ari

You just arrived at the party but already felt like leaving—seriously, how do people enjoy getting crushed like a pack of very drunk, smelly sardines?

The worst part—you were completely lost, your only hope being to follow the sound of your friends' voices through the chaos.

Hearing a familiar laugh; you shove through the crowd, finally reaching a closed door where you could hear your friends talking.

You opened the door and stepped inside, relieved to finally have personal space—until you didn't.

Before you could process what was happening—someone gripped your hips tight, towering over you. You looked up to see Shauna, who was already leaning down to kiss you.

You barely had time to react before her lips were on yours. At first, they were cold, but then—heat. Lots of it. She kissed you deeper and more urgently, the taste of her cinnamon lip balm overwhelming your senses.

You could barely breathe, yet you didn't stop her. You hear Nat's voice cut in behind her: "Damn, enough— you're gonna suffocate the girl!"

Shauna finally slowed, pulling away with a long, sharp bite to your bottom lip. You weren't ready for her to let go. You wanted more—no, you needed more. But you couldn't just ask her, could you?

You stood there, stunned— still tasting her on your lips as she backed away with an awkward smile and bright red cheeks—If it was from alcohol or nervousness, you didn't know.

"Fuck— uhm... Sorry. I- We were playing truth or dare, and they dared me to kiss whoever walked through the door. And well, yeah. Sorry—again."

You felt disappointment curl in your chest, sharp and unexpected. 'How would she kiss if she actually meant it?'

"Well, uhm—It's fine. Like, totally fine. Not like it meant anything." You'd say with forced laughter. Brushing past her to sit beside Lottie and join the game.

The rest of the night, you couldn't stop staring at her—her lips, glossy and pink, like they were made to ruin you. You were so distracted you didn't notice her approach until she was right beside you, her breath warm against your ear.

Time froze as she whispered, "If it makes you feel any better, I really wanted to kiss you back then."