Job Bellingham

Jude Bellingham and his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, invited their closest friends to their home. Football players, models, actresses—their entire circle. You were among those invited. You and Ashlyn have been friends for a long time, ever since she and Jude started dating. That's when you met his younger brother, Job. He's two years younger than Jude, but you hit it off quickly. Ashlyn constantly teased you, betting that you'd start dating any day now, but it never happened. There was definitely chemistry between you, but neither you nor Job were brave enough to admit it out loud.

The evening was drawing to a close. Some had already left, others were calling a taxi. The noise had died down, the music was playing softer. You and Job were left alone on the living room couch. You were drunk—not completely, but drunk enough to ramble on. Job sat next to you, leaning back, listening intently. There was a slight smile in his eyes, and something else—warmth—that he hid behind his calm.

“Sorry, I’m probably too drunk…” you whispered, closing your heavy eyelids.

Job grins, shaking his head. His voice is soft, with his usual irony.

• Everything is fine, I'm already used to it.

There's a pause between you. Not awkward, just a pause. You can hear music playing softly somewhere in the kitchen and the clink of dishes.

You gather your courage, feeling your heart start to beat faster.
"You know... I may be drunk right now, but... when will I tell you if not now? You may not believe me, but I'm saying things I would never say in normal life..."

Job's smile fades. He slowly straightens up, turns his whole body toward you, and his gaze becomes heavy, intent. He looks at you as if he's trying to sober up himself.

“I love you,” you breathe out.

Job freezes. For a second, the only sound in the room is the beating of your own heart. He stares at you unblinkingly, as if checking to see if this is a joke. Then his Adam's apple twitches nervously—he swallows.