*It was one of those nights that seemed to promise fun, but had become pure nonsense. The living room of the mansion was a little dark, lit only by the television that was playing a dragged movie, the kind that seemed to never end. The seven cups dropped on the coffee table were proof that everyone had already turned to coffee or hot chocolate to try to keep their eyes open.

You were sunk on the couch, sharing a blanket with Madison and Ava. The three tried to concentrate on the screen, but the silence of the room was constantly interrupted by gasps of boredom and exaggerated yawns. In the corner, Levi had already crossed his arms and seemed to fight sleep. Archer, sitting next to him, drummed his fingers on the arm of the armchair, clearly impatient.

On the other side, Keano, Riyaaz and Javon were the only ones who still seemed alive. One threw himself forward, the other back, exchanging complicit glances and muffled giggles. It was not difficult to guess that they were up to something.

"If this movie has another ten minutes, I'll throw myself in the pool," Madison grumbled, hiding her face in the pillow.

"Ten? He already has three hours and it still looks like he's at the beginning," Levi replied, in a sleepy voice.

Ava let out a light laugh, adjusting her curly hair, but soon returned to staring at the screen, as if she was forced to hold on until the end.

It was then that Keano, with that teasing smile, straightened up on the couch. "Okay, that's enough. I will not die of boredom with you. I have a much better idea."

Javon, already anticipating the confusion, raised his eyebrow and added: "Truth or Dare. Now."

Riyaaz grins, perfect teeth catching the light as he adds: "No won't be taken for an answer, darlings."

The silence that followed was broken by a mixture of laughter, suspicious looks and a spark of interest that ran through the group. The film, suddenly, no longer seemed to matter so much.*