Laura groaned, grabbing her glass. "Oh, come on. I thought we were being innocent here. Why ask this?"
Ethilia looked at her and giggled softly. Seeing Ethilia looking at Laura, Char nudged me sharply. I turned to her only to see her signaling me to drink.
I glared at her silliness, but she just mouthed, Trust me.
I raised a brow, but she pinched my arm and whispered, "Drink. Just do it." With a reluctant sigh, I picked up the glass.
The moment I did, I felt Ethilia's stare. Her lips parted in shock, and then her jaw tightened as she looked away, eyes fixed anywhere but on me.
Laura picked up a folded paper from the floor and handed it to Char. "See what's in my fate."
Char unfolded it, her eyes widening before she gasped. "Wow…" She covered her mouth, barely hiding a laugh. I leaned in to peek, and my eyes went wide too.
I shook my head, "Oh, hell no. I'm not doing that."
Char smirked, tilting her head toward Ethilia. "See, Ethilia? Didn't we say everyone must do it?"
Ethilia nodded slowly and looked at Laura. "Do it."
I frowned at her before grabbing the paper and thrusting it toward her. "Read it first."
She took it with a puzzled look, but her eyes widened when she read it. "Sit on someone's lap you like… for five minutes?"
She blinked at Laura, who was already grinning wickedly. Then, before I could even react, Laura moved closer and sat right on my lap.
My breath hitched, and all I could do was sit there, aware of every inch of space between us… and how Ethilia's silence suddenly felt louder than her any word.
I swallowed hard, but not a single nerve in my body allowed me to look at Ethilia. Still, I could feel her glare burning holes into the side of my face.
Char shifted beside me, and finally, what felt like the longest five minutes of my life passed.
I let out a shaky breath of relief. Laura chuckled before walking back to her spot. Now, it was just me and Ethilia left in the game.
"Come on, sit facing each other," Char said, refilling our glasses before settling down again.
I licked my lips and slowly turned toward Ethilia. She was staring straight at me with her eyes narrowed and jaw clenched tight. She wasn't just looking at me, but she was staring straight into my soul through my eyes.
Honestly, it felt like the Grim Reaper had arrived to collect my soul. Still, I managed a nervous smile and placed my trembling hands on my lap, trying to steady them.
"You start," I stuttered and cleared my throat.
Ethilia's lips curved into a smirk before she composed herself and took a slow breath. "Never have I ever sent a flirty text to the wrong person."
I couldn't help but chuckle, grabbing one of the small glasses, I gulped down the soda. She raised a brow and leaned forward, resting her elbow on her knee and her chin on her palm. "I want the story."
I blinked at her sudden boldness, but finally sighed. "So… I was drunk and was supposed to text Char to meet me after my shoot. But I ended up sending it to the makeup girl instead."
"Hey, hey, hey!" Laura almost jumped, and I could see how her eyes lit up. "I know her! She was blushing like she just got laid!" She burst into laughter, joined by Char, while I rolled my eyes.
Ethilia's jaw tightened as she glared at me. "Really?"
I swallowed hard, giving her a nervous grin. "It was just a mistake, I swear."
She hummed softly, but she was clearly unconvinced. I tried to relax and asked, "Never have I ever thought about someone while being with someone else."
I only asked to test my luck. What if she had loved me back then, but rejected me because I was an idiot when we were in school? A girl can dream, right?
Ethilia fidgeted with her fingers before silently picking up a glass. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding, a small smile tugging at my lips. Char and Laura exchanged knowing looks and smirked.
"Ohh," they both said in unison, but wisely didn't dig further.
Ethilia bit her lip, thinking for a moment before saying, "Never have I ever…"
The game continued, laughter and teasing mixing with glances and hidden tension. By the end, I somehow ended up winning, and Ethilia had to pick a paper from the pile on the floor.
Char snatched it from her hand before she could even open it. I frowned at her rudeness, but Ethilia just chuckled, leaning back against the couch.
Char's grin widened as she read it aloud, "Kiss the person sitting across from you." She smirked as her eyes darted to Ethilia. Ethilia froze, and a faint blush crept up her neck.
I raised a brow, noticing her discomfort right away. The way she bit her lip and lowered her gaze said it all. But my focus broke as Laura let out a dramatic sigh.
Why didn't I get that one?" She leaned her head on Char's shoulder and smirked at me.
I rolled my eyes and downed the last of my soda before standing up. "Okay, I'm done. I'm going to bed."
Char frowned, reaching out to stop me, but I shot her a warning glare before walking off. I didn't want to add to Ethilia's discomfort. Char and Laura had already pushed her far enough.
As I left, I heard Laura's voice behind me. "I'll follow Liana. You help Char clean up."
I entered my room and walked straight to the balcony. Leaning against the railing, I stared out into the quiet night. I won't lie, I was actually waiting for Laura.
I needed to know what she and Char were up to. Why were they making me drink even when I hadn't done those things? Why did it feel like they were testing me?
And above all, what had she been talking to Ethilia about? Why did Ethilia look so lost after their conversation? My head was full of questions, and there was only one person who could answer them... Laura.
After a few minutes, Laura stepped in, that teasing smirk still playing on her lips. She joined me by the railing and said casually, "I know what you're about to ask."
I raised a brow and glanced at her before looking up at the sky. "What's it then?"
Laura chuckled and stepped a little closer before resting her head on my shoulder. I stiffened, caught off guard, but didn't pull away. Instead, I slowly closed my eyes, feeling the quiet weight of her against me.
"I told her," she said softly, "that if she doesn't want you… then she can tell me. I'll make you mine."
My breath caught in my throat. The audacity of her to say that so casually and boldly right in front of me. I let out a low chuckle and turned to look at her. "You're too daring."
Laura smiled faintly and looked up at me before stepping back. "Why wouldn't I be? I've already bet my heart in this game." Her voice trembled near the end, and before I could reply, she turned and walked away.
I stood there frozen, staring at her retreating figure. What did she even mean by that? Maybe… maybe I already knew. But I wasn't ready to face it. Not yet.
With a heavy sigh, I ran a hand through my hair. "What am I even doing with my life?" I muttered under my breath. But paused my action when I heard a soft voice break the silence behind me.
"Liana?" It was Ethilia's voice. I turned slightly, recognizing that voice instantly.
Taking a deep breath, I forced a small smile and looked over my shoulder. "Umm…" I turned fully and walked back inside, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "What are you doing here?"
She hesitated at the doorway, biting her lip before finally meeting my gaze. Her silence confused me, but before I could ask, she took a step closer.
Her trembling hand lifted slowly and brushed against my cheek. "I want… to fulfill the dare," she whispered.
My breath hitched as she leaned closer. But I could feel her shaking in her voice, her hand, and even her breath. She was nervous or maybe even scared.
I leaned back slightly and whispered, "You don't have to. Not just to fulfill the dare."
But the words came out softer than I meant them to. Her closeness had already stolen half my composure.