Episode 1

Jason Collins stood before the mirror, scrutinizing his attire for the tenth time that evening. He was set to attend his cousin Magaly's birthday party. Dressed in a fitted black tee, green distressed jeans, and a pair of unassuming sneakers, he didn't have the physique of an athletic boy, but his good genes were undeniable. With striking blue eyes, wavy black hair, lips of a soft pale pink slightly plump, and a cute, upturned nose that was the envy of every girl—except for his cousin, who enjoyed the same advantage.

Jason worried only about mingling with his cousin’s attractive friends. Magy was the cheerleading captain—charming, smart, but most notably, one of the high school's main attractions, with a circle of friends best described as otherworldly in their perfection, like celestial beings crafted by God for everyone’s pleasure. Jason wasn't far behind, but self-care wasn't a priority, and tonight he aimed to be the center of attention, too.

"Oh, my sweet baby, you look beautiful," his mother's voice sounded.

Jason turned to see his mother's pale and ailing face. He rolled his eyes and walked towards her.

"Mom, what are you doing up?" he said, flashing his radiant smile and gently guiding her back to her room.

"Honey, I'm fine. There wasn't any pain today, and I wanted to see my son get ready for a party after such a long time. Be a normal teenager." She smiled, caressing her son's soft face.

A mere year ago, an unusual illness had stricken his mother, affecting a small but significant population, potentially fatal if left untreated. From then on, Jason juggled studying and working to forward the medical expenses, as his mother had taken leave from her role as a sales manager.

A new drug discovery promised a cure but at a steep cost. Even one dose would relieve her pain and temporarily halt the disease. The 17-year-old did anything possible to save up, landscaping on weekends in a residential neighborhood, and manning a convenience store by night. Tonight, he'd secured time off work after Magy threatened to emasculate him should he not show up. The spoiled girl was actually conspiring with her aunt; they both wished for Jason to enjoy a normal life, at least for one night.

"Ma, you sure about staying alone tonight?" The concern in Jason's eyes was apparent, even as a smile played across his lips.

"Of course, and I won't be alone. Elisa will come over after her shift. Go and have fun," she said, stroking her son's cheek and planting a sweet kiss on it.

"Alright, just call if you need anything, okay?"

"Just go have fun; I'll be okay. Be wild for a change." She laughed and tousled Jason's hair.

"What kind of mother encourages her son to stay out late?" Jason chuckled, and the sound was like a salve to his mother's spirits; her son’s laughter was a blessing.

"Well, at your age, I loved going out. That's how I met your father, a handsome blue-eyed boy just like you."

"Do you miss Dad?" Jason asked as he sat beside her.

"Terribly, but he left you with me, and that's kept me strong. Now, less talking, off you go," she urged, nudging him to rise.

Jason's father had passed when he was only four, leaving him with faint memories. Ever since, it had been him and his mother against the world.

"I love you, see you later."

Jason hailed a taxi, shedding his worries, and set out to enjoy himself. He pulled out his phone and texted his best friend Frank.

"How's it going, strawberry?"

"F*ck off, I've told you a thousand times not to call me that."

Jason delighted in teasing Frank, especially since learning his friend had contracted chickenpox while looking after his younger sister at a kid's birthday party. The memory of Frank wanting to scratch at the nearly red spots always triggered laughter.

"Come on, don't be such a sourpuss. You looked adorable all red and dotted."

"Yeah, keep laughing, Jason. By the way, you heading to my goddess's birthday bash?"

"Yeah, my manhood was on the line; I couldn't skip it."

"Ha, true. Magy would've not only snipped them off but also probably put them in a jar to parade around school."

"Ha, for sure."

Jason watched the streaming lights outside his taxi window, relishing a moment of leisure he hadn't felt in ages. His phone vibrated with a new message, and his blue eyes gleamed brighter against the screen’s glow.

"Just have a blast, dummy. Quite jealous, to be honest, but I won't present my still-mottled face at the party."

"You're gorgeous, Frank."

"Nothing more thrilling than a friend that steams up your ear—or something like that."

"Go to hell," Jason laughed, shaking his head.

"Right, have fun, hook up, and forget all about it by morning. That's the best way."

"That's how you roll, not me. See you Monday, strawberry."

"Go to hell, Jason."

Laughter off, Jason switched off his phone and leaned back to witness the night vista unfold.

Forty minutes later, he arrived at a house so lively it seemed close to bursting. Classmates and unfamiliar faces alike streamed in and out, drinks in hand, to the pulse of electronic dance music.

"There you are, princess!" Magaly exclaimed, rushing over with a large red cup filled with a presumably potent alcoholic cocktail.

"Happy birthday, Magy," Jason replied, embracing her tightly with a kiss on her flushed cheek—an obvious sign of early festivities.

"I just want to let you know I'll get you a gift soon. Hope you forgive me," Jason said, sheepishly.

"Hey!" Magy smacked his arm with such force he had to rub the sore spot. "Don't be silly. The best present is you being here. Love you." Wrapping her arms around his neck again, she swayed to the music's beat.

"Now, let's drink up!" she yelled, dragging her cousin off to the kitchen.

An hour passed and Jason felt disconnected, watching the revelry around him yet preoccupied with thoughts of his mother.

"Drink up. Magy sent this over, said to fix your mood," Jack handed him a mysterious concoction, fixing him with a stare. Magy had commanded this easy-going playboy to ensure Jason didn't leave sober.

"Come on, Jason, let's dance!" Jack, part spilling his drink, tugged Jason into the crowd.

"Hello, baby, finally joining us?" Nara shouted, draping herself over Jason as her ample bosom pressed against him, his cheeks reddening without warning.

"Oh, you're so cute when you blush," she purred, inching her face closer.

Dizzied, Jason wasn't yet accustomed to Nara’s unrestrained nature; she kissed or hit as she pleased, proclaiming life was about seizing every sensation, as no two felt the same.

"Let him go!" The rich, deep voice behind Jason sent a shiver down his spine—it was that unmistakable voice, belonging to the boy haunting his dreams.

Yes, Jason was gay, a secret only Magaly and Frank were privy to, including his hidden yearning for the brunette behind him.

"Bill Brennan! Must you always spoil my fun?" Nara released Jason, but not without planting a kiss on his cheek before retreating.

Bill brushed past, offering Jason a half-smile which he returned with an unblinking gaze; the world around him ceased to exist.

Nearby, his crush danced with two stunning girls, their bodies winding against his as his large hands rested on the defined hips of a blonde grinding against his lap—a sight even a gay man couldn’t ignore, evident in how Bill was captivated by the feline beauty.

"Stop drooling," Magaly whispered in his ear, jolting Jason. Her playful face and wild curls matched the mischief in her voice.

"I-I wasn't..." Jason stammered, wiping his mouth, realizing it was dry.

"Got you, pervert!" Magaly laughed, seizing her cousin's hand, leading him towards her friends.

"Damn it," Jason muttered as he was pulled along.

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