truth or dare - game on series #1

Cameron

I get back to the house feeling lighter than I have in a while. The night with Stella keeps replaying in my mind, like a scene I want to play on repeat. There's something about her—something that makes me want to figure her out, to spend more time with her. It wasn't just the way she looked in my sweatshirt, or how she laughed when we were on the trampoline; it's the way she made me feel like I could forget about everything else for a while.

I walk into the living room, where Drew, Luke, and Liam are sprawled on the couch, watching a basketball game. They barely acknowledge me as I sit down.

"You want a beer?" Drew asks, holding up a bottle.

I shake my head. "Nah, I'm good." I've never been the type to drink a lot, especially before practice or a game. It's just not worth it.

They all exchange glances, then look back at me with raised eyebrows.

"So, what happened?" Luke asks, his tone curious. "We thought you and Stella were gonna study for the project but you two disappear."

"Yeah, we went out to eat," I say, shrugging like it's no big deal. It's only half the truth, but I'm not ready to share everything. Not yet.

Drew grins, nudging me with his elbow. "So, no kiss yet?"

I smirk, knowing exactly what they're implying.  "No," I say simply, even though a part of me is kind of relieved that it didn't go there tonight.

Drew laughs. "Is this the first girl who's immune to your charm, Cam? You gonna lose?"

I can't help but smile a little, but it's forced. "Impossible."

But even as the word leaves my mouth, I don't feel as sure as I should. Something changed tonight.

There's something about Stella that pulls me in, something I haven't felt before.

I stand up, wanting to get away from the conversation for a second. "I'm gonna grab something from the kitchen."

Luke follows me, his footsteps heavy on the floor. When we're out of earshot from the others, he leans against the counter, watching me closely.

"You're acting different," he says, his tone low but knowing. "What happened?"

I shrug, not really knowing what to say. "She's different than I thought, I guess."

Luke raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "You actually like her, don't you?"

I freeze. The words hit me harder than I thought they would. I think about Stella, her laugh, the way her eyes light up when she talks about things that matter to her. The way she made me feel... calm.

"I don't know," I admit. "I just feel really good with her. I mean... she's beautiful, and I want to spend more time with her."

Luke stares at me with his mouth slightly open. "Bro... I think you love her."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I blink, my mind scrambling to catch up. "What? No. That's impossible. I barely know her."

Then he laughs, showing me that it was just a joke, which makes me feel relieved and smile too.

Luke chuckles and shakes his head. "It's obvious that this is not just a game to you, man. Don't screw this up. If you really like her, don't do stupid shit."

His words feel like a cold splash of reality.

"You might regret it," Luke adds, his voice a little more serious now.

I swallow, the weight of his words sinking in. "I know. I just... I didn't expect this. I didn't expect her to be this... real."

I'm starting to understand what Luke means. Stella isn't just some girl I can win over with my usual charm. She's not like the other girls. And I'm starting to wonder if maybe this isn't just about a game anymore. Maybe it's about something real.