Shades of Desire

Ivy

"Heard there's this ice-breaking thingy tonight. They say it's for all the freshers to get to know each other and make friends," Jess says, practically bouncing with excitement.

Mia jumps in, "Oh my god, I know, right? Who knows, we might even find some cute guys," she adds with a mischievous wink.

I wasn't feeling it. I was drained, and that stupid dream from earlier still lingered, making me uneasy. I didn't want to relive that night.

"I don't know, guys. I don't think I'm down," I say, hoping they'd understand and let it go. But of course, I was wrong.

"IVY!!" They both look at me like I'd just announced I'd never seen a Marvel movie or something.

"Okay, okay, I'll come, jeez."

Both of them grinned like Cheshire cats before disappearing into their rooms to get ready. I didn't feel like putting in the effort to change. I figured what I had on would do just fine. But when Mia and Jess emerged looking like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine, I could tell that wasn't going to fly.

"Ivy, please don't say you're planning on going like... this?" Mia said, giving me a head-to-toe once-over like I was some charity case in desperate need of a makeover.

"What's wrong with this?" I shrug.

Mia rolls her eyes dramatically and makes a beeline for my closet. After a few agonizing seconds, she pulls out that dress. The one I only kept because it felt wrong to throw it away.

"No. Absolutely not," I say flatly.

"This is perfect," she says, practically glowing with pride.

"It's weird and slutty." I pout, staring at the piece of fabric she called a dress. It was a sleek black mini-dress that hugged every curve and barely skimmed my thighs. A dangerously low neckline revealed more cleavage than I was comfortable with.

Mia gives me the "you're in college now" look, and I know I've lost the argument.

I sigh in defeat. "Fine."

After changing into the dress, I stand in front of the mirror. I have to admit, I did look good—maybe a little too good. The fabric clings to my body, accentuating every curve. I catch my reflection again, staring at my cleavage. Was this too much?

Mia adjusts my makeup, adding some eyeliner and lipstick, making me look fierce yet approachable. She stands back and admires her work. "Perfect," she says, satisfied.

All three of us head out to the party right outside our block. As soon as we walk in, we're greeted by a buzz of energy. The room was dimly lit, the bass from the music vibrating through the floor. Red solo cups are everywhere, filled with cheap booze. People are already making out on the couches, and the smell of alcohol mixed with sweat hangs in the air.

"Girls, wanna join a game of truth or dare?" A girl with bright pink hair calls us over, flashing a playful grin.

We make our way over, joining a group of at least 15 people, all sitting in a circle. I sit down, trying to disappear into the background.

That's when I see him. A guy with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He's sitting casually, his eyes scanning the room. And then, they lock onto mine. For a second, I swear time stops. I quickly turn away, my heart doing this weird fluttering thing. God, Ivy, get a grip.

From the corner of my eye, I catch him looking at me again. And, to my surprise, he's totally checking me out.

"Okay, okay, let's begin now!" Molly, the girl who seems to be in charge, announces. She spins the bottle, and it goes around a few times with the typical questions, getting more ridiculous with each round.

By the fourth round, the bottle stops between a random girl and the blonde guy. My pulse quickens.

"Truth or dare?" the girl asks him, smirking like she thinks she knows what's coming.

"Dare," he replies, his voice steady, eyes locked onto mine. It's like no one else in the room matters.

"Oooh," the crowd coos.

"I dare you to kiss anyone here," she says, clearly expecting him to pick her.

But he doesn't even glance at her. His eyes stay on me, unwavering. A slow smirk spreads across his face. He stands, making his way over, his steps confident, his eyes never leaving mine. My breath catches in my throat as he reaches down, pulls me to my feet, and places his hands on my waist.

"May I?" he asks, his voice low, like a secret meant only for me.

I can't speak, so I just nod. That's all he needs. He presses his lips to mine, soft at first, but then it deepens, turning into something electric. For a moment, it feels like it's just the two of us. The room, the people, the party—it all fades away.

"Oh my god, enough! Get a room!" Someone shouts, laughing, but it barely registers.

We break the kiss, but I'm still lost in the feel of it. His eyes, blue and intense, hold mine like he's not done yet.

"I'm Ethan," he says, his voice steady, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Ivy," I manage to reply, still breathless.

He goes back to his spot, but the rest of the game passes in a blur. All I can feel is his eyes on me, just as I can't stop glancing at him. It's like some invisible pull between us, and I can't tell if I should run from it or dive headfirst.