Chapter 5: The Confession Game

The next evening, the bookstore café buzzed with weekend energy — quiet readers sipping coffee, soft music playing, and the warm scent of freshly brewed espresso filling the air. But to Riya, none of it felt right.

Miya was still keeping her distance — chatting with customers, laughing with coworkers — but never lingering near Riya for long. The gap between them felt wider than ever.

If she’s pretending everything’s fine… why does it feel like she’s avoiding me?

“Hey!” a familiar voice called.

Riya turned to see Nihal — one of their regulars — strolling up to the counter. He leaned on the glass display case, his usual cocky grin plastered across his face.

“You two coming to the party tonight?” Nihal asked.

“What party?” Riya asked.

“The one at Hunter’s place,” Nihal said. “Half the school’s going.” He glanced past Riya toward Miya, who was clearing tables. “I was hoping she’d be there.”

Riya’s stomach twisted. “I’m not sure if she—”

“Oh, she’s coming,” Nihal said confidently. “I already asked her.”

Riya blinked. Miya hadn’t mentioned anything.

---

By the time Riya arrived at the party that night, the house was packed. Music thumped from the living room, and groups of students crowded every corner. Riya wasn’t even sure why she came — but somehow, staying home felt worse.

She spotted Miya almost instantly — sitting on the arm of a couch, grinning as Nihal told some exaggerated story to a group of friends.

Of course, Riya thought bitterly.

“Riya!” Miya’s voice called out.

For a second, Riya considered walking away — but Miya was already jogging over.

“You came,” Miya said, slightly breathless.

“Yeah…” Riya forced a smile. “Didn’t know you were coming with Nihal.”

“I wasn’t,” Miya said quickly. “I just… didn’t think you’d want me tagging along after… you know.”

“After what?” Riya asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

Miya shifted awkwardly. “Forget it.”

Before Riya could press further, a loud voice cut through the room.

“TRUTH OR DARE!” someone shouted from the living room.

“C’mon!” Miya grinned, grabbing Riya’s hand. “Let’s make this less awkward.”

Before Riya could protest, they were swept into the circle.

The dares started harmless — embarrassing dance moves, prank calls, chugging weird drink mixes. But as the game dragged on, the tension thickened.

“Alright!” Nihal declared, pointing at Miya. “Your turn. Truth or dare?”

Miya smirked. “Dare.”

“I dare you…” Nihal’s grin turned wicked. “…to kiss someone in this room.”

The circle erupted in laughter and whistles. Miya just rolled her eyes.

“Fine,” she said, shrugging like it was no big deal. “Who’s volunteering?”

Nihal grinned wider. “I mean… I wouldn’t say no.”

Riya’s stomach clenched.

“Oh please,” Miya snorted. “I said someone in this room, not someone full of himself.”

The room roared with laughter as Nihal dramatically clutched his chest like he’d been stabbed.

“Well?” someone called out.

Riya froze as Miya’s gaze drifted across the circle — then stopped. On her.

“Guess I’ll just kiss Riya,” Miya said casually, like it was no big deal.

The room erupted again — some cheering, some gasping.

Riya’s face went hot. “Wait — what?”

But before she could think, Miya was leaning in.

It wasn’t like Riya imagined — no perfect movie moment, no dreamy music playing in her head. Just Miya, warm and close, her hand gently cupping Riya’s face.

The kiss was soft — barely a breath — but it was enough. Enough for Riya’s heart to stumble, enough for her fingers to grip Miya’s hoodie like she was afraid to let go.

When Miya pulled back, her face was unreadable — somewhere between nervous and… hopeful?

“Your turn,” Miya said quietly, her voice almost shaky.

But before Riya could answer, Miya stood up and disappeared into the kitchen.

Riya sat frozen, her mind spinning.

That wasn’t just a dare.

She knew it. And judging by the way Miya had looked at her… Miya knew it too.

---

End of Chapter 5

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***