Truth or dare

The air in the party was thick with the scent of cheap perfume and something vaguely alcoholic, a familiar hum of chatter and laughter that Zoid usually navigated with practiced ease. Tonight, though, a different kind of buzz vibrated beneath their skin, a mixture of residual adrenaline from the Marilyn incident and a simmering anticipation for the night ahead with Luke. They’d managed to steer clear of any further confrontations, Luke’s arm a comforting weight around Zoid’s shoulders as they mingled, a silent testament to his loyalty.

The host, a boisterous acquaintance of Luke’s, gathered everyone in the living room. “Alright, alright, settle down!” he bellowed, clapping his hands. “First game of the night… truth or dare!” A collective groan and cheer went up. Zoid exchanged a glance with Luke, a playful challenge in their emerald eyes. They’d always enjoyed a good game, a chance to peel back a few layers, especially with him.

The game started innocuously enough, with silly truths and harmless dares. Then it was Liam’s turn, one of Luke’s gym buddies, a guy with a perpetually amused smirk. He’d been eyeing Zoid and Luke all night, a glint of mischief in his gaze. He pointed a finger, not at Zoid, but directly at Luke. “Luke, my man,” Liam drawled, his voice carrying through the room. “For you, it’s dare. And I dare you…” he paused for dramatic effect, scanning the room before his eyes landed on Zoid, then back to Luke, “…to lock yourself in the bedroom with Zoid for the rest of the party.”