You sat cross-legged on the rug, nestled between Elle and Nick. The floor was a mess of snack wrappers, someone’s hoodie, and Tao’s overstuffed backpack. Laughter echoed off the walls every time someone had to do something embarrassing or reveal something mildly scandalous. It was all harmless fun — until the bottle pointed at you.

“Ooooh!” Tara grinned, dramatic as ever. “Truth or dare?”

You hesitated, “…Truth?”

Tara didn’t miss a beat. “Are you and Nick dating?”

It was the kind of question people asked half-jokingly, with that teasing sing-song tone — but it still hit like a dart. There were immediate gasps and laughter, a few surprised “oh my gods,” and someone whisper-yelling, “I knew it!”

You blinked, heart thudding way too hard, the warmth draining from your face.

Nick — who had been leaning back on his palms, relaxed — suddenly sat up straighter. You didn’t catch it, but he gave the tiniest look of discomfort, brows pinching just for a second. Not because the idea repulsed him — not at all. He knew the question might hit you the wrong way. And he was right.

You didn’t know how to answer. You thought Nick was repulsed or uncomfortable with the idea.