Chapter Four: A Dare, A Kiss, and the Start of Something New

“Tony,” Brian said with a smirk, “you need to stop looking like a haunted painting and live a little.”

That was how the day started.

It ended with chaos, laughter, and a kiss that didn’t belong to either of them—but changed something in Antony all the same.

They were in the school courtyard when Brian dragged him over to two kids lounging under a tree near the science block.

“This is Ari,” Brian said, pointing to a tall, quiet student with short, messy dark hair and a hoodie zipped up halfway in the heat. “And this menace over here is S.R.—which stands for Serina the Reckless.”

“Stands for Superior Ruler, thank you very much,” Serina corrected, flipping her braid over her shoulder with dramatic flair. Her eyes sparkled with constant mischief.

Ari gave a small nod. Reserved. Calm. Tony noticed how she—or he?—kept her hands deep in her pockets and her posture careful. Like she was used to watching more than being seen.

Tony gave a small wave.

“You’re really bringing this guy?” Serina asked Brian. “He looks like he hasn’t smiled since birth.”

“I like him,” Brian said casually. “He’s mysterious. Mysterious is cool.”

Tony blinked, surprised. He didn’t know people could just… say things like that.

Serina narrowed her eyes at Tony. “Fine. But if you’re boring, I’m kicking you out.”

“From… what?” Tony asked quietly, the first words he’d spoken around them.

Serina grinned. “From being part of us.”

That afternoon was like stepping into sunlight after years in shadow.

They snuck into the auditorium and dared each other to climb the rigging above the stage. They flirted with seniors in the art room, where Serina drew a cartoon version of Brian being slapped by a girl and taped it to his back.

Ari didn’t say much. But Tony could tell there was a softness in the way Ari looked at Serina. And an ease in how Ari and Brian moved together—like family, but a quiet kind.

“Cousins,” Brian whispered to Tony when Ari walked off to grab snacks. “Don’t say anything dumb, though.”

Tony raised a brow. “Why?”

Brian shrugged. “It’s not obvious. That’s how Ari likes it.”

Tony said nothing. He understood things that weren’t obvious.

Later that evening, under a fading purple sky, they sat in a circle near the old music building with chips and soda and a stolen speaker playing soft pop beats.

“Truth or dare!” Serina declared, pointing at Brian.

Brian groaned. “You know I don’t back down. Fine. Dare.”

Serina’s grin widened. “Kiss someone.”

“Wow. Subtle,” Ari muttered, sipping from a can.

“Rules?” Brian asked, stretching lazily.

“None,” Serina sang. “Surprise us.”

Everyone stared.

Brian looked around the circle, eyes flicking between Serina, Ari, a few girls nearby, then—

He stood, grinning, and walked over to a girl named Ivy, who had been flirting with him all week. She looked shocked—and delighted.

He kissed her.

Quick, playful. The group erupted in noise.

Even Tony smiled.