As the credits rolled on the movie, I found myself still nestled comfortably against Martinus, the warmth of his body radiating against mine. The laughter from our earlier antics lingered in the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that felt safe and inviting. It was a moment I wished could stretch on indefinitely.
“Okay, what’s next?” Emma asked, stretching her arms above her head. “Another movie or maybe some games?”
“I vote for a game!” Marcus chimed in, his enthusiasm infectious.
“Yeah, let’s do something interactive!” Nora added, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
As the group began rummaging through the cabinet for board games, I turned slightly to Martinus. “What do you think? Game time?” I asked, trying to gauge his interest.
He shrugged, a playful smirk on his face. “Only if I get to team up with you again. I think we make a pretty good pair.”
A rush of warmth spread through me at his words. “Deal!” I replied, smiling back at him.
Soon enough, we were set up around the coffee table, the game of choice being a classic trivia challenge. Emma shuffled through the questions, and the atmosphere buzzed with playful competitiveness.
As we played, I could feel the tension and excitement in the air. Laughter erupted at our silly answers and the friendly jabs we threw at each other. It was the perfect blend of camaraderie and competition, and I relished every moment.
Halfway through the game, Emma read a particularly tricky question: “What was the first video game to be played in space?”
I could see the wheels turning in Marcus’s mind. “That’s got to be one of those old-school games. Pac-Man or something?” he guessed.
“Incorrect!” Emma replied dramatically. “The answer is ‘Tetris!’”
“Who even knew that?” Marcus huffed, and we all erupted in laughter.
As the game continued, I felt a sense of ease between Martinus and me. He would lean in closer whenever he needed to whisper something or strategize, and I couldn’t help but notice how natural it felt. My heart raced every time he brushed against me, a spark of electricity igniting with each small touch.
When it was finally our turn, Martinus and I had a chance to shine. “Okay, I’m going to give you a hint,” I said, preparing to read the question. “This one’s an easy one, so let’s impress everyone!”
Martinus leaned in, his face inches from mine, his breath warm against my cheek. “No pressure, right?” he whispered, his voice teasing.
I rolled my eyes playfully. “You’re so dramatic!”
I read the question: “Which planet is known as the Red Planet?”
Martinus shot me a confident look. “That’s easy—Mars!”
I clapped my hands in excitement. “Correct!” I exclaimed, feeling a rush of adrenaline at our success.
“See? I told you we were the dream team!” he laughed, high-fiving me.
As the night wore on, the game turned competitive. But amidst the playful rivalry, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the dynamic between Martinus and me had shifted. We were no longer just friends—there was an unspoken understanding that our relationship was deepening, and I couldn’t help but wonder where it would lead.
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After finishing the game, we decided to unwind with a few more snacks. I wandered into the kitchen to grab some chips and noticed Martinus following close behind.
