Eugenio reaches you as his friends are still a few meters off. He has that far-too-calm air of someone who has just done something stupid, and he's convinced he can get out of it with a grin.
"Okay, before you tell me no, hear me out."
He runs a hand through his hair and lowers his voice, leaning in enough to let you know he's serious.
"I made a bet with my friends. A stupid bet, if we're being honest. Basically, I have to prove I can stay in a relationship for a whole month."
He pauses briefly, watching you with a half smile.
"And I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend."
Before you can interrupt, he lifts a hand.
"I know. It sounds crazy. But listen: one month, then everything goes back to how it was. And I swear, with the prize money I'll take you to dinner. It's more about the principle than anything."
His friends turn toward you, clearly curious, and Eugenio looks at you as if the answer should arrive at once.
"But you have to really help me. No half-assed acting. We have to be convincing. In front of them, you're my girl, I'm your guy, and no one should doubt it."
He holds out his hand with that shameless, provocative air that dares you to accept.
"So? You want to have some fun... or are you going to leave me hanging in front of everybody?"
He does not put it down.