The night hummed with girlish laughter and the rustle of sleeping bags on the floor. A circle of pillows had formed around a bowl of popcorn and a deck of cards, the girls buzzing with the reckless energy only a slumber party could breed.
"Truth or dare?" asked Mia, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Dare," whispered Lila, cheeks already pink, though she tried to act casual.
The girls leaned closer, anticipation thickening the air. "I dare you… to kiss Sophie."
The room exploded with shrieks and gasps, muffled by pillows pressed over lips. Sophie's eyes widened, her heartbeat stumbling in her chest. She hadn't expected her name, and certainly not like this.
Lila bit her bottom lip, hesitation flickering before boldness overtook her. She c
