Rival Lovers

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The dorm was a whirlwind of activity as Tilly, Lucas, and I hustled to set up for Jay's surprise birthday party. Streamers hung haphazardly from the ceiling, and the scent of freshly baked pizza filled the air.

"Hey, Tilly, can you pass me that banner?" I called out, balancing precariously on a chair.

Tilly tossed the "Happy Birthday" banner over, smirking. "Think Jay will even notice all this effort?"

Lucas chuckled from his spot on the floor, where he was wrestling with a particularly stubborn balloon. "He better. I didn't almost pass out blowing up these balloons for nothing."

I laughed, securing the banner above the doorway. "Alright, moment of truth. Tilly, you're up. Text Jay and get him over here."

Tilly's eyes widened. "Why me?"

Lucas and I exchanged mischievous glances. "Because," Lucas said, grinning, "he's less likely to suspect anything if it comes from you."

"You guys are so mean. Fake friends." Tilly pouted, glaring. She reluctantly pulled her phone out, fingers angrily smashing as she opened his contact.

Hey Jay, can you come over? There's an emergency.

Almost instantly, her phone buzzed:

Jay: An emergency? Did you finally realize you can't live without me?

Tilly rolled her eyes. "Ugh, he's impossible."

"Just tell him it's serious," I suggested.

Panicking slightly, Tilly typed:

Tilly: No, seriously. Lucas got his head stuck in the TV. Get here quick!! Even call 911 if you have too, hurry!!!

Lucas's head snapped up. "Wait, what?"

I stifled a laugh. "That's... quite the emergency."

Tilly's eyes widened as she realized what she'd sent. "Oh no, that sounds so stupid!"

Her phone buzzed again:

Jay: What?! How did that even happen? Is he okay?

Lucas groaned. "Great. Now he thinks I'm an idiot."

I couldn't hold back my laughter. "Well, it worked. He'll be here soon."

Tilly looked mortified. "I didn't think he'd take it that seriously."

Lucas sighed, shaking his head. "Next time, let's come up with a more believable excuse."

The dorm buzzed with excitement as Tilly, Lucas, and I put the finishing touches on Jay's surprise birthday party. Streamers hung from the ceiling, balloons were scattered across the floor, and a banner reading "Happy Birthday, Jay!" was slightly askew above the doorway.

"Alright," Lucas said, stepping back to admire our handiwork. "Now we just need the guest of honor."

Tilly glanced nervously at her phone. "I can't believe I told him you got your head stuck in the TV. He's going to freak out."

I chuckled. "Well, it's too late now. He'll be here any minute."

As if on cue, we heard rapid footsteps approaching the door. Tilly's eyes widened. "Quick! Hide!"

We scrambled to find hiding spots. Lucas dove behind the couch, Tilly ducked into the kitchenette, and I crouched behind the armchair, barely stifling my giggles.

The door flew open, and Jay burst in, his eyes wide with panic. "Tilly? Lucas? Where are you guys?"

From my hiding spot, I could see Lucas biting his lip to keep from laughing. Tilly peeked out from the kitchenette, her face a mix of guilt and amusement.