My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2:Chapter 54: Just friends?/A trap

I had called Stephen several times that morning, but he didn't answer. The only response I got was a short text message:

I have a surprise for you.

That was it. No explanation. No hint.

Since Aaron was heading to class as well, I went with him. The walk there felt ordinary, almost boring — until we stepped into the lecture hall.

And then I saw him.

Stephen.

Sitting casually in one of the seats, as if he had always belonged there.

For a moment I froze. Am I dreaming?
He finally did it. I thought he had been joking about enrolling.

He caught my stare and winked, that familiar smug confidence flashing across his face.

I ignored the flutter in my chest and sat beside Aaron instead. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Stephen shooting me a warning glare — one that clearly said don't sit there.
I pretended not to notice.

What's the big deal?

The lecture began, but Stephen barely paid attention. I could feel his eyes on us, constantly drifting in our direction. It didn't take long before the lecturer noticed.

"Hey — you, with the bandana," the lecturer called. "What was I just saying?"

Stephen blinked. "Me?"

"Yes. You."

He leaned back slightly. "I actually don't know."

A ripple of tension moved through the room.

"Then why did you choose English?" the lecturer asked sharply.

Stephen smirked. "Because I want to keep a close watch on my girlfriend."

I immediately looked away, my face warming. I didn't want anyone associating me with that declaration. It was embarrassing.

No one laughed.

The lecturer certainly didn't.

"Let me make this clear," he said sternly. "This isn't high school. You don't speak carelessly here. If you keep that attitude, this may not be the right place for you. Is that understood?"

Stephen straightened slightly. "Yes, sir."

He sat down quietly after that.

The moment class ended, Aaron and I left without a word to Stephen. I couldn't face him — not after that scene. I slid into Aaron's car, still unsettled.

He started the engine.

"Aaron," I said carefully, "I just want to make something clear. We're just friends. Are you okay with that?"

He glanced at me and nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine with it. I didn't have any other intention. I just want to be friends with you."

"Good," I replied, relaxing slightly. "That's cool then."

⸻

Aaron's POV

Just friends?

That's never going to happen.

I kept my expression neutral, but my thoughts burned beneath the surface. I'll show Stephen. I'll show him she can choose me.
The way she looks... the way she moves... she doesn't even realize the effect she has.

Tonight, I'll make her mine.

⸻

Later that evening—

"Sharon," Aaron said, breaking the silence, "since we're friends now, and I've learned some things about you... I think it's only fair you get to know me too."

I smiled faintly. "Alright. Where are we going?"

"A place I hang out with my friends."

We pulled up shortly after. He stepped out and opened my door.

"Thank you," I said as I got out.

"You're welcome."

I looked around, confusion knitting my brows.
This didn't look like the kind of place I expected.

"Aaron... what is this place?"

He simply took my hand. "Come in. You'll see."

Inside, the air was thick — heavy with smoke, loud music, and flashing lights. The atmosphere felt overwhelming, unfamiliar. My stomach twisted.

"Aaron, I can't stay here."

"Come on," he coaxed. "Just a little while. Let's grab a drink. I'll take you home after. Promise."

He walked over to the bar, exchanging casual greetings with the bartender before returning with drinks.

"Here," he handed me one.

I took a cautious sip — then coughed as the strong taste hit my throat.

"Easy," he said calmly.

But I drank more anyway.

Too much.

Soon the room began to spin, my thoughts foggy, my balance uncertain. Everything felt distant, blurred.

"I want you to meet some friends," Aaron said, guiding me along.

"O... okay..." I murmured, struggling to steady myself.

He introduced me to a group seated nearby.

"Hey, Molly, Jack, Ryan — this is Sharon."

They greeted me warmly, and Molly smiled. I was a bit too deep to recognize that face.

"Want to play a game?" she asked.

"Sure," I replied hazily.

"It's Truth or Dare... but we only do dares."

I nodded, barely processing.

She leaned forward. "I dare you to go upstairs with Aaron."

"...Upstairs?" I repeated.

"Yes."

I stood unsteadily. "Then... what are we waiting for?"

Aaron supported me as we went up. The hallway lights blurred together, my senses dulled.

Inside a room, everything became distant and unclear — my thoughts drifting, my judgment gone. I followed his instructions without resistance, barely aware of my own choices.

The night unfolded in a haze I couldn't fully grasp — moments slipping past in confusion and vulnerability — until everything faded into silence. I let him have his way to my body.