Episode 3

Falling for Jason is off-limits.

"Wha-what?!" Jason exclaimed, thinking that Bill had found out and was mocking him.

"Falling in love is forbidden, that's the final rule," Bill reiterated, grinning.

"Ah, okay." Nervously, Jason nodded repeatedly as if his head might snap off. Bill couldn't help but watch, struggling to suppress a laugh.

He's really endearing... But damn it - Bill thought, shaking his head to dispel the ludicrous thought and refocusing on his friends.

"That rule is ridiculous; how could one fall in love in 30 days, especially with a friend? It's improbable." Nara pointed assertively with her index finger as if issuing a command.

"Exactly, thirty days is enough to have fun, but not enough to get hurt," Daniel confirmed with conviction.

"Guys, I'm sorry, but I'm out. If I do this, my girlfriend will kill me," Cameron clarified.

"You're forgiven, babe!" Nara exclaimed, planting a kiss on Cameron's cheek, who gently pushed her away, caressing her head like a little puppy.

Everyone scrawled their names, joining four additional guys who had heard about the game.

Jack and Nara were the first pair. The redhead launched herself into the blond's arms, sealing it with a fierce kiss before settling to sleep on his shoulder while he simply laughed, stroking his temporary girlfriend's back.

The next couple shrugged off being the game's first same-sex pairing.

"Third..." Daniel drummed on the floor.

"Me! Who will have the pleasure of enjoying this hot body for thirty days?" Daniel playfully boasted, eyeing a stunning blond newly in the game.

"Quit the nonsense and read the damn name already," Maggie complained with crossed arms.

"Shhh." Daniel gestured for silence, finger to lips... "My partner is… No, damn it," he tossed the paper to the center. The laughter ensued nonstop, and Magali covered her face upon realizing her unexpected luck.

Only four remained in the game: Jason, Bill, a freshman who'd crashed the party, and Eva, a cheerleader and Magali's friend.

Bill's gaze lingered on Eva, having tasted that forbidden fruit he knew how fun thirty intense days could be.

"Bill and Jason!" Daniel announced, causing Bill to choke on his beer. Coughing and shaking his head, he rose unsteadily, "No, no, no, don't even dream about it," biting his inner cheek nervously.

Jason just stared at the floor, humiliated to be rejected so publicly, even as part of a game.

"It's okay," Jason stood up with a forced smile, heading to the bathroom, just wanting to escape the awkwardness. It was then that Bill realized what an utter fool he'd been but also understood that Jason, like him, would feel uncomfortable with this pairing.

Uncomfortable, right? He thought.

"You're an idiot!" Magali shouted. "It's just a game; my cousin isn't contagious, he's just a guy."

"I didn't mean to, Magy, I'm sorry."

While friends scrutinized Bill, Jason on the first floor washed his face with cold water, scolding himself for fleeing like a jilted maiden. He was always sociable, hardworking, self-assured, but everything crumbled near Bill. Maybe that was why he always avoided eye contact or conversation with him.

Emerging from the restroom, Jason bumped into a classmate.

"Hey Jason, how are you?"

"Good, Sam, and you?"

"Just looking for my boyfriend; seen him?"

"No, sorry."

"You still working at the grocery store?"

"No, I'm at a 24-hour shop now."

"How's your mom?"

"Getting better."

"My mom said they talked about an experimental drug; hope you can get it. I know it's expensive."

"Yeah, but I'm halfway there."

"You've saved $10,000?"

"Not easy, but it'll be better when I'm 18, with better jobs."

"I'm sure you will. Now I’ve to find Thomas, likely puking somewhere."

"Yeah, haha." Jason waited a moment, mustered courage, and rejoined the party, ignoring the laughter and drinks, thinking he may need to revert to his old plan to save the remaining money.

"Jason, what took you?" Daniel invited him back.

Jason noticed Bill's attentive gaze and averted his eyes, finding it awkward.

"Just bumped into a classmate." He smiled, returning to the circle.

"Shall we continue?" Daniel asked.

The group agreed, and Daniel began listing off the pairs, including Jason and Bill again.

"Sorry," Jason stammered, the crowd turning to him and Bill intently.

"I... well..." Words choked in Jason’s throat under the intensity of green eyes staring at him.

"We're paired up," Bill stated directly at Jason.

Jason's eyes widened in astonishment. But you...

"I know, but it's just a game. Don't take it seriously, and neither will I," Bill shrugged, offering a smile. As Bill spoke, Jason struggled to breathe, unsure what had changed in his absence.

"Now that that's settled, how will we know which couple is best if we all last the thirty days?" Jack asked, awaiting the mastermind's response.

"Good question, buddy," Daniel chuckled.

"It's simple; the gossip site for our school will just start with rumors about these couples," he pointed out, "and the most talked-about couple after thirty days wins."

"Cool, I like it," Jack said, holding the still sleeping redhead close.

"Let the game begin."

Daniel raised his glass, and everyone followed suit, including a shaken Jason, contemplating spending thirty days as Bill Brennan's boyfriend.

"You're not driving, no way, hand over those keys," Jack snatched the car keys from Nara.

"Ooh, love you, baby," Nara slurred, clinging to Jack's neck.

As guests departed, Jason hugged Magaly and bid farewell to everyone, Bill's gaze fixed on him.

He grabbed his coat and walked home since it was late and taxis were scarce. He'd lied about a taxi pickup to save every penny. A few blocks in, a Dodge Tomahawk - 536 km/h motorcycle stopped beside him.

Jason, surprised, didn't recognize the rider until he removed his black helmet and scanned him curiously.

"Need a ride?" Bill smirked.

"Bill," Jason gulped.

"Hop on, I'll take you," Bill gestured with his head.

"No worries, it's close by." For the first time, Jason felt timid.

"Come on, you're my boyfriend, can't leave you stranded," Bill teased, watching Jason nibble his lip and look around nervously.

"Don't worry—I..." Jason tried to refuse.

"Get on, now." Bill's deep voice was sexy yet intimidating, and without further argument, Jason climbed aboard.

Grasping for a hold, Jason's insecurity became apparent, Bill shook his head and guided Jason's hands around his waist.

"Hold on tight, sweetheart."

"Sweetheart?" Jason queried, but before he could respond, Bill's acceleration forced him to cling tightly to Bill's frame, feeling the heat from his body.

Jason reveled in the scent of cologne mixed with alcohol, not generally appealing, but it was Bill's scent - the boy he'd liked since the first year, his cousin's friend, someone he shared only a few moments with due to different classes and his foolishness.

Feeling Jason's head rest onto his shoulder, Bill enjoyed the closeness, contrary to thinking he was disliked. Jason often avoided him, gave short replies, and left quickly or simply ignored him. However, tonight, his cousin was sleeping on his back, and it felt warm and comforting.

Once home, Bill watched Jason in the mirror, captivated by his fair skin, until a dog barked, awakening him.

"We're here." Bill cleared his throat and looked away, feeling out of sorts.

"Thanks." Jason dismounted and strode toward the entrance until Bill's voice halted him.

"Monday."

"Eh?" Jason turned, puzzled.

"You're my boyfriend, right? I'll pick you up Monday." With that, Bill vanished into the night.

"Boyfriend," Jason whispered, closing his eyes tightly, fists clenched in silent celebration.

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