After dinner, Bug stepped outside to take a call, leaving Everest and Chade to handle the cleanup. Everest kept sneaking glances at him, a small smile playing on her lips. Chase let out a sharp huff as he scraped leftovers into the trash. "What?"
"Are you two...?"
He shot her a glare. "No."
"Really? Because she lives here, and she's kind of adorable. Feels like there's something you're not telling me." "She's my roommate," he deadpanned, slamming the lid of the trashcan shut. "That's it." Everest folded her arms and leaned against the dishwasher, clearly unconvinced. "She's also bubbly, gorgeous, and clearly likes you."
     Chase rolled his eyes, grabbing a sponge. "You done playing matchmaker, or should I grab you a clipboard to take notes?" Everest snorted. "Relax. I'm just saying, she seems like your type. Maybe a little sunshine would do you some good." Chase scrubbed a plate, "Right. Because you're such an expert on relationships." He paused for just a beat, smirking slightly. "How's Kyle, by the way?" Everest's smile dropped, her shoulders tensing. "What does Kyle have to do with this?" Chase shrugged, rinsing the plate off. "Nothing, just saying. If I ever need advice on dating someone like him, I'll be sure to come to you."
     Her jaw tightened, but she forced a thin smile. "Well, good thing you'll never need advice from me, then." Chase glanced at her, finally noticing the shift in her mood. "It was meant as a joke," he muttered, turning back to the sink. Everest didn't feel like responding. Instead, she grabbed a dish towel and started to busy herself with drying plates. The silence hung awkwardly between them until Chase finally spoke again. "Okay, seriously—what's up? You've got that look."
     "Nothing," she said quickly, avoiding his gaze. "Just... let's finish this, okay?" Just then, the door swung open, and Bug burst in, still mid-laugh from her phone call. She stopped abruptly, her gaze bouncing between them as her grin faded. "Whoa," she said, raising her hands dramatically. "What is happening in here? The vibes are way off."
     Everest busied herself with drying a plate. "Nothing's happening." Bug narrowed her eyes, looking at Chase with her hands on her hips. "You said something dumb, didn't you?" Chase scoffed, dropping the sponge into the sink. "I didn't say anything—" Bug held up a finger, cutting him off. "Nope, don't even try it. I can feel the awkward from across the room." She turned to Everest, her tone softening. "You okay?" Everest gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired." Bug studied her for a second before nodding. "Okay, well, in that case..."
     She grabbed the dishtowel from Everest, her grin returning. "Let's fix these vibes, stat. Chase, you finish the dishes. Everest, you're on snack duty. I'm thinking...popcorn and chocolate." Everest was thankful for the distraction. She smiled and nodded, "Yes ma'am."