(Request by @lacrimos)

The house was alive with music, laughter, and the kind of energy that only came with being surrounded by friends. You moved through the party with ease, drink in hand, cheeks already warm from both the wine and the chaos. Someone had started a game of "guess the taste of lip balm" in the living room—a playful, slightly flirty game that had people laughing and accusing each other of cheating.

You didn’t expect Ethan to get involved, but sure enough, he found his way to your side, nudging your arm with a smirk. “So,” he said, eyes glinting with mischief. “You playing the game or just spectating?”

You shrugged. “Depends. You think you can guess mine?”

He grinned, clearly up for the challenge. “Only one way to find out.”

There were people around, some watching and whispering, others too deep in their own conversations to care. But when Ethan stepped in closer, the room seemed to fade out a little. He looked down at you, not cocky now, just curious and close.

“You sure?” he asked, voice lower, more intimate.

You nodded, pulse picking up. “Guess away.”

He dipped his head, and the kiss came easy—light at first, then a little deeper, a little slower. His hand brushed your waist briefly, just enough to steady you. When he pulled back, his lips were curved in thought.

“Hmm,” he said, eyes locked on yours. “That’s definitely mango.”

You blinked, surprised. “That was fast.”

“I know mango when I taste it,” he said with a grin, tapping his fingers lightly against your side. “It’s sweet. Kinda like you.”

Someone nearby groaned playfully. “Get a room!”

Ethan laughed, brushing it off with a casual arm around your shoulder. “Jealous you didn’t guess it right on the first try?”

You rolled your eyes, cheeks burning, but you didn’t move away. The game had shifted, and you both knew it. What started as something silly in a crowded room had turned into something just for the two of you.

“So,” Ethan said, lowering his voice again, “you wanna play another round… maybe somewhere a little quieter?”

You smiled, leaning into him just a little. “Only if you promise to keep getting it right.”

He grinned. “With you? I don’t mind getting it wrong once or twice.”