you're completely unaware of ni-ki's feelings for you, which have been strong for a long time because you've been so focused on trying to get his friend's attention, your crush.

you talk a lot about your crush when talking to ni-ki and asking him for help getting close to him; he always refuses and tells you that his friend will never like you, but the truth is every time you mention his friend, it stings a little more for him, but he doesn't want to complicate your friendship.

deep down, he wishes you could see how much he cares for you and that he's been there all along, supporting you despite his own heartache.

one night, one of your friends threw a party. you convinced ni-ki to go with you because you also want him to have fun and not just stay cooped in his room studying all the time. since he can't say no to you, he agreed.

you two arrived at the party, and when you found his friend in the crowd, you giggled while ni-ki just rolled his eyes at you. he's always been like this, so you brushed it off, too caught up in your excitement to notice his discomfort.

as the night progressed, you and ni-ki joined your friends gathered around a table for drinks. the atmosphere was lively, laughter echoing, and you couldn't help but steal glances at your crush while ni-ki is just quiet beside you, seeing how you light up every time you look at his friend. each giggle and shared glance between you and your crush felt like a dagger to ni-ki's heart, but he masked his feelings with silence.

after a while, your friends suggested playing truth or dare. the atmosphere play lively, laughter echoing as friends took turns revealing secrets or completing dares.

when it was your turn, you chose 'dare,' and your friends giggled as they dared you to kiss the person you had a crush on. you immediately looked over at your crush, heart racing, and ni-ki's expression darkened slightly.