Endurance

"Simon says: support yourselves on your hands and feet and keep your butts in the air," Tom commanded, his voice steady and authoritative.

You shifted into position, your hands planted firmly on the ground behind you, feet set apart. The strain on your arms and legs was immediate, the awkward pose forcing you to engage muscles you rarely used this way.

Matt grunted beside you, already showing signs of strain. "This is going to be tough," he muttered, his face contorted with effort.

Sarah, her expression determined, glanced around the circle. "I bet Tom's hoping Miranda will be the first to drop," she whispered, a hint of defiance in her voice.

Nicole, sweating slightly, gave a wry smile. "Tom probably thinks we girls aren't strong enough to last," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "We'll show him."

Miranda, her brow furrowed in concentration, shook her head slightly. "I think Matt might give out first," she whispered back, casting a sympathetic glance his way. "He's already struggling."

Matt overheard and shot her a quick, strained grin. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Miranda," he said, trying to keep the mood light despite the growing discomfort.

You glanced around, assessing everyone's posture. You knew that all three girls were more athletic than you. On the other hand, you saw Miranda and Nicole struggling to maintain their position so that their leg dresses didn't ride up and give Tom a good view. "Honestly, I think it could be any of us," you said quietly. "This position is brutal."

Tom's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched you all. "Let's see who has the endurance," he called out, his tone almost gleeful.

Your muscles began to burn, a deep ache spreading through your arms and legs. The strain was becoming unbearable, but the thought that crossed your mind offered a sliver of relief: "There's not much left to reveal anyway."

With a resigned sigh, you let your hips drop to the floor, the tension in your body releasing in an instant. A wave of relief washed over you as you shook out your tired limbs.

Seeing you give in seemed to break the spell for everyone else. One by one, they followed your lead, lowering themselves to the ground with palpable relief. Matt collapsed next, groaning as he stretched out his arms. Nicole and Sarah let out small sighs of relief as they dropped down, their faces flushed from the effort. Even Miranda, who had held out longer than you expected, finally let her body rest, her cheeks pink with exertion.

"Well, that was brutal," Sarah said, rubbing her arms. "Who knew holding that position would be so tough?"

Nicole nodded in agreement, still catching her breath. "At least it's over now."

“Simon never said you could come down,” Tom remarked snippily, his voice cutting through the relief like a knife.

A collective groan echoed around the room. "You've got to be kidding me," Matt grumbled.

Nicole shot Tom a glare, her eyes narrowing. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

Tom just smirked, leaning back comfortably. "Rules are rules," he said with a shrug.

Sarah let out a frustrated sigh. "I swear, if I ever get to be Simon, you're all going to pay for this," she muttered, her tone half-joking but with a clear edge of irritation.