The 19th Theory

Chapter Nine

Richard started by saying the rules. "So, the game goes like this: Two thruth and a dare and if you can't do your dare you take a shot."

Everyone gathered around, their attention fully on Richard as he shuffled a deck of cards, making the game feel more dramatic than it needed to be. I sat close to Azriel, my heart racing a little bit faster than usual. I wasn't sure if it was the game, the dim lighting, or the way Azriel's knee brushed against mine.

"Who's going first?" Richard asked with a grin, his eyes darting around the circle.

"I'll go first," a girl named Megan said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. She seemed confident, already looking like she had something mischievous in mind.

Richard nodded, handing her a card. "Alright, Megan, two truths and a dare." he paused before continuing, "First truth," he began, "Have you ever cheated on someone?"

Megan's smile flattered for a second, but she recovered quickly. "No, never."

Richard raised an eyebrow intrigued. "Second truth: Have you ever had feelings for anyone in this room?"

Megan's eyes flickered for a moment, scanning the circle before she smirked. "Maybe......but that's for me to know."

Everyone chuckled, and Richard leaned forward making his British accent so thick, clearly enjoying the tension. "Alright, Megan. Now for the dare."

He paused dramatically before saying, I dare you to.....text your ex and tell him you miss him."

The room erupted with laughter, and Megan's jaw dropped. "What? No way! She exclaimed.

Richard shrugged, holding the bottle. "Take the shot if you can't handle it."

"I rather take the shot than say that shit!" Megan said, reaching for the bottle. Richard poured a generous amount into a shot glass and handed it to her.

Megan downed it in one go, grimacing as the alcohol burned its way down. She slammed the glass on the floor, wiping her mouth with the back of her hands. "Done. Your dare was weak anyway," she teased, sticking her tongue out at Richard.

Richard chuckled, clearly amused. "Alright, alright. Who's next?"

"AZ," Richard said suddenly, locking his eyes with him. "You are up."

Azriel smirked looking unfazed, and leaned back into his seat. "Hit me," he said casually.

Richard grinned, his eyes lighting up with mischief as he turned his full attention to Azriel. "Alright, AZ, first truth: what's the dirtiest secret you've never told anyone."

Azriel expression did not falter. He leaned forward, resting his elbow on my knees, looking completely calm.

"One time, I hooked up with a girl in my band's rehearsal space. Right before the gig. No one knew, and we still played the show like nothing had happened."

Everyone laughed in the room, Richard seemed satisfied with the answer but wasn't done yet.

"Alright, second truth," Richard continued, his voice full of intrigue. "Have you ever had a one-night stand and regretted it?"

Azriel's smirk turned into a sly grin, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned back in his seat. "Regret it?" he said, his voice low and almost teasing. "Nah. If it's a one-night stand, it's not about regret, is it? It's about enjoying the moment and moving on." His gaze flicked toward Richard, almost daring him to come up with something tougher. "No strings, no regrets."

Richard's grin widened, clearly enjoying the game even more now. "Alright, alright," he said, waving his hands as if accepting Azriel's challenge. "Let's see if you can handle this dare then."