Truth or Dare

POV: MAWANG

The cafeteria buzzes with the usual lunchtime chaos. Laughter, clattering trays, and the distant murmur of conversations fill the air. I spot Seonghwa across the room, his gaze fixed on the basketball game playing on the TV. He looks so engrossed, his brow furrowed in concentration. A small smile tugs at my lips. I've been crushing on him since freshman year.

I turn to Maya, who's sitting opposite me. "Ready for Truth or Dare?" I ask, trying to sound casual.

Maya shrugs, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Bring it on."

POV: MAYA

Mawang's eyes sparkle with excitement, but I can't help but feel a pang of apprehension. This game always gets intense. I try to push the feeling aside, focusing on the playful banter with my friends.

"Truth," I declare, hoping to steer clear of any embarrassing dares.

Mawang smirks. "Truth. Who's the one guy you're currently crushing on?"

My heart skips a beat. This is it. The moment of truth. I glance at Seonghwa, who's still glued to the basketball game, oblivious to the drama unfolding at our table.

POV: MAWANG

Maya hesitates, her eyes darting around the room. Finally, she whispers, "Seonghwa."

My stomach plummets. The cheerful atmosphere in the cafeteria suddenly feels heavy. I try to maintain my composure, but the forced smile feels stiff on my face.

POV: MAYA

The moment I utter Seonghwa's name, the air seems to thicken. Mawang's smile falters, and a flicker of something akin to pain crosses her face. I instantly regret my honesty. I should have lied.

POV: MAWANG

I force a laugh, trying to play it off. "Oh, wow. Seonghwa, huh? He's definitely popular."

Maya nods, her gaze fixed on her hands. "Yeah, he is."

POV: MAWANG

The rest of the game is a blur. My mind keeps replaying Maya's confession. The cheerful atmosphere has vanished, replaced by an awkward silence. I can't seem to focus on anything else.

Seonghwa, oblivious to the tension, continues to watch the game, completely unaware of the emotional turmoil he's caused.

INT. COLLEGE CLASSROOM - DAY

Mawang is sitting in her usual seat, her eyes fixed on the professor. However, her mind is elsewhere. She can't help but steal glances at Maya and Seonghwa, who are engrossed in a lively conversation.

POV: MAWANG

A pang of jealousy shoots through her. The way they laugh together, their easy banter, it's almost painful to witness. She's always admired Seonghwa from afar, but now, seeing him interact so naturally with Maya, she feels a growing sense of envy.

MAWANG (thinking): Why does she get to have all the fun? Why can't I be the one laughing with him like that?

POV: MAYA

Maya and Seonghwa are discussing a recent assignment, but their conversation soon turns to lighter topics. They share a laugh, a comfortable silence falling between them. Maya can't help but feel a flutter in her stomach. She's always been drawn to Seonghwa's intelligence and kind nature.

SEONGHWA: "That's a great idea, Maya. I hadn't thought of that."

MAYA: "I'm glad I could help. I'm really looking forward to working on this project with you."

She glances across the room and notices Mawang staring at them. There's a flicker of something in Mawang's eyes - a mix of jealousy and resentment. Maya feels a pang of guilt. She knows Mawang also has feelings for Seonghwa, but she can't control her own emotions.

MAYA (thinking): I feel bad for Mawang. I know she likes Seonghwa too. But I can't help how I feel.

POV: MAWANG

Mawang can't bear to watch them any longer. She excuses herself to the restroom, hoping to escape the overwhelming emotions.

MAWANG (muttering to herself): I need to get a grip on myself. I can't let this consume me.

As she washes her face, she tries to calm herself down. She knows she can't let her feelings consume her. She needs to find a way to move on.

MAWANG (thinking): Maybe I should just avoid them altogether. Or maybe I should talk to Seonghwa and tell him how I feel. But what if he doesn't feel the same way? That would be even more painful.

She sighs, her heart heavy with disappointment.

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