Strip Game - A Whirlwind Summer

35. 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃

♪✰❄︎𖤍❄︎✰♪

𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐀

When I got home, the house was shrouded in an uneasy stillness. The clock blinked close to midnight, and the echoes of the evening’s tension with Kyle still lingered around me.

I tried to shrugged it off all through the way home but the guilt just won't go away.

I slipped inside quietly, hoping to make it upstairs without encountering anyone. As I stepped into the living room, I spotted Travis sprawled on the couch, the TV casting a faint glow over his face.

He was flicking through channels, looking bored.

I pretended not to see him and headed for the stairs, wanting to disappear into my room. But just as I put my foot on the first step, his voice stopped me.

"And where’ve you been this late?"

I turned, my patience already thin.

"Since when do I have to report my every move to you, Travis?"

He sat up, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

"I'm just worried. It’s late, and you’re a girl. Anything could happen."

"Worried?" I snapped.

"You don’t have to worry about me. Kyle brought me back, alright? He’d probably be the one to looking after me from now on."

I didn't know why that came out, it just dropped.

Travis’s eyebrows shot up, and he stood, eyes narrowing. "What do you mean by that?"

I crossed my arms, taking a deep breath before speaking. "We’re a couple now. Kyle and I."

Travis froze, staring at me as if I’d just told him the earth was flat.

"You’re what?"

"You heard me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We’re dating. He loves me."

Travis stared at me, his eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"And you believe him? Just like that?"

"Well" I said, lifting my chin defiantly, "He’s not a playboy like someone we both know, I hope that helps."

He opened his mouth to say something but seemed to think better of it.

Silence stretched between us, and I wonder why am I still standing in front of him, having this conversation as if he was my dad or guardian.

I turned back to the stairs, eager to escape this uncomfortable exchange. But his hand shot out and grabbed my arm, pulling me back.

I gasped, not expecting the touch.

"Luna," His voice low and intense. He has never call my name in such a way that make me really nervous.

Did i just feel.... Butterflies?

"Do you really feel the same way about him?"

"Yes" I said, trying to pull my arm free, but his grip tightened.

His eyes locked onto mine, searching, desperate.

"Look me in the eye and tell me you truly love him."

My heart pounded, and for a moment, I couldn’t find my voice. The words I’d said to Kyle flashed through my mind, but now, standing here with Travis, they felt hollow and forced.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. His gaze was too intense, too penetrating.

Since when did he have so much effect on me?

"Why does it matter to you?" I finally managed to say, pushing his hand away. "It’s none of your concern who I date or how I feel."

I turned sharply and rushed up the stairs, leaving him standing there in stunned silence. I reached my room, closed the door, and leaned against it, trying to steady my breathing. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I fought them back.

What was I doing? Why did his opinion still affect me so deeply?

I pulled off Kyle’s jacket, feeling suffocated by the fabric and the guilt that clung to me. The truth was, Travis’s words had shaken me more than I wanted to admit.

××××

I woke up with a knot in my stomach, remnants of last night's tension still gnawing at me. I quietly slipped out of bed, trying to avoid any interaction with Travis.

I descended the stairs, hoping to slip past him, but it was shattered when the door of his room swung open and we came face-to-face.

"Morning," he said, his voice surprisingly calm.

"Morning." I replied awkwardly, averting my eyes and hurrying down the stairs to avoid walking with him.

I headed straight for the kitchen, grabbing a can of Dr Pepper from the fridge, hoping to escape the awkwardness of our encounter.

I glanced at him over my soda, my mind racing. *Was I too harsh last night? Should I apologize?*

Before I could decide what to say...

"Hey, about last night," His tone unexpectedly soft.

"I’m sorry for being a jerk. I was just shocked that you’re dating Kyle."

"Yeah"

"You guys just met a couple of weeks ago and now you’re a thing?"

I took another sip of my soda, trying to steady my nerves.

"Kyle’s a good guy," I said defensively.

"And He treats me well. You should be happy that I’m finally dating someone after being single my entire life."

"Of course, I am..." he started to say...

"At least Kyle knows what he wants and fights for it." I cut him off,  not sure if I was convincing him or myself.

Silence settled between us, heavy and uncomfortable. Just then, my phone buzzed on the counter. I picked it up and saw a text from Kyle.

"Good morning, beautiful," the text read, followed by a string of sweet nothings.

Unconsciously, a smile spread across my face. I glanced up to see Travis watching me intently, his eyes full of curiosity and something else I couldn’t quite place. Feeling self-conscious, I started to leave the kitchen.

"Hey, do you want some toast?" he asked suddenly, holding up a buttered slice

I gave him a pointed look.

Travis’s face flushed.

"Sorry. I forgot, you don't do bread on your period."

"You didn’t have to say that out loud." I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry," he repeated, his voice quieter this time.

Without another word, I walked out of the kitchen, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and guilt. I knew I should feel excited about Kyle, but Travis’s presence kept pulling me back into a tangled mess of emotions.

××××

I know it's short but pls it's better than nothing. The past few weeks have not been easy, but I'll try to upload another chapter later today.

And yes, I'll keep my promise this time, lol.

Q- Do you think it was right for Luna to lead Kyle on?