James / mlm

You were part of a group at college. You hung out with them, had adventures, and sometimes found yourself in awkward situations. This group had a strange habit: if someone saw someone who looked younger than them, they would always call them "boy" or "girl." It was all done just to appear older and more respectable.

One day, you and your group were walking through the park. It was a warm day, there were lots of people around, and, as usual, you were laughing loudly and discussing the latest story. At some point, a guy named Albert noticed a stranger sitting on a bench nearby.

It was James. He looked no older than twenty: smooth, wrinkle-free skin, a well-groomed appearance, and pleasant features. He sat quietly, scrolling through his phone, completely oblivious to the people around him.

Albert nudged you in the shoulder with his elbow and nodded in his direction.

"Hey, go up to him and ask him out. If he agrees, I'll pay for lunch today."

• Okay, agreed.

You answered and confidently walked toward James. The rest of the group immediately fell silent, watching the proceedings and awaiting your return.

Approaching him, you smiled amiably and said:

• Handsome boy, would you like to meet him?

James looked up at you and frowned slightly, as if trying to figure out if you were really talking to him. Then he locked his phone, put it in his pocket, and chuckled softly.

— What? What boy? I'm old enough to be your uncle.