Olegie [NSB]

16

Reggie's POV

I couldn't avoid Oliver forever, but I had done a pretty damn good job up until today. Living in the same house as him made things impossible, but I'd kept my distance only bumping into him on occacion. Until the moment Ty announced we'd be filming a "strip or dare" video for the channel.

Great. Exactly what I needed: an excuse to get half-naked in front of Oliver while pretending everything was fine.

I sat on the couch next to Justin, Darren, and Ryan trying to act casual as the camera crew set up. Oliver walked in, taking a seat across from me with Seb and Kane. Our eyes met for a split second before he quickly looked away. His jaw was tight, and I could feel the tension rolling off him in waves.

"Alright, boys," Darren clapped his hands. "You ready for this? Last time we did this, Reggie ended up in his underwear, and I'm hoping we get some redemption today."

I laughed half-heartedly. "Let's hope it's not me this time."

The camera started rolling, and Darren picked up the cards for our first dare. The rules were simple: either complete the dare or take off an article of clothing. And of course, the more ridiculous the dares, the better the views.

"Reggie," Justin grinned, handing me a card. "You're up."

I took the card, my heart already pounding. The second I read the dare, I felt the blood drain from my face, but I masked it with a smirk, playing it off like it was no big deal.

"Text your ex," I read aloud, trying to sound casual. The room burst into laughter, everyone hollering and egging me on. I felt Oliver's eyes on me, sharp as ever, but I kept my gaze down, not wanting to meet his. The tension between us was palpable, though no one else seemed to notice.

My mind raced. There was no way I could text Vanessa right now, not after everything that had gone down. The breakup, the accusations, her TikTok post—just thinking about it made my skin crawl. And Oliver, sitting right there, watching me, would only make things worse.

I glanced at my phone, hesitating for a split second before shoving it back into my pocket.

"Actually," I said, forcing a grin and standing up, "I think I'll just take the strip."

The room erupted in more cheers, everyone laughing as I reached for the hem of my shirt. I could feel Oliver's stare burning into me, but I ignored it, peeling off my t-shirt and tossing it aside. The air felt colder against my skin, but it wasn't the chill that made my stomach knot up—it was the silence from Oliver.

As I sat back down, shirtless, I tried to act like it was nothing. But the weight of what I'd avoided—what I couldn't bring myself to do—hung between us like a storm cloud ready to burst.

Seb picked up the next card. "Oliver," he said, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Truth or dare?"

He sighed, knowing he didn't really have a choice. "Dare."

Seb handed him the card, and my heart raced when I heard what was written. "Kiss the person across from you."

The boys burst into laughter, but my mind went blank. Across from Oliver was me, looking equally stunned. I hadn't even dared to look directly at him since everything went down.

"Well?" Justin asked, laughing.

I glanced at Oliver, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. I crossed my arms, clearly waiting to see if he'd go through with it. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, but it wasn't their gaze that made my throat tighten. It was his.

The dare hung in the air like a challenge. He could either kiss me, a bold move considering the state of things between us, or take off his shirt.

"Come on, dude, we're waiting," Darren teased.

He took a deep breath and stood up, walking slowly toward me. My pulse pounded in my ears as I he got closer. He leaned down, his lips hovering near mine. The heat of his breath hit my skin, and for a second, I thought about what it would be like to close the gap, to kiss him like I used to.

But I couldn't do it. Not with everything so messy between us.

He probably thought the same thing as he pulled away at the last second, tearing off his shirt instead. The guys groaned, but I couldn't bring myself to care. The tension between Oliver and me was already unbearable, and we were both not ready to make it worse. Not like this.

As the game continued, I felt his eyes on me. It was like the weight of all our unresolved feelings had built up in the room, making it impossible to breathe. But the worst part was that everyone else was too busy laughing to notice.

By the end of the video, most of us were stripped down to our boxers. I was doing everything I could to avoid looking at Oliver, but I could feel his presence, looming over me, even from across the room.

The second Ty called "cut," I was out of there. I needed air. I headed to the balcony, taking in the cool breeze and trying to clear my head.

The door slid open behind me, and I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

Oliver.

I braced myself, knowing this conversation was long overdue.

Words: 919

a/n I recommend everyone who has been waiting for all of theses updates for 6 months reread from chapter 9 forward (but you could always reread all of it 😏)