After the wedding ended, the six friends gathered in the garden of Jacob and Camila's home. The soft, warm lighting gave the place a cozy and intimate feel. Everyone sat in a circle around a small table, where the remains of cake and some refreshing drinks lay.
Emma raised her glass of juice with excitement, "Alright, since we're all here, let's kick off the night with a classic... Truth or Dare?"
Everyone exchanged glances before Jacob shook his head with a smile. "Emma, I don't want to ruin such a perfect night!"
Emma laughed, "Too late! The game's already begun!"
Jacob's Turn — Truth
All eyes turned to Jacob when he chose "Truth." Camila smirked and asked, "Alright then, when did you realize you couldn't live without me?"
Jacob laughed, gently took her hand, and said warmly, "From the moment you walked into my life. But I realized it a little too late. I just couldn't imagine my days without you."
Everyone smiled admiringly. Camila placed her hand on her chest and joked, "Oh my God, Jacob's making me fall for him all over again!"
Lara's Turn — Truth
When it was Lara's turn, she also picked "Truth." Emma looked at her eagerly, "Okay, do you have feelings for someone but you're too afraid to admit it?"
Lara nearly choked in shock. She took a sip of her juice and looked away nervously. "What kind of question is that? No comment!"
Everyone laughed as Mike, clearly more interested than anyone else, said, "Lara, the game doesn't allow skipping!"
She shrugged. "Well, I'm skipping anyway. Let's move on!"
Mike's Turn — and the Unexpected Happens!
When it was Mike's turn, he picked "Dare." Victor grinned mischievously, "Alright, here's a simple one... say something you've been hiding for a long time from someone here."
Silence fell. Everyone stared at Mike, waiting. He looked hesitant, ran a hand through his hair, then lifted his head and locked eyes with Lara, who stared back in confusion.
He spoke with a seriousness unfamiliar to his usual playful tone, "Lara... I've liked you for a long time. But I was too scared to say it out loud."
Lara's eyes widened. Her hands trembled slightly as she dropped them into her lap. Emma nudged Victor, whispering excitedly, "He actually did it!"
Lara couldn't speak at first. Then she whispered, "Is this some kind of joke, Mike?"
He shook his head, completely serious. "No. I mean it. Maybe I've been a fool, but I don't want to miss the chance for you to know the truth."
Everyone turned to Lara, waiting. Her heart raced. After a moment of tense silence, she finally sighed, looked up at him, and said:
"Mike... why did you take so long?"
A faint smile appeared on her lips, hinting at something she had kept hidden. Mike was stunned, then let out a light laugh. "So... does that mean I have a chance?"
Lara laughed and shook her head. "I think so, you fool."
Everyone burst into applause. Victor clapped Mike on the back, "Finally! I was going crazy watching this endless back-and-forth between you two!"
Later in the garden...
After the game ended and laughter continued, Lara felt the need for some air. She quietly stepped away from the group and walked to the edge of the garden, where the breeze gently brushed her face.
Mike noticed her absence and followed her silently. He stood beside her, hands in his pockets, smiling softly.
Mike: "You okay? I didn't expect your reaction to be... that calm."
Lara (smirking): "What did you expect? That I'd scream and run off?"
Mike laughed and shook his head, then replied more quietly, "I expected anything... except this."
Lara looked at him for a moment, then said softly, "Mike, you're an idiot... but you're an idiot I love."
His eyebrows shot up before a huge smile spread across his face. "Was that an official confession?"
Lara (playfully shy): "You can take it that way... but don't expect it to be easy!"
Mike (dramatically): "Oh, so I have to fight for your heart, huh?"
Lara (with a wink): "Exactly."
He looked at her for a moment, then gently reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "That's okay... I'm ready for anything, as long as it's you in the end."
Lara stood still for a second, then lightly shoved his shoulder. "Enough drama. Let's go back before they think we ran off!"
Mike chuckled as he followed her, his heart pounding like never before. This time, it wasn't just a fleeting feeling... it was the start of something real.
⸻
To be continued...
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