Burned Matches

a c h i l l i n i g h t

I wasn't usually the center of attention, but tonight was different. Everybody's eyes were all on me, on us. They were cheering so hard that they didn't notice how I was utterly disgusted with me french kissing a stranger.

Before that happened, this is how every party goes in my mansion.

Neon lights flickered upon swaying bodies and mingling guests. A trendy music echoed the room as the DJ produced his beats.

Everyone's having fun at the party although it wasn't just an ordinary party. It's the party. It's a high school back-to-school "gathering" yearly hosted by the one and only me.

Despite the enjoyment of every student, I stood at the balcony, away from the noise and fun. I preferred the relaxing view from up here. My hair gently blown by the wind. The serenity vanished when a student tapped my shoulder.

"Celine, what are you doing here?" The girl's expression was in shock.

"I was--"

She didn't let me finish the sentence, grabbed my wrist, and started pulling me inside.

"We don't want the party host to miss the fun of truth or dare." She giggled.

Truth or dare is not even about the fun anymore. In our school, students use this game for gossips to keep the rumor mill functioning.

I didn't protest anymore and smiled to keep the mood light.

"Hey, Celine! There you are!" One girl from english class before greeted.

"What's taking maddison so long in the bathroom?" Abigail impatiently asked. She seemed eager to start the game.

"Probably shitting herself."

Their voices became a blur once I sat across a guy. My hormones squealed at how good-looking he is, especially when he shook his head at the stupid response of the junior. I took five seconds before realizing my best friend was nudging me.

"Where have you been?" Concern was written all over her face.

"Just got some fresh air on the balcony." I shrugged.

"Boring." Wesley chimed in.

"You're such a douchebag. Maybe, that's why Veronica doesn't still allow you to kiss her." I joked.

Veronica snickered, but Wesley being the arrogant he was, made a comeback.

"I can do this though." He wrapped his arms around her.

A blush crept up on the cheeks of my best friend, and it complimented her tan skin.

"Madison's here!"

I motioned for her to seat beside me and madison quickly took the spot. I couldn't resist being the third wheel anymore. I didn't want to die early of the PDA between my best friend and close guy friend.

"What did I miss?" Madison asked.

"Well, we all think you've been pooping for too long." the same junior answered.

His fellow juniors are the only ones entertained by his dry humor.

"Do you want me to punch that guy for you?" I leaned on her ear.

"Nah, his face already looks f****d up." She whispered back, making me laugh.

The game started with challenging dares and intriguing truths until it was my turn.

"Celine, truth or dare?"

I didn't want to risk my dare pass on the first round so I answered, "truth."

"Who will you most likely smash in this room?"

Everyone anticipated for my response.

I discreetly look at him, hoping he'll blurt out his name, so I knew exactly what to answer.

'Mike', Abigail mouthed.

"Mike."

They howled like werewolves gone wild. When our gazes locked, you smiled at me, but it didn't reach your eyes.

The first round was completed and another round started. I was next.

"Since you picked truth awhile ago, it's time for you to do a dare."

I dreaded on what challenge he's going to let me to. I'm inconvenient with dares and their underlying consequences.

"I dare you to lick a chili sauce."

Oh, that's easy.

"On the tongue of the person across you."

Or not.

"What?" I didn't know if i'm going to be pissed off with the extremity of the dare, or happy because mike was the guy across me.

However, the next thing Mike said disappointed everyone, including I. At the same time, relief washed over me, thinking the dare might be altered.

"Bro, I don't mean to be a major buzzkill but I'm allergic to chili sauce."

While series of groans were heard in the circle, I was busy replaying four words that crashed my hormones in discontentment.

Mike's allergic to chili sauce.

He's allergic to chili sauce.

He's allergic to chili—

"I volunteer. I'm kinda across her anyway." The guy made a creepy wink towards my direction.

"Wait what?! No way i'm doing it." Being the kill joy I was, I waved my hands dismissively.

But... I still ended up doing it after lots of complaints and persuasion from the circle.

There were certainly butterflies in my stomach; butterflies throwing up from the essence of this guy's tongue. I would've liked it if he was my type.

"Way to go, Ashton!" one yelled.

I just diverted my attention by focusing on the chili sauce on your tongue. I didn't waste any second savoring the spiciness of the condiment. Instead, I rushed the whole thing, making my face feel hot. When there was no sauce left, I immediately let go and fanned my burning tongue.

Veronica rushed to me with a glass of water, and I drank the water in one gulp.

When I glanced at your direction, there was a hint of amusement in your eyes. I glared at you for clearly enjoying this. In that moment, I knew we wouldn't get along.