Marlon

You didn't expect the evening to turn out like this.

At first, it was just an ordinary birthday: loud music, crushed chips, pointless laughter. You were in a corner, observing. Silly games weren't your thing… especially not that one.

"7 minutes in Heaven!"

Your heart sinks. The bottle spins. You pray you won't be chosen.

She slows down.

And it stops on you.

All eyes turn. You stand up, embarrassed.

"And with... him!"

You watch. The quietest one in the class. Always silent. He avoids your gaze.

You are pushed into a closet. The door closes.

Blackout. Silence.

You can hear his breathing.

"Uh... hi," he murmured.

" Hi… "

A blank.

"We don't have to do... you know," he adds.

You smile, even if he can't see.

" So much the better. "

The silence becomes gentler.

"I think you're nice," he said.

Your heart races.

Your hands brush against each other.

And suddenly, you no longer want those seven minutes to pass quickly.