The large, elegant Aydin mansion was buzzing with activity as the family and guests prepared for dinner. Dunk, New and Tay arrived first.  They get inside, greeted warmly by Earth and Mix, who were already mingling in the living room.

"Good evening!" Earth called out,  "It’s so nice to see you guys."

Mix smiled, his eyes twinkling with genuine pleasure. "I’m glad you could make it. It’s been a while."

As they settled into the living room, Joong and Pond were already present, engaged in casual conversation. Fourth had just joined them, freshly changed from his earlier excitement at the bookstore.

Earth glanced around and noticed that Sora and her parents had yet to arrive. "Pond, where’s Sora? Didn’t you go to pick her up?"

Pond’s face tightened slightly with frustration. He had never been fond of Sora, who was often more interested in flaunting her wealth and status than in genuine connection. "I was supposed to, but she’s taking her time as usual."

Before Pond could say more, Sora strolled in, her parents in tow. She made a grand entrance, her voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. "Oh, how I’ve missed everyone! It’s so wonderful to see you all again."

Her parents nodded and smiled, clearly used to their daughter’s dramatic behavior. Sora’s demeanor was a stark contrast to the warmth of the Aydin family. She spoke loudly about her latest acquisitions and her beauty, her words practically echoing off the walls.

Pond barely acknowledged her presence, his irritation evident as he turned away slightly, clearly uninterested.

Fourth shared a knowing look with Dunk, whispering, "Here we go again. She’s always like this, flaunting everything she can."

Dunk chuckled quietly in response, "Some things never change."

As Sora and her parents took a seat on a slightly larger couch, Dunk and Fourth found themselves seated on a smaller couch directly opposite them. Joong and Pond joined them, creating a small cluster of conversation away from the more ostentatious guests.

New, spotting the missing Phuwin and Gemini, turned to Dunk. "Could you check on Gem? Its getting late."

Dunk nodded and was about to make a call when Gemini finally walked through the door, apologizing for their tardiness. "Sorry for being late, everyone. We were stuck in traffic."

Earth and Mix welcomed Gemini with warm smiles. "No problem at all, Gemini. We’re just glad you’re here. Please, make yourself comfortable."

Gemini nodded appreciatively and took a seat, clearly still a bit uncomfortable but making an effort to be polite. His gaze flickered around the room, taking in the various interactions.

As he settled in, New asked "Where is Phu?"

Gemini said, "He's just parking the car papa."

The room was filled with quiet chatter and the rustling of clothes as everyone prepared for dinner. Despite the earlier tension, the atmosphere began to ease.