man taller than me. Remember when I was taller than you when we first met?"

"Hm, yeah!" Edgar beamed.

"That serves as a reminder of how quickly time passes," Oliver reflected, placing his hands behind his back. "...We have transitioned from young adolescents of yesteryears to mature adults."

"Hmm..." Sophia added thoughtfully, "That's true. I've come to realize I'm no longer a girl or a young lady... but a woman."

"Same goes for us, right?" Sarrah tilted her head, leaning closer to Sophia with a mischievous smirk. "We're no longer young ladies but adult women, right?"

"Of course!" Sophia affirmed with a nod. "Hm, and because of that... I have an idea," she ventured, raising a finger.

Curiosity sparked, Bethany's smile widened as she asked, "What is it?"

Sophia lifted her chin confidently and began walking towards the staircase. "Ladies, follow me to my bedroom," she beckoned.

Sarrah and Bethany immediately trailed behind Sophia.

Frederick watched the girls ascend the stairs, and a sense of familiarity struck him. "...This seems like it has happened before," he uttered.

"What do you mean, Dad?" Oliver asked.

"You know? When ladies gather and head to a woman's bedroom with naughty grins," Frederick explained, glancing at Oliver.

"...What?" Oliver glanced at Frederick, perplexed.

"They're probably plotting a fashion revolution again," Frederick speculated. "Back in my day, women used to wear voluminous skirts! I wonder if they'll bring back such a silhouette in the upcoming decade, around eighteen thirty?"

"Perhaps they will," Oliver said, standing between his adoptive father and spouse. "People tend to find their own styles as they grow older. And speaking of getting older, I'll be turning thirty next year. Maybe it's time for me to experiment with a new look, like growing a beard, huh?"

"Woah, woah, woah. If you're growing a beard, then... I'll have to make mine a little thicker," Gregory interjected, leaning towards Oliver.

Oliver smirked as he bit his lips.