Beneath His Cold Charm

29

The Moment to Open Up

★★★

The night continued with energy bubbling through the air, the group settling into Zoey's new living room, laughing, teasing each other, and basking in the easy camaraderie they'd built over the years. With mobile phones stashed away, everyone was forced to stay in the moment, a refreshing change from the usual distractions.

"I say we go old school tonight," Nick declared, leaning back against the sofa. "None of that phone stuff. Let's play something real, like a game."

Chris, sprawled out on the floor, raised an eyebrow. "What are you thinking, genius?"

Nick grinned, already brimming with ideas. "Truth or Dare. Classic. Simple. Dangerous."

Zoey chuckled as Emely clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh my god, yes! I haven't played that in forever."

Zoey's gaze shifted to Matt, who had been quiet for most of the night, sitting in the corner of the room. He wasn't as animated as the others, but he seemed engaged, if only through the sharp glances he cast around the room. Zoey wasn't sure how he felt about the game, but she wasn't about to push him. Still, a tiny part of her was curious about what Matt might say if he let his guard down, even just a little.

They arranged themselves in a circle, sitting on the plush living room rug. Zoey and Emely shared a beanbag, while Chris sprawled out lazily next to Nick, both boys looking mischievous. Matt sat slightly apart, but close enough to participate, his expression still unreadable.

"Alright, let's start simple," Emely said, twirling a bottle in the center to determine who would go first. The bottle spun, the suspense mounting as everyone watched it with hawk-like intensity. Finally, it landed on Chris.

Chris groaned in mock horror. "Okay, okay. Truth," he said, not wanting to take the risk of a dare just yet.

Nick grinned like a shark circling its prey. "What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"

Chris rolled his eyes but chuckled. "Man, there's too many. But... I guess there was that time when I tried to jump into the pool at that party last year and, uh... missed. Completely. Face-planted onto the concrete. In front of everyone. And I was, like, fully clothed."

The room erupted in laughter, Zoey's stomach hurting from how hard she laughed. Emely clutched her sides, tears of laughter spilling down her cheeks. Even Matt cracked a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

Chris, trying to regain his dignity, shot a glance at Emely. "Your turn, Anderson. Truth or dare?"

Without hesitation, Emely leaned forward. "Dare."

"Ooh, bold move," Nick said, rubbing his hands together as if plotting something devious. "Alright, I dare you to..." He paused dramatically. "Scream as loud as you can."

Emely shot him a look. "What? That's it?"

"Trust me, it'll freak out the neighbors. Do it."

Emely didn't even hesitate. She took a deep breath and let out an ear-piercing scream that echoed through the house, sending Chris and Nick into fits of laughter. Zoey tried to stifle her giggles, while Matt rolled his eyes, clearly thinking they were all a bit ridiculous.

As the laughter died down, Emely spun the bottle again, and this time, it landed on Zoey.

Zoey's heart skipped a beat, the familiar knot of anxiety twisting in her chest. Her mind raced, wondering what kind of question or dare was coming her way. But she steeled herself—this was supposed to be fun, and she had been working hard to let loose, to live in the moment without letting her worries cloud her.

"Alright, Zoey," Emely said with a wicked grin. "Truth or dare?"

Zoey hesitated for a moment, then decided on the safer option. "Truth."

Emely's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Okay... If you had to kiss anyone here, who would it be?"

Zoey's face heated instantly, her eyes darting around the circle. Her first instinct was to say Emely, just to throw off the teasing, but she caught sight of Matt, his expression neutral, though his eyes were locked on her. Chris and Nick exchanged smirks, waiting for her response.

Clearing her throat, Zoey decided to play it cool. "Well, obviously, I'd kiss you, Emely," she said with a grin, trying to deflect.

Emely burst out laughing, while Chris and Nick let out groans of protest. "Oh, come on! That's too easy," Nick complained.

"Hey, you didn't specify!" Zoey shot back, feeling a small sense of victory.

They continued the game for a while, laughter filling the room as the dares got progressively more ridiculous. At one point, Chris had to wear a blanket as a cape and run around the house pretending to be a superhero, while Nick was dared to sing the national anthem at the top of his lungs. Even Matt got roped into a dare, though his involved simply sharing an embarrassing memory from childhood—which he begrudgingly did, to everyone's surprise.

As the game wound down, they all sprawled out on the floor, catching their breath from the laughter. Zoey glanced around the room at her friends, her heart full. This was the kind of night she had missed—just being with people who made her feel like she could be herself.

It was then that Zoey felt a wave of bravery wash over her. She had been wanting to tell Chris about her past struggles for a while now, but the timing never felt right. Tonight, though, with Emely, and even Matt knowing, she felt like it was the right moment to finally come clean.

Taking a deep breath, Zoey sat up straighter, her hands fidgeting in her lap. The room quieted slightly, sensing a shift in the mood.

"Chris, Nick?" Zoey began, her voice wavering slightly.

Chris looked up from where he had been lying, propping himself up on his elbows. "Yeah?"
Nick raised his eyebrows.

Zoey swallowed, feeling the weight of the moment settle over her. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you two. I... I've been dealing with some stuff before. And I don't want to hide it anymore."

Emely's eyes widened slightly, but she remained silent, giving Zoey the space she needed.

Zoey's gaze flickered to Matt, who sat still, watching her intently. She could feel the concern radiating from him, even though he said nothing.

"I—" Zoey hesitated for a moment, then forced herself to continue. "I've been hurting myself For a while now. But I'm getting better. I've been clean for two weeks."

The room went completely silent. Chris's face shifted from confusion to understanding in an instant. Nick nodded in silence like he knew. Chris sat up fully, his eyes wide with concern. "Zoey... I had no idea."

"I know," Zoey said quietly. "I didn't want anyone to know. But Emely, and Matt found out... also nick kinda did too, And now... I just felt like I needed to tell you, too. You're one of my best friends, and I don't want to hide it anymore."

Chris moved closer, his expression full of worry but also understanding. "Zoey, I'm so sorry. I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Zoey assured him, feeling a small sense of relief now that the truth was out. "I'm working through it. And I'm getting better. But I just wanted you to know."

Chris pulled her into a tight hug, his usual playful demeanor replaced by genuine concern. "I'm here for you, Zoey. Whatever you need, okay?"

Zoey nodded, her throat tight with emotion. "Thanks, Chris."

Nick and Emely watched quietly, offering their silent support. Even Matt, though still guarded, seemed to relax slightly, as if relieved that Zoey had taken the step to share her truth.

The rest of the night continued on a softer note. They decided to watch a horror movie to lighten the mood, though Zoey barely paid attention, her mind still swirling from the conversation with Chris. But for the first time in a long time, she felt lighter—like the burden of her secret had been lifted, if only just a little.

★★★