I couldn’t believe I actually ca. The plan was to stay lowkey, maybe make a couple of acquaintances in class and call it a day. But here I was, standing at the edge of a pool party, surrounded by laughter, splashes, and music. This wasn’t —not even close.
"Fiona!" Tasha’s voice cut through the noise as she waved at from across the pool. "Over here!"
Okay, great. Here cos it all. Was I cut out for this? Certainly not.
I walked over to where she was sitting, smiling nervously as I avoided eye contact with the crowd.
"You ca!" she exclaid, jumping up and hugging like we were long-lost sisters.
"For a mont I didn’t think you’d show," she said, stepping back to look at .
"Well... here I am," I said, trying to sound casual, but my voice betrayed .
Tasha tilted her head, scanning like she was trying to figure sothing out. "You didn’t bring a bikini?"
I froze. "Umm... I’m not exactly a great swimr..."
"Okay, stop!" she said, cutting off before I could finish the excuse. She reached into her bag and pulled out a bikini, holding it up like she’d just solved all my problems.
"Here, I got you," she said, stretching it out toward .
I stared at it, my mind racing. How long had we known each other? A day? Two? I wasn’t sure I was ready to share bikinis with anyone.
"Uhh, Tasha—I..."
"It’s clean, Fiona," she said, rolling her eyes like she’d read my mind. "I bought it for you. Never been worn."
I smiled nervously, feeling awkward but grateful. "Thanks," I said, taking it from her.
"Go inside," she said, pointing toward the house. "There’s a bathroom on the left and a drawer to keep your clothes, okay?"
I nodded, standing up and following her directions. I knew this was a bad idea.
The house was packed. People were everywhere—laughing, talking, drinking, and doing things I’d rather not think about. I passed a girl and guy making out against the wall, and I couldn’t help but cringe. Okay, gross. Why do it openly?
I found the bathroom and slipped inside, locking the door behind . The bikini felt strange in my hands, like it was mocking for even being here.
I changed out of my dress and into the bikini, trying not to overthink. It fit perfectly, which made wonder how Tasha had guessed my size so well. I folded my clothes neatly and placed them in the drawer she’d ntioned.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the bathroom.
I hadn’t even walked far when I bumped into soone.
"Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry," I said quickly, pulling my hair away from my face.
"Wait... Mike?"
He just stared at blankly.
I blinked, trying to process what I was seeing. He wasn’t wearing a T-shirt—just swim shorts and a towel slung over his shoulder. His broad chest and abs were on full display, and I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling like I’d forgotten how to breathe.
Wait—were all these hiding under his shirt all this ti?
"Sorry," he said, his voice snapping out of my thoughts. "Didn’t an to bump into you."
I looked up at him, trying to keep my face neutral. My heart was racing, and I didn’t know why.
I wanted to step away, to remind myself about Nathan, but at the sa ti, I didn’t.
Mike didn’t move closer or say anything else. He just stood there, his gaze steady but not intimidating.
"It’s okay," I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended. "Didn’t expect to... run into you here."
He shrugged slightly, his expression softening. "Didn’t realise it was this sa pool party you were talking about."
I didn’t know what else to say. My mind was a ss—Nathan...Mike standing in front of like so kind of distraction I hadn’t asked for.
Suddenly coming to my senses, I stepped aside, giving him room to walk past.
"See you around," he said, his voice calm.
"Yeah," I said, my heart still beating faster than normal.
I made my way back outside, trying to pretend nothing happened. Tasha spotted imdiately and waved over.
"You look great!" she said, grinning as I sat down beside her.
"Thanks," I said, still feeling a little out of place.
"Co on, relax," she said, nudging lightly. "This is supposed to be fun."
######
Tasha was chatting with a group of people when I sat back down, trying to blend into the background. I figured I’d just hang out for a bit, maybe eat so snacks, and then quietly slip away when no one was paying attention.
But of course, Tasha had other plans.
"Fiona!" she called, grabbing my arm before I could even think about leaving. "We’re playing truth or dare. You have to join!"
"Truth or dare?" I repeated, already shaking my head. "No thanks, I’m good."
"Co on," she said, practically dragging toward the group. "It’s just for fun. No one’s gonna make you do anything crazy."
I gave her a look. "That’s literally the point of the ga."
She laughed, pulling closer to the circle of people sitting on towels and chairs near the edge of the pool. "Trust , it’s fine. You’ll love it."
I highly doubted that, but before I could argue, I was already sitting on the ground, surrounded by strangers.
I don’t know how I let Tasha talk into this. The truth or dare circle felt more like a trap than a ga, with everyone watching and waiting for their turn to get humiliated or embarrassed. The dares were bold, borderline ridiculous, and definitely not ant for the faint of heart.
Tasha was thriving, laughing and egging people on, while I sat back trying to stay invisible.
"Fiona’s turn!" Tasha announced, pointing right at .
I froze, my stomach twisting as every pair of eyes turned toward . "What? No, I’m just here to watch."
"Not a chance," she said, grinning. "You’re in the circle now. Truth or dare?"
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