truth or dare - game on series #1

Stella

The moment the door to our dorm room clicks shut behind me, I let out a long sigh. I drop my bag on the floor, kicking off my shoes and collapsing onto my bed.

"Ugh, I can't believe I have to work with Cameron," I mutter into my pillow. "Of all the people in this school, I get paired with him."

Bree, who's already sprawled on her bed flipping through a fashion magazine, glances over at me. "What, you don't want to be partners with the golden boy?" she teases, raising an eyebrow. "I thought every girl on campus was dying to work with him."

I roll my eyes. "Yeah, because every girl on campus wants to be with a guy who doesn't even know their name. He couldn't care less about me."

Bree chuckles, clearly not taking me seriously. "Oh, please. He's extremely good looking. You can't deny that."

I let out a groan, burying my face in my pillow. "I know he's good looking. He knows he's good looking. He's probably heard it a hundred times today alone. It's just... I don't like how he carries himself. It's like he walks around expecting everyone to fall all over him."

Bree laughs again. "Well, he's the captain of the basketball team. I don't think it's exactly an unearned expectation. But hey, don't worry, it'll be fine. You'll survive."

I huff. "I just... I don't know. The whole thing just feels off. I didn't ask for this. And the last thing I need is some guy acting like he's doing me a favor by working with me."

Bree sits up, looking over at me with a concerned look. "Hey, come on. It's not like he's some kind of monster. You'll get through it. And you don't have to make this project more complicated than it is. It's just schoolwork. Besides, you've survived worse, right?"

I nod, even though I'm not sure if I've survived worse. I don't really like being forced to interact with people who aren't in my circle. Bree has always been the social one—always out at parties, always surrounded by a million people. I'm the one who prefers quiet spaces, long walks, and time spent alone, but somehow, we've been roommates since freshman year, and I guess we've made it work.

"At least he's hot," Bree says again, as if trying to change my mood with her constant optimism.

I roll my eyes. "That's not the point, Bree. The point is, I don't want to work with him. He's probably not even going to take this seriously. I bet he just plans to coast through this and still get an A."

"Maybe," she says, shrugging. "But listen, if he really is that annoying, just focus on the project and get it done. Don't let him get to you. If you have to, just do all the work yourself and let him think you're doing him a favor."

I laugh softly, the tension in my shoulders loosening slightly. Bree has a way of making things feel more manageable, even if I still have a hard time letting go of my frustration.

We fall into a comfortable silence for a few minutes. Bree is already back to flicking through her magazine, likely planning her next outfit for whatever party she's thinking of going to this weekend. She always has plans, always has things to do.

Then, out of nowhere, Bree jumps up, looking way too excited for someone who's just had a casual conversation about a school project. "So," she says, her eyes sparkling. "Party tomorrow night. You in?"

I immediately tense up. "No way," I say, shaking my head. "I don't do parties, Bree. You know that."

Bree's grin widens. "Oh, come on! It's just a party. You could use a little fun. You've been so stressed lately with all the work, and trust me, it'll be a good way to let off some steam."

I let out a deep sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I really don't think I'm cut out for that. Crowds. Noise. Drunk people. I'd rather not spend the night feeling like I want to crawl into a corner and disappear."

She rolls her eyes. "Okay, okay, I get it. It's not exactly your scene. But what if it's just to get away from everything? You know, forget about the stupid project with Cameron and all the noise at school. We could have fun for once. Talk about the guys at the party, gossip, and just be us for a night."

I open my mouth to argue, but she cuts me off.

"I know, I know. You're not a party person. You're introverted, you like your peace and quiet. But come on, Stella, it's one night. And you've got me by your side. We'll stick together, and we'll avoid anyone who annoys us, like, say... Cameron and his friends?"

I hesitate. "That's gonna be hard. I'm sure they'll be there."

Bree grins mischievously. "Exactly! We'll just make it our mission to stay as far away from them as possible. We'll talk about them all night long, laugh at their stupid jokes, and gossip about how they think they own the place. And we won't even have to look at them."

I bite my lip, unsure. "I don't know, Bree..."

She leans forward, giving me her best puppy-dog eyes. "Please? You need this. We both need it. A little fun never hurt anyone. It'll be good for you to let loose. You're always so stressed out. One night. Just one."

I can feel myself wavering, the arguments I've built up in my head slowly fading. Bree is right about one thing: it might be good to have a little break. And honestly, I don't have to stay for the whole night. I can always leave if it gets too overwhelming.

"Fine," I finally say, rolling my eyes. "But I'm not staying long. Just an hour or two. And no dragging me into the middle of the dance floor."

Bree jumps up, squealing in excitement. "Yes! Okay, I'm going to pick out your outfit right now. You'll look amazing! We're going to have so much fun, you won't even remember why you were stressed!"

I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm, even though I'm still a little apprehensive about the whole thing. But I know Bree. Once she gets something in her head, there's no stopping her. I just hope I can survive the chaos without completely losing my mind.

As she rummages through her closet, tossing dresses and skirts onto the bed, I can't help but think that, maybe—just maybe—Bree's right. It might not be so bad to let go for one night.

And if nothing else, I'll have her there to distract me.