“Oh we’re in an open relationship.”

Jason’s heart thrummed in his chest as Dana and Isabell stared at him, their eyes wide with curiosity. He hadn’t planned on saying anything about Kelly, but the words tumbled out before he could stop them. “Yeah, uh, actually… we’re in an open relationship. Kelly’s pansexual. Came out during her last steroid cycle.” What the hell am I saying? he thought, but the ring on his finger glinted under the mall lights, and suddenly, it didn’t feel like a lie anymore.

Dana blinked, her full lips parting slightly. “Wait, really? I didn’t think Kelly was into that kind of thing.”

Isabell tilted her head, her blonde curls bouncing softly. “Steroids? What are you talking about?”

Jason shrugged, his hand instinctively smoothing over his chest. “Well, it’s complicated. But yeah, she’s been experimenting. And, uh…” He paused, then added with a grin, “I’ve been experimenting too. Got some lip injections and breast implants. What do you think?”

The girls exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting from confusion to something warmer, more intrigued. Dana stepped closer, her red hair catching the light like a fiery halo. She reached out, her fingers tracing the lines of Jason’s jaw. “You always were a looker, but damn… those lips? Hot.”

Isabell giggled, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. “And the implants? I mean, they’re… wow. You’re really pulling it off, Jason.”

Jason felt a strange mix of pride and unease settle in his chest. Was this how it always felt to be complimented like this? He glanced down at Isabell, noticing the way her fitted jeans clung to her hips, the soft curve of her waist accentuated by the snug fabric of her blouse. “Thanks,” he said, his voice dropping slightly. “But I can tell you’re not exactly indifferent either, Isabell. That little stir in your pants doesn’t lie.”

Her blush deepened, and she stammered, “W-what? No! I mean… I wasn’t…” But her words trailed off as she shifted uncomfortably, her thighs pressing together.

Dana laughed, loud and unfiltered. “Oh my god, Isabell. You’re totally busted.” She turned back to Jason, her gaze lingering on his chest. “So what’s Kelly up to now? Is she cool with all this?”

Jason nodded, his mind racing to keep up with the new reality the ring had created. “Yeah, she’s cool with it. In fact, she’s coming back from the sporting goods store right now. She’s picking up some… equipment for us to try out later.”

The girls exchanged another look, this one loaded with unspoken curiosity. Dana leaned in closer, her breath warm against his neck. “Equipment, huh? Sounds like you two are living your best lives.”

Isabell bit her lip, her blue eyes flickering with something Jason couldn’t quite place. “Maybe… maybe we should all hang out sometime. You know, catch up properly.”

Jason’s pulse quickened, but before he could respond, the sound of heels clicking sharply against the tile floor drew their attention. Kelly appeared around the corner, her tall frame clad in a sleek black jogger set—silky fabric that clung to her curves and shimmered faintly under the fluorescent lights. Her dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and a small duffel bag slung over her shoulder hinted at the contents of her shopping trip.

“Hey there,” Kelly said, her voice smooth and confident as she approached. Her gaze swept over the group, landing on Jason with a smirk. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Just catching up with old friends,” Jason replied, his tone light but his mind racing. What else is this ring going to make true? He glanced down at it again, the metal cool against his skin, and wondered if he was ready for whatever came next.

Kelly raised an eyebrow, setting the duffel bag down with a soft thud. “Old friends, huh? Well, don’t let me stop you.” But even as she spoke, Jason noticed the way her eyes lingered on Dana and Isabell, her expression calculating yet playful.

The tension in the air thickened, and Jason couldn’t help but brag.

“You know, Kelly’s not just into sports—she’s an IFBB pro,” he said, his voice tinged with pride. “Yeah, she’s been killing it on the bodybuilding circuit. Won her last competition by a landslide.”

The girls stared at him, their jaws practically hitting the floor. Dana’s eyes widened as she glanced back at Kelly’s towering, muscular frame. “No way. She’s an IFBB pro? That’s insane!”

Isabell’s cheeks flushed as she stammered, “I-I mean, I knew she was fit, but… wow. She’s like, on another level.”

Jason smirked, feeling a strange rush of satisfaction as he caught Kelly’s gaze. She was standing there, holding her duffel bag full of “equipment,” her toned arms flexing subtly as she shifted her weight. She really does look like a pro, he thought, the ring on his finger glinting under the mall lights.

Kelly raised an eyebrow, her expression teasing yet confident. “What can I say? I like to keep things interesting,” she purred, her voice dripping with charisma.

Dana let out a low whistle, her red hair cascading over her shoulder as she leaned closer to Jason. “You two are seriously living the dream, huh? A bodybuilding pro and an open relationship? Color me jealous.”

Isabell giggled nervously, her blue eyes darting between Jason and Kelly. “Yeah, no kidding. I’d kill for that kind of life.”

Jason felt the weight of the ring again, a subtle reminder of how quickly his words were reshaping reality. But for now, all he could do was smile and nod, wondering what kind of chaos—or opportunity—this new truth would