but I'll just let you live-

never have I ever-

The party had just begun, but for Hope, it seemed like time had stopped the moment she found herself standing outside Josie's door. Josie looked absolutely breathtaking in a cherry red bodycon dress that perfectly highlighted the natural blush on her cheeks. Hope couldn't take her eyes off her, from her elegant silhouette to the way her long legs made her seem even more statuesque. To Hope, Josie looked as mesmerizing as a full moon on a clear night, a sky of birds at sunset, or a field of sunflowers in full bloom.

"Earth to Hope!" Josie waved her hand in front of her, breaking her trance. Hope blushed, her face as red as a tomato. "Sorry, it's just...you look so stunning. I got lost in your eyes."Josie giggled, taking Hope's hand. "You look amazing too." Hope was dressed in a sleek brown satin dress that complemented her auburn hair, and Josie couldn't help but admire her. Hope, ever the charmer, smiled and placed a soft kiss on Josie's hand. "Shall we, m'lady?"

By the time they arrived at the party, most of the squad was already there. Jed greeted them with a grin, "Look who finally decided to show up! The lovebirds!" The couple exchanged greetings with everyone when Lizzie suddenly pointed at Josie's neck. "Jo, what's that on your neck?"

Josie quickly tried to cover it with her hair, shooting an annoyed glance at Hope. "Oh, it's nothing-probably just a bug," she lied. In reality, it was the result of an intense make-out session with Hope on their way to the party. Not that she minded, but Josie wasn't thrilled about the attention it was getting.

Jed smirked knowingly, "Kinky."

"Gross," Lizzie groaned. "Seriously, guys, keep it PG."

Just as the teasing subsided, Rafael and Landon arrived. "Hey, you look great, Josie," Rafael complimented, while Landon immediately asked, "Where's Hope?"

Josie felt her irritation rise. Ever since Landon had arrived, he seemed fixated on Hope. It was starting to get under her skin. Just then, Hope returned with two beers in hand, offering one to Josie. "Here you go, Jo."

Landon's eyes lit up when he saw Hope. "Wow, Hope, you look beautiful."

Hope smiled politely, "Thanks, Lan." But Josie noticed how Landon couldn't seem to stop trying to impress her girlfriend. As the DJ started playing *Can't Help Falling in Love*, Hope turned to Josie with a playful smile and extended her hand. "Dance with me?"

Josie, trying to shake off her annoyance, took her hand, and they moved to a quiet corner. The lights dimmed, casting a soft glow over the room as they swayed to the music. Hope's arms wrapped around Josie's waist, while Josie looped hers around Hope's neck. But Josie couldn't help but feel uneasy. She rested her head on Hope's shoulder, holding her tightly as thoughts of Landon trying to steal Hope kept swirling in her mind.

"I know something's bothering you, Jo," Hope whispered softly. "You don't have to tell me now, but I'm here whenever you're ready."Josie just hummed in response, her heart heavy with guilt. She knew Hope would never betray her trust, but the way Landon was behaving unnerved her.

Their moment of peace was interrupted when Kaleb's voice boomed over the microphone. "Alright, lovebirds, enough with the slow dancing. It's time for *Never Have I Ever!*"

The group gathered in a circle, with Hope seated between Josie and Landon. Rafael sat next to Josie. As the game kicked off, Lizzie went first. "Never have I ever kissed more than one person in this group," she said with a smirk, taking a shot.Jed was quick to follow, and soon Josie found herself taking a shot as well. Landon, confused, asked, "Josie, you?"

Josie shyly glanced at Hope. "I kissed Jed when we were 11," she admitted.

Hope couldn't help but glare playfully at Jed, but the truth was, she knew the history. Jed and Josie had been best friends for years-practically since they were kids. And Josie had told Hope everything. What Hope also knew, though, was that Jed's feelings for Josie ran deeper than just childhood friendship.

Jed had harbored a crush on Josie since they were 11, ever since their innocent playground kiss. It was why he had asked her out back then. Though Josie was oblivious to it, Hope could see how deeply Jed cared for her. He never let his feelings show because Josie was his best friend, and he didn't want to ruin that. Despite his light-hearted flirting with other girls, Hope knew that none of them meant to him what Josie did.

Jed's crush had always been there, lingering in the background, but he respected Josie and Hope's relationship too much to act on it. Still, it didn't stop the occasional pang of jealousy when he saw them together, laughing and holding hands. And as much as he tried to hide it, Hope noticed. She knew he was trying to move on, but deep down, Jed had never really stopped loving Josie.

Even now, as they played the game, Hope caught the way Jed's gaze softened when Josie laughed or the way he smiled whenever she looked at him. It was subtle, but it was there. He would never let his feelings cause a rift between Josie and Hope, though. His friendship with both of them meant too much to risk, and for that, Hope couldn't help but feel a bit protective of Jed too.

The game continued, and everyone was getting tipsy. But things took a sharp turn when Lizzie spoke up again. "Never have I ever had a crush on someone in this group."

Josie took a shot, thinking about the years she had pined for Hope before they got together. Hope followed suit, smiling softly at Josie. Most of the group took shots, as it wasn't exactly a secret that many of them had harbored crushes at some point or another. What surprised everyone was when Landon took a shot. Josie's stomach twisted. Landon had only just arrived at the school-who could he have a crush on? Her heart sank as she pieced it together. Landon only knew Hope well from the group, and recalling his behavior since he arrived, it became clear. Her eyes welled up with unshed tears as she realized what was happening.

"I think I'm gonna head out," Josie muttered, standing up. "I'm feeling a bit nauseous." Without waiting for anyone's response, she hurried out of the party, leaving the group stunned.

**********************************************************************************************

part 2! I hope I can be consistent with this story and please please suggest your ideas because I'm just going with the flow and your ideas will be really helpful.