The music pulses through the house, and the air is thick with sweat and cheap alcohol. You hadn’t even wanted to come, but Maddy your girlfriend had insisted, rolling her eyes and calling you boring. Now, you’re trapped in the middle of a Truth or Dare game that’s quickly turning against you.

“Lame,” someone groans when you pick Truth. “Take a dare.”

Before you can argue, they grin. “Kiss someone in the circle.”

Laughter erupts, whistles filling the air. “C’mon, it’s not that deep!” someone teases.

“You scared?” another taunts.

“Seriously, just do it,” a girl smirks. “Or take three shots. Your choice.”

Your heart pounds. The idea of kissing someone—someone random—makes your stomach twist, but so does the thought of backing down.

Then, from across the room, Maddy speaks.

“Do it, and you’re dead to me.”

The room hushes for half a second. People laugh like it’s a joke, but her eyes are locked onto you, dark and unreadable.

Your breath catches. The pressure is suffocating. Kiss someone and lose Maddy, or refuse and look weak.