the truth(30)
The warm sun bathed the backyard in golden light as Michael and his friends lounged around, enjoying the rare moment of peace. It was a perfect day—no fights, no responsibilities, just the six of them hanging out like they used to.
Michael leaned back in his chair, arms crossed behind his head, watching Ethan and Alex argue over some pointless topic while Marie rolled her eyes at them. Emily sipped her drink, amused by their antics, while Lisa sat across from Michael, staring at him with narrowed eyes.
Lisa:
"Alright, Michael. I challenge you."
Michael raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly.
Michael:
"To what, exactly?"
Lisa crossed her arms, determination in her eyes.
Lisa:
"A test. We both take it. Whoever scores higher wins."
Ethan snorted.
Ethan:
"Lisa, you do realize Michael barely studies, right? And he still gets top scores."
Lisa huffed.
Lisa:
"I don't care. I want to see if I can finally beat him."
Michael chuckled, leaning forward.
Michael:
"Alright, fine. But let's make it interesting. If I win, you have to admit, in front of everyone, that I'm better than you."
Lisa's eye twitched, but she nodded.
Lisa:
"Fine. But if I win, you have to do whatever I say for the rest of the day."
Michael smirked.
Michael:
"Deal."
Marie sighed.
Marie:
"You two never stop, do you?"
Emily chuckled.
Emily:
"Let them have their fun. It's always entertaining watching Lisa lose."
Lisa shot her a glare before pulling out her phone and opening an online test.
Lisa:
"Let's do this."
The group gathered around as Michael and Lisa took the test in silence, their focus unshakable. Minutes passed, tension rising. Finally, the results popped up.
Michael smirked.
Michael:
"Oh wow, would you look at that? I got a perfect score."
Lisa's face paled as she looked at her own score—barely a 90.
Lisa:
"Impossible!"
Michael leaned back, smug.
Michael:
"Go on, Lisa. Say it."
Lisa gritted her teeth.
Lisa:
"Michael… is… better than me."
The group erupted into laughter, and Lisa groaned, burying her face in her hands.
Lisa:
"Ugh, whatever. Let's do another challenge."
Michael:
"Sure. What's next?"
Lisa took a deep breath, then grinned.
Lisa:
"A sparring match."
The group immediately perked up.
Ethan:
"Oh, this is gonna be good."
Marie:
"Lisa, are you sure? You do remember how this usually ends, right?"
Lisa glared at her.
Lisa:
"I've gotten stronger. I won't lose this time."
Michael smirked, rolling his shoulders.
Michael:
"Alright, let's go."
The backyard transformed into an impromptu battleground as everyone cleared space. Lisa stood opposite Michael, fire in her eyes.
Lisa:
"This time, I won't hold back."
Michael:
"You say that every time."
Lisa lunged forward, throwing a flurry of attacks. Michael dodged effortlessly, his movements smooth, precise. Every punch she threw missed by inches. Every kick was avoided with minimal effort.
Then Michael went on the offensive.
He didn't just beat Lisa—he humiliated her. He was faster, stronger, smarter. Every move she made, he countered instantly. It wasn't even a fight.
Within seconds, Lisa was on the ground, panting, her pride shattered.
Lisa:
"You…!"
Michael smirked down at her.
Michael:
"You done?"
Lisa's face turned red with frustration. She didn't say a word—just stood up, dusted herself off, and stormed off into the house.
Michael chuckled.
Michael:
"Wow. Sore loser much?"
Dakota, who had been watching from the sidelines, smirked.
Dakota:
"Yeah, go on. Be a sore loser, bitch."
The group immediately turned to Michael with wide eyes.
Marie:
"Whoa, Michael. Calm down."
Emily:
"Yeah, that was too aggressive."
Alex:
"What's your problem with Lisa anyway?"
Michael blinked, surprised at their reactions.
Michael:
"What? She's being a sore loser."
Ethan scratched the back of his head.
Ethan:
"Still, man. You were kinda harsh."
Michael shrugged.
Michael:
"I just got too competitive. Yeah, yeah, definitely."
The group exchanged glances but didn't push further. They went on with their day, but something felt… off.
Michael, however, was lost in thought.
"Is Lisa truly evil, or is it her parents? I don't know, but I will have to find out somehow. And I will."
Back in the dungeon, Dakota's group gathered around the fire, the warmth barely pushing back the surrounding cold.
Lucas leaned forward.
Lucas:
"Dakota, can I ask you something?"
Dakota:
"You just did."
Lucas rolled his eyes.
Lucas:
"I mean seriously. About Lisa."
The group looked at Dakota expectantly.
Ava:
"Is she truly evil?"
Dakota exhaled, closing his eyes for a moment before answering.
Dakota:
"Yes. Like I told you, she is. And you will find out in high school."
Liam frowned.
Liam:
"What happens in high school?"
Dakota smirked.
Dakota:
"You'll see soon enough. Trust me, it's coming."
Mia shivered slightly.
Mia:
"You're making it sound ominous."
Dakota:
"That's because it is."
Silence fell over the group as they processed his words. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows across their faces.
Lucas:
"So we just wait, then?"
Dakota:
"You don't have a choice."
Ava frowned.
Ava:
"Why can't you just tell us everything now?"
Dakota:
"Because some things you need to see for yourselves. Just be ready. High school will change everything."
The group exchanged uncertain glances. Whatever was coming, it wouldn't be simple.
And deep down, they all knew—Dakota was right.
As the night went on, both groups continued their lives as normal, but the weight of unspoken truths lingered in the air.
Michael had his own questions, and Dakota had his own answers.
But one thing was certain— soon enough, everything will change. And it did.
Dakota thinking: ok just a few more memories of middle school and we will get into highschool, we're the interesting stuff happen, and the terrible stuff. But it's basically going to be me facing against lisa and her parents... And another person who I would have never expected, and that person ended up... I'm not even going to say it, just saying it is painful for me... And when I watch it again in my memories, it's going to be even more painful.