Digital Dare

CHAPTER FOUR: The Calm Before The Storm

Their phones buzzed again, almost on cue, the sound now familiar and strangely comforting. They exchanged quick glances before opening the app, the firelight casting shadows across their faces.

Dare: "Compliment the person to your left with something completely out of character for you."

Liam laughed out loud, breaking the silence. “This app really thinks it’s clever, huh?”

Chloe smiled, a bit more at ease. “This one’s easy. I can do that.”

They all shifted slightly, looking to the person on their left, minds racing for something that would fit the dare.

Avery, who was sitting next to Liam, decided to go first. She turned to him with a mischievous grin. “Liam, I have to say, your organizational skills are just… incredible. I mean, the way you keep everything so neat and tidy, it’s inspiring.”

Liam snorted, shaking his head. “Yeah, right. You know I live out of a laundry basket.”

Ethan, next to Avery, leaned toward her with a dramatic flourish. “Avery, I’ve always admired how you never, ever doubt yourself. Your confidence is just through the roof.”

Avery rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “I wish.”

Chloe, sitting next to Sophie, turned and said with a smirk, “Sophie, I just love how you’re always up for taking risks and trying new things without a second thought. You’re so impulsive.”

Sophie laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing a bit. “You must be talking about another Sophie.”

Sophie turned to Liam, the last in the circle. “Liam, I’ve always been impressed by how quiet and reserved you are. It’s like you’re the mysterious, silent type.”

Liam raised an eyebrow, unable to hold back a grin. “You’re really nailing these dares tonight, Sophie.”

They all laughed, the lightness of the moment making them feel like maybe this game wasn’t so bad after all. The dares were silly, playful even, and the mood around the campfire became warmer, more comfortable.

Their phones buzzed again, and this time, there was no hesitation as they reached for them.

Dare: "Take a selfie with the most ridiculous face you can make and send it to your oldest contact."

Ethan chuckled, already contorting his face into a ridiculous expression as he held up his phone. “This one’s too easy.”

The others followed suit, pulling faces and snapping selfies, the air around them filled with laughter and the occasional groan as they sent the photos off to unsuspecting friends or family members.

“Sent mine to my aunt,” Chloe said, still giggling. “She’s going to think I’ve lost it.”

“I sent mine to my old math tutor,” Avery said, shaking her head. “She’ll probably think I’m pranking her.”

Liam grinned. “My coach is going to wonder what the heck is going on.”

The dares continued in a similar vein, each one simple and harmless, designed to keep them laughing and having fun. They played along, the camaraderie of their friendship making it all the more enjoyable.

"Guys, I'm really tired. I'm thinking I'm going to bed now," Chloe said, stretching.

Sophie yawned. "Yeah, I'm also really sleepy."

"See you in the morning. Have a dare-ful sleep!" Chloe teased and made her way to the house, followed by Sophie.

"You know, today's been. . . really enjoyable. I think we should skip to bed." Avery suggested, getting up.