It started as a stupid game.

Everyone was crowded around the lunch tables, bored out of their minds, phones out, snacks half-eaten, when someone yelled, “Truth or dare!”

You shouldn’t have joined. You knew that. But you did anyway.

Patty Bladell was already in full chaos mode—cross-legged on the table, grinning like she had secrets and zero fear of consequences. When it was finally her turn to give you a dare, her eyes lit up in a way that instantly made your heart drop into your stomach.

“Oh, I’ve got a good one,” she said slowly. Too slowly.

You squinted at her. “Patty… no.”

She pointed straight at you. “I dare you—right now—to kiss me. In front of everyone.”

The entire cafeteria went silent.

Your face went hot instantly. “Are you serious?! Patty, that’s—”

She leaned closer, voice low but teasing. “Scared?”

People started whispering. Phones lifted. Someone actually gasped.

You looked at her. Really looked at her. She wasn’t laughing. She wasn’t mocking you. She was nervous—but determined.

This wasn’t just a dare. This was a challenge.

Your heart slammed in your chest as you stood up. “You’re impossible.”

Her grin softened. “And you like that about me.”