best friends

It was one of those nights that seemed promising but turned out to be pure nonsense. The palace's living room was dimly lit, illuminated only by a television playing a ripped, never-ending film. The seven cups that had spilled onto the coffee table were proof that everyone had already resorted to coffee or hot chocolate to try and keep their eyes open.

I was slumped on the couch, sharing a blanket with Madison and Ava. The three of them tried to focus on the screen, but the silence of the room was constantly broken by bored sighs and exaggerated yawns. In the corner, Levi had already crossed his arms and looked like he was fighting off sleep. Ethan, sitting next to him, was tapping his fingers impatiently on the arm of his chair.

On the other side, Hunter and Logan were the only ones who seemed embarrassed. One of them threw himself forward, the other back, exchanging knowing glances and stifled laughter. It wasn't hard to guess they were plotting something.

"If this movie had another ten minutes, I'd throw myself in the pool," Madison muttered, burying her face in the pillow.

"Ten? He already has three hours and it seems he's still at the beginning," Levi replied sleepily.

Ava laughed lightly as she adjusted her curly hair, but she quickly returned to staring at the screen, as if she had to hold on until the end.

Hunter, with that playful smile, straightened up on the sofa. "Well, that's enough. I'm not going to die of boredom with you. I have a much better idea."

Logan, who had already anticipated the confusion, raised an eyebrow and added: "Truth or dare. Now."

The silence that followed was broken by a mixture of laughter, skeptical glances, and a spark of interest that swept through the group. Suddenly, the film no longer seemed so important.

Years of friendship and deep relationships