I didn't mean to look back.
Okay, maybe I did. Just one more look at her.
Suzie. The girl with the wobbly laugh and the eyes that don't hide much.
I was walking ahead with Elena when I paused something made me turn. And there she was, in full action, midair.
"What the-"
She fell like she forgot how legs work.
I didn't even think - Iran, or maybe floated. I don't know. All I remember is her eyes wide open, grass in her hair, and me above her like some superhero from a low-budget film.
"You okay?" I asked.
She blinked.
"Totally. Just checking if gravity still works."
I smirked. Damn, she's funny.
"You fall often?"
Hobby," she said, dead serious.
I almost laughed. Almost. Gotta keep the mystery alive.
I helped her up. Her hand was warm. Soft. For a second, I forgot how to let go.
What the hell was that?
I was NOT supposed to feel this. This isn't some cheesy summer romance. This is just a picnic. Calm down. Marco.
I adjusted my hoodie and looked away. "You alright?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Thanks."
"Anytime."
And then, like a thunderstorm in the middle of a love song...
Scene Flip
Elena
ALRIGHT, PEOPLE." Elena suddenly yelled, clapping her hands. "We are NOT here just to take aesthetic pictures and fall into people's arms!"
The group exploded with laughter.
Suzie nearly turned the color of her iced coffee.
"Elena!" she hissed.
"What? I'm just narrating the scene for the people in the back," she said with a wink. "Anyway, it's getting boring. Time to spice things up. Truth or Dare, everyone! Circle up!"
A groan came from the hoodie guy (aka Kyle).
"Yes, Kyle, you too." Elena snapped. "No mystery boys get a pass.
"Rules are simple," she continued. "You choose Truth or Dare. If you lie or refuse to answer? You drink."
She held up a bottle of fizzy soda mixed with hot sauce and something orange. "Don't ask what this is. Just know you'll regret lying."
Everyone cheered.
Suzie tried to blend into the blanket.
Marco?
He smirked.
Game on