My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 4: Truth or dare

"Sharon, we need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about."
I slipped my hands from his and walked out of the classroom before he could say another word. Ignoring him was safer. Safer than letting him pull me back into whatever trouble always seemed to follow his presence.

I headed toward the hall, scanning the crowd for my so-called unfair friends.

"Got you! Helen! Bella!" I shouted the moment I spotted them.

They waved me over enthusiastically.

"Why did you leave me back there?" I asked, folding my arms. Nearby, a few students were already forming a circle, clearly planning some kind of game.

"Sorry," Bella said with a sheepish smile. "We got distracted. Come join us. We're about to play Truth or Dare."

"Uh... okay."
I wasn't sure I wanted to play. But Bella and Helen were in, and curiosity tugged at me.

"I'll join too."

I turned and groaned internally. Stephen again.

I shot Bella a look of pure suffering.

"Actually, maybe I shouldn't. I have something to do," I lied quickly, hoping to escape.

"What is that?" Stephen asked.

"Uh... something." I frowned, wondering why he cared so much.

"So what exactly is this something?" he pressed.

I sighed in defeat. "I'm in."

"The game?" he confirmed.

"Yes!"

"At least you're sitting down now," Mara said, clearly running the group.

"Yeah."

I lowered myself into the circle — and of course Stephen sat right beside me. I leaned toward Bella and whispered urgently.

"Switch seats with me."

She smiled sweetly. "You're fine there."

"That's what you want, right?"

"I guess," I muttered.

"Tiana, you're first," Mara announced.

"Truth or dare?"

"I always pick dare. Bring it on."

Tiana grinned mischievously, enjoying the suspense before softening her challenge into something teasing rather than outrageous.
"Go flirt with Sam. Make him blush."

Laughter rippled through the circle.

Mara strutted toward him dramatically, playing up the performance, perching on his lap and giving him a playful kiss that sent everyone hooting.

Sam groaned theatrically. "Oh my God."

The scene dragged on longer than necessary, and discomfort crawled up my spine.

"That's enough!" I blurted.

Mara frowned. "What's your problem?"

"You were overdoing it."

"Whatever." She returned to her seat, shooting Sam a wink that he answered with a smug grin.

"My turn," she declared, eyes landing on me.
"Sharon."

My pulse spiked.

"Truth or dare?"

"Truth," I answered instantly. There was no way I was risking a dare.

She smiled slowly. "Simple question. Who was your first kiss?"

My throat tightened.

Of all the questions...

I glanced sideways. Stephen sat right beside me, watching closely. Waiting.

"You picked truth," Mara reminded. "Or have you never kissed anyone?"

"Why would I be shy?" I snapped.

"Then answer."

"...Stephen."
The name slipped out before I could stop it.

Silence. Then surprised reactions erupted.

"Really?"

Stephen's face lit up with unmistakable satisfaction.

"I didn't know you two had something going on," Mara said, raising an eyebrow. She'd once had her own history with him.

"Can we move on?" I muttered. "I'm next, right?"

"Yes," Tiana confirmed.

"Helen..." I began, noticing her sticking her tongue out at me.

"I'm not playing. I was never in the game."

I narrowed my eyes. "Yeah, right."

"Nina — truth or dare?" I pivoted.

"Dare."

I smirked. "Fine. Take off your shirt for a few seconds."

She scoffed but complied briefly before pulling it back on, unfazed.

"My turn now," Nina said, smiling wickedly.
"Stephen — truth or dare?"

"Dare me," he replied, eyes locked onto mine.

"I dare you to kiss Sharon. And make it count."

"Sure."

"No way!" I snapped.

"Rules are rules," Nina said sweetly. "Or you can take the penalty."

My face burned.
"...I'll take the kiss."

"Good choice."

Stephen leaned closer, voice low near my ear. "Don't forget — it's supposed to be long."

I rolled my eyes, though my heart betrayed me by racing.

His lips met mine . I was just playing along — and I responded because it was only a game. But he lingered, stretching the moment beyond what I was comfortable with. Heat crept up my neck as murmurs rose around us.

I pushed him away.

"Enough."

He leaned back, looking far too pleased with himself.

"Alright, people," Mara said, clapping once. "That's enough excitement for today. Game's over."