Beneath The Surface

A Gentle Nudge

As the morning dawns, I feel a rare surge of optimism chasing away the shadows of doubt. Liam reassured me last night, promising that tonight we’d finally have that sleepover, just the two of us. His words have sparked a flicker of excitement in my heart.

"Liam, are you sure we'll have the sleepover tonight?" I ask, a hopeful smile tugging at my lips.

"Absolutely," he replies earnestly, his eyes meeting mine with unwavering certainty. "No distractions, just you and me."

The warmth in his voice envelops me, easing any remaining doubts as we exchange a silent vow of togetherness.

Later, after our classes end, Liam and I decide to unwind in the common room. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a gentle hum of conversation filling the air as we settle into the cozy space.

Amari and I chat animatedly, our laughter mingling with the soft music in the background. Yet, amidst the easy camaraderie, I can't help but notice Stacy's distracted demeanor. Her eyes dart towards the entrance, clearly waiting for her boyfriend.

"Stacy, is everything okay?" Amari asks, her keen observation catching Stacy’s attention.

Stacy waves off the concern with a dismissive smile. "Oh, it's nothing, just waiting for Trent to arrive."

As time ticks by, the tension in the room becomes palpable. Stacy’s excitement grows more pronounced, and then, like a burst of sunshine breaking through the clouds, Trent arrives.

Stacy’s face lights up with a radiant smile as she rushes to greet him. Their embrace is tender, a silent affirmation of their bond. When they kiss, the room seems to brighten with their shared joy.

"Hey, everyone," Stacy beams, her voice filled with happiness. "This is Trent, my amazing boyfriend."

Amari and I exchange knowing glances, our hearts swelling with happiness for Stacy as she introduces Trent to the group. I finally feel at ease, reassured that Stacy doesn’t want my boyfriend.

The common room crackles with excitement as we gather around the coffee table, drawn to a card game like moths to a flame. Liam shuffles the deck of cards with a grin, ready to start the evening’s festivities.

"Alright, let's see who's got the skills to pay the bills!" Amari declares, her competitive spirit shining in her eyes.

Stacy shoots her a playful smirk. "Oh, you’re going down, Amari. I hope you're ready for a challenge!"

As we settle into our seats, the energy in the room is palpable. Amari quickly establishes her dominance, winning hand after hand with apparent ease.

"Seriously, Amari? Are you cheating or something?" I tease, unable to hide my amazement at her winning streak.

Amari laughs, her grin infectious. "Nah, just pure skill, my friend. Pure skill."

Meanwhile, as Amari racks up victories, Stacy and Trent seem more focused on each other than the game. Their whispers and stolen glances speak volumes.

"Hey lovebirds, you might want to pay attention if you want to stand a chance," Liam teases, winking at Stacy and Trent as they exchange affectionate glances.

Stacy rolls her eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Oh, hush, Liam."

Trent chuckles, wrapping an arm around Stacy’s shoulders. "Please allow us to get all lovey-dovey."

The game progresses, and Amari’s winning streak shows no signs of slowing down. Despite our best efforts, we can't seem to outmaneuver her, each hand ending in defeat and laughter.