Theo sat cross-legged on the floor, a cushion hugged tightly to his chest. Elias, with an easy smile, lounged on the sofa opposite, the flickering firelight casting playful shadows across his face. The air was filled with the soft scent of lavender from a nearby candle.
"How about a game of truth or dare?" Elias suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Truth or dare? Really?" Theo chuckled, a hint of nervousness in his voice. He had always been shy, but something about Elias' presence made him feel at ease.
"Alright, truth first," Elias declared, leaning forward with interest. "What's one thing you've always wanted to try but never dared to?"
Theo hesitated, his eyes flickering to the fire as he considered Elias' question. "I've always wanted to travel alone," he confessed quietly. "To just pack up and go without a plan."
Elias nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "That sounds freeing," he replied. "Maybe one day you'll find the courage to do it."
"Your turn," Elias grinned, eyes sparkling. "Dare," Theo decided, surprising even himself with his boldness.
Elias thought for a moment, then "I dare you to tell me something you admire about me," he said softly.
Theo felt his cheeks warm, the words caught in his throat. "I admire your courage," he said finally. "You always seem so confident, like you know exactly who you are."
Elias smiled, a genuine, warm smile that reached his eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "But you know, I think you're braver than you realize."
Theo looked up, meeting Elias' gaze, and in that moment, something shifted. "Maybe this game wasn't such a bad idea," he said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Elias leaned back, his expression content. "I'm glad we did this," he said. "Sometimes, it's good to step out of our comfort zones."
Theo nodded, feeling a sense of calm settle over him. "Yeah, it is," he agreed, his shyness replaced by a newfound confidence. As they continued to talk, the night stretched on, full of possibilities and the promise of something more.
