SHIP — Lara x Sophia

Written by, Fufu830

A/N — Minaliter is writing a very sad story, so I decided to write a happy one. :>

Lara and Sophia had been best friends for as long as they could remember. Their bond was the kind of friendship that only grew stronger with time. From childhood sleepovers to teenage antics, they had shared everything: secrets, laughs, heartbreaks, and triumphs. Now, in their twenties, the two had moved into a charming apartment in the city, and it was their dream to host the most unforgettable New Year's Eve party.

The plan was simple: throw an epic gathering full of fun, music, and a little bit of gossip—just the way they liked it. The two of them spent days in preparation, decorating the apartment with twinkling fairy lights, colorful streamers, and a bold "Happy New Year" banner that hung above the kitchen door. The table was stacked with platters of finger foods—mini sliders, bruschetta, and sparkling fruit trays—and the fridge was stocked with an impressive variety of drinks. Champagne, wine, and cocktails filled the space alongside a punch bowl that would surely keep the party going long into the night.

"I can't believe it's already here," Sophia said as she fluffed her hair in front of the bathroom mirror. "2024—it's going to be our year."

Lara, who was testing the playlist on her phone, grinned. "Absolutely. Let's make sure we end this year with a bang."

The doorbell rang, and before they knew it, the first guests had arrived. Lara opened the door to greet them, and the living room quickly filled with laughter and the hum of conversation. There was Alex from work, the cute guy who was always up for a chat, and Megan, the college friend who had an almost uncanny ability to make everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. As the party began to pick up speed, the guests, all dressed in their party best, formed groups around the room.

By nine o'clock, the apartment was alive with energy. The music had shifted from easygoing pop songs to upbeat dance anthems, and the sounds of clinking glasses and cheers echoed through the walls. Lara and Sophia mingled, enjoying the mingling crowd. It wasn't long before the first round of gossip began—an inevitable element of any good party.

"So, what's the deal with Megan and Ryan?" Lara whispered to Sophia as they sipped champagne on the couch, watching their guests.

Sophia leaned in, eyes twinkling. "Oh, I have a story. So, apparently, they had a thing last year, but Ryan ghosted her right before her birthday. Megan still insists it wasn't anything serious, but I've never seen her act so weird around someone."

"Sounds messy. I'll have to keep an eye on that one." Lara smirked, her curiosity piqued.

As midnight approached, the excitement grew. The countdown began in earnest. Everyone gathered in the living room, clinking glasses and throwing out playful jabs and predictions for the coming year. The clock ticked closer to twelve, and there was a surge of energy. Lara stood up, raising her glass to catch everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone!" she called out. "Here's to new beginnings, old friendships, and unforgettable memories! 2024, here we come!"

"Cheers!" the crowd responded, and the noise of clinking glasses filled the room.

The final seconds of the year ticked away, and the anticipation was almost unbearable. Sophia grinned at Lara, who was already reaching for the champagne bottle. The clock hit midnight, and the room erupted into cheers.

"Happy New Year!" someone shouted, and within seconds, everyone was hugging, kissing, or high-fiving each other in celebration.

Lara and Sophia shared a tight hug. "We did it," Sophia said, laughing as the buzz of excitement swirled around them.

"We really did," Lara agreed, holding up her glass in a toast. "Here's to everything that's coming, and everything we've left behind."

The party picked up again, the energy flowing through the room as if the new year had breathed new life into everyone. People danced, laughed, and caught up with one another, but it was soon clear that no one could resist a bit of gossip.

"Did you hear about Jason and his ex?" Alex asked, leaning in to join the conversation with Lara and Sophia.

Sophia raised an eyebrow. "What happened now?"

"He's been texting her again," Alex said. "You know, his ex from two years ago. He's telling people they're just 'catching up,' but I don't buy it. He never talks about her, and suddenly he's all interested again? I think he's trying to get back with her."

Lara's eyes widened. "That's bold. But hey, maybe it's one of those 'we're better off as friends' situations, right?"

"Ha! Or maybe it's a 'we can't get over each other' situation," Alex said with a wink. "Who knows with Jason? He's always had that charm."

As the night wore on, Lara found herself thinking about the gossip flying around. It was fun, harmless chatter, but part of her couldn't help but wonder if she and Sophia had ever been the subject of such conversation. They were both in relationships—Lara with her steady boyfriend, Daniel, and Sophia with her more casual but passionate fling with someone she'd met earlier that year.

The party continued to buzz with energy as more and more guests trickled in. By the time the clock read 2 a.m., people were beginning to drift home, their laughter and chatter lingering in the hallways as they said their goodbyes.

As the last of the guests left, Lara and Sophia stood in the doorway, waving them off. The apartment was a little quieter now, but the night still felt alive with memories of laughter and stories.

"That was fun," Sophia said, stretching and yawning. "I can't believe it's over already."

Lara nodded, glancing around at the remnants of the party—empty glasses, stray napkins, and confetti scattered on the floor. "It was everything I hoped for and more," she said with a grin. "We'll have to do it again next year, for sure."

Sophia laughed. "Maybe next time we can avoid all the gossip about exes."

Lara raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come on. That's the best part."

"Sure, if you don't mind the awkwardness," Sophia teased.

"Well, I think we handled it pretty well." Lara smiled, already feeling the warmth of the evening settle into her bones.

Together, the two friends began to clean up the apartment, the hum of the city outside fading into the background as they talked about their hopes for the coming year. They didn't need to worry about the future too much—because whatever it held, they knew they'd be facing it together, as they always had.

As they sat down on the couch, a quiet moment passing between them, Lara raised her glass one last time. "To 2024," she said.

"To new adventures, and lots more parties," Sophia added with a grin.

They clinked glasses and leaned back into the couch, knowing that this New Year's Eve would be one they'd remember for years to come.

And with that, the quiet peace of the early hours settled over them, as the city outside slowly awoke to the promise of a brand new year.