It was well past midnight, the soft glow of Victor's bedroom lighting casting a warm, cozy ambiance over the room. Mr. Henry had long since retired to bed, but Milo and Victor were still sitting together, laughing and sipping their drinks as they delved into deeper, unguarded conversations. The atmosphere was relaxed and easy, the walls Victor usually kept around himself beginning to feel like they were finally coming down.
In a playful moment, Milo suggested, "How about we play truth or dare?"
Victor chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Truth or dare? Haven't played that in years," he said with a smirk, but there was something charming about Milo's enthusiasm. Finally, after a mock sigh, he gave in. "Alright, let's play."
"Okay," Milo grinned, settling in. "Truth or dare?"
Victor thought for a moment, then answered, "Truth."
Milo's eyes twinkled as he thought of a question. "What do you want to achieve in the future?"
Victor paused, taking a moment to think. It wasn't a question he'd allowed himself to dwell on much recently, but he knew Milo genuinely wanted to know. "I want to build something that lasts, something that's more than just profit. I want people to see my work and feel like it matters." He glanced over at Milo. "And you?"
Milo's smile softened. "I want people to feel peace when they see my art, like it speaks to them. I want to create something meaningful, something that touches their hearts."
Victor nodded, feeling a new depth in Milo's answer. The room was filled with a comfortable silence as they processed each other's dreams and ambitions. Then Milo grinned again.
"My turn. Truth or dare?"
"Truth again," Victor said, still smiling.
"Alright," Milo leaned in, curious. "Who was your first love?"
Victor smirked, leaning back. "I wouldn't call it love. More like a short-lived infatuation. It didn't last long—maybe a few weeks."
They both laughed at the memory, Victor feeling surprisingly relaxed with Milo.
The game continued, and after a few more rounds, Victor asked Milo, "Truth or dare?"
"Truth," Milo said, chuckling softly.
Victor leaned forward, his gaze serious but with a hint of playfulness. "What kind of partner do you want?"
Milo chuckled, a gentle blush dusting his cheeks. "Someone with personality like… well, yours. Cold and tough with everyone else but warm and real just for me."
He looked over at Victor, smiling, but his laughter faded as he noticed Victor's intense gaze.
***