Catalyst

Part 2

"Alright, Keao. Truth or a spicy dare?"

"I'll take neither for five hundred points." Keao was really not feeling this game right now. Normally he would always divulge himself on their camping trips, however this time he would rather finish his book. His mind is infinitely more intrigued by its contents than the set up his friends are trying to involve him in. With weary eyes he glanced over at their new addition on the trip, Michael, and thought to himself, 'Bet he can only think about how he's going to get in my pants tonight.' Michael, to Keao, was not a bad looking guy by far. Classic curly blond hair, blue eyes and a body toned from gymnastics. Most on campus adored him. All except himself. Nothing was wrong with Michael, he was just not what Keao wanted. Because of this he is feeling very unease in an environment where he would normally be the life of the party. Nothing bothered him more than giving someone false hope. And thanks to Sarah and Tredarius, power couple and assumed heaven's best matchmakers...

"Being timid won't get you far here, " Sarah stated whilst sipping on a glass of wine. The warm glow from the crackling flames easily showcased her rosy cheeks, flushed from one to many it may seem.

"Me timid. Now I feel honestly wounded. Such words do me great dishonor!" Michael chuckled at his response.

"Apologies Sir Eltanin!" Sarah stood with grace and elegance. Amazing, even when intoxicated she can still move so fluently.

"But if I indeed be wrong than a simple dare should be of no issue, no? I'll even make it simple. Simply walk into the woods. Fives minutes forwards and five minutes back."

Surprised, Keao eyed her suspiciously. This is not the outcome he envisioned. A ' Kiss Michael' or 'Five minutes in heaven' was more in her ball park. A simple walk was a bit tame for her. What's the catch?

"Babe, these woods here are dangerous. Plus the rumors..."

" Love, don't ruin this. There has been no issues here in the past few years."

"Except that murder." Tredarius said a bit concerned. Sarah slowly brushed her bronze color hair from her face and tiptoed towards Tre.

"You're right! And all suspects love hiding out in creepy campsites , ESPECIALLY if they have never got caught. Oh my, if it was me I would definitely go into hiding in a remote area to purposely make myself sus!" Keao had to join in with Michael with laughter. She did have a valid point.

"Wait, so what is this thing about a murder?" Michael asked, calming down.

"All the details aren't released, but the basic story is that a student from campus was stabbed to death." Keao chimed in.

"My roommate said it had something to do with drugs. Something called DMT. Guy didn't pay so he got offed." Tre included. " He actually knew the guy. Was a frequent buyer back when he used to be on campus. "

"So it was a business related killing? Well as long as none of us owe any debts we should be fine!" Michael sounded like he was joking, but he had this subtle tone of nervousness that Keao was sure everyone noticed.

"Unless you count these student loans. Be careful guys, Sallie Mae offing people tonight!" With that comment the mood was instantly replaced by the sounds of joyous laughter.

"On that note, I'll take your dare. " Standing up Keao placed his book in his brown leather bag.

"Here, for the road." When he looked over he noticed that Michael had poured him a drink in a whiskey glass. It wasn't a mix drink which definitely earned him a few points and it smelled strong. Just like he liked it...

Keao eyed Sarah who was obviously pretending not to notice.

"Scotch. Not my go to if I'm being honest, but I heard it was yours sooo..." Was he really blushing? From how he acted at school, he seemed totally the masculine type.