the twist

Later that night, the house was quiet except for the low hum of the fridge and the faint sounds of a movie playing in Emka's room. Popcorn sat abandoned on the bed as the on-screen drama failed to hold their attention.

"Seriously though," Benji said, turning to face Emka on the massive bed. "That Joris guy is such a tool. You should've just decked him."

"And proven him right? No thanks," Emka said, his eyes fixed on Benji. The low light from the TV casts shadows across his friend's face, highlighting the determined set of his jaw.

"I guess," Benji mumbled, his energy finally starting to wane. He shifted closer, the space between them shrinking until their knees touched. An electric current, more potent than any of Benji's energy drinks, seemed to crackle in the air. The sounds of the movie faded into white noise.

Things escalated. Slowly at first, then all at once. A hand on a cheek, a sharp intake of breath, and then their lips were meeting in a clumsy, urgent kiss. It was new territory, a problem Emka hadn't calculated, but for once, he didn't want to think. He just wanted to feel. The kiss deepened, a silent, heated conversation that left them both breathless.

Eventually, the adrenaline faded, replaced by a comfortable, heavy-limbed exhaustion. They fell asleep tangled in the sheets, Emka's arm slung protectively over Benji, spooning him close.

The next morning, the bedroom door creaked open. Emka's mom and Benji's mom peeked in, coffee mugs in hand, ready to wake the boys. They stopped short, taking in the scene—the two of them, lost to the world, wrapped around each other. The women exchanged a knowing, silent glance. A soft smile touched Emka's mom's lips. Without a word, they quietly backed out, leaving the boys to sleep in the morning light.

A gentle knock on the door, followed by the soft click of it opening, filtered through the haze of sleep. "Boys? Time to get up."

Emka's eyes fluttered open. The morning sun streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. He was still wrapped around Benji, whose rhythmic breathing was a warm, steady presence against his chest. He felt a weird, protective surge, something his genius brain couldn't immediately categorize.

Benji stirred, blinking owlishly. "Wha...?" He looked from Emka to their moms, who were standing in the doorway, matching smiles on their faces. A blush crept up his neck.

"Rise and shine, you two," Benji's mom chirped, her eyes twinkling. "We have a surprise for you. The school announced a last-minute field trip to the coast for the seniors. We're driving you."

Benji shot up, suddenly wide awake. "The coast? No way! Road trip!"

Emka, however, sat up slowly, a calculated plan already forming. He put a hand to his head and let out a soft groan. "Ugh, guys... I don't feel so good. My head is pounding." He made sure to look pale and miserable, a feat of acting he'd perfected for just such occasions.

His mom was instantly at his side, her hand cool on his forehead. "You don't feel warm, but you do look a bit off. Maybe you should stay home and rest."

"Yeah, bro, you look like crap," Benji said, his excitement momentarily replaced by concern. "You sure you're okay?"

"I'll be fine," Emka mumbled. "Just need to sleep it off. You guys go, have fun."

After a flurry of concerned instructions from their moms and a promise from Benji to bring him back some souvenirs, the trio finally left. Emka watched from the window as the Bentley pulled out of the long driveway and disappeared down the road. The second it was out of sight, his posture straightened, the feigned illness vanishing completely. The house was his.

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