CHAPTER 7.    “TRUTH AND DARE”

Zayn let out a low, teasing chuckle, his lips curving into a smirk. 

"Don't worry, you'll see…" he murmured, the cryptic promise only deepening my curiosity. I knew he wouldn't reveal anything, but I couldn't help pushing my luck, hoping he'd slip up.

We pulled up to the party, the car coming to a smooth stop. As we stepped out, a wave of apprehension washed over me. The second my heels touched the pavement, I felt it—every eye was on me, scanning, assessing. The scrutiny was almost suffocating. My pulse quickened, and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. 

My gaze flickered to Zayn, who was already watching me with a knowing look. Without a word, he crossed the distance between us and slipped his hand into mine, the warmth of his touch sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

"H-Hey, let go," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper as I glanced around nervously. "People might get the wrong idea."

His grip tightened slightly, his smirk unwavering. "Well, I don't mind," he said, his tone casual, almost playful.

I frowned, trying to tug my hand free. "Well, I do mind. Not everything revolves around you." But as his intense gaze settled on me, my resolve crumbled. There was something about the way he looked at me, something that left me feeling helpless, like I was tethered to him against my will. It was maddening. 

Together, we walked toward Jenna's house, and I hated how much it felt like I was a puppet, following the pull of my master's strings. It wasn't right, and yet… I couldn't break away.

The second we stepped inside, I yanked my hand from his grip, my skin still tingling from his touch. That's when I saw her—Jessica—striding toward us, her eyes sharp as they flicked between me and Zayn.

"Bella! What a surprise to see you here," Jessica exclaimed, wrapping me in a quick hug, though her gaze lingered on Zayn longer than necessary. I could sense her surprise wasn't because of my presence but because of who I was with. 

"I thought you weren't coming," she said, her voice laced with subtle curiosity. Her eyes, however, were locked on Zayn, as if he was the real reason I had shown up—and she wasn't wrong. But I couldn't admit that.

"Oh, you know," I shrugged casually, forcing a light laugh. "I unpacked faster than I thought, and figured I'd check out the party. I ran into Zayn, and, well… here we are." The lie slipped from my lips effortlessly, like I'd rehearsed it. I was good at this. Too good.

Jessica nodded, though I could tell she wasn't buying it.

 "Well, I'm glad you came. Come on, I've got to introduce you around," she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from Zayn. As I glanced back, he was still smiling—an infuriatingly charming smile that tugged at something inside me, though I desperately tried to ignore it.

Jessica paraded me around the room, introducing me to a blur of faces and names that barely registered. My mind kept wandering, searching for any sign of the one person I had secretly hoped to see tonight. But he wasn't here. Where was he? Had he transferred to another school? The thought gnawed at me, leaving me unsettled.

"Jenna this is Isabella—Bella for short," Jessica's voice broke through my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. "She's my new roommate," she added, with Zayn casually sitting next to her, surrounded by a small group of friends.

And just like that, I was drawn back into his orbit.

"Hi, Bella. Nice to see you," Jenna said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. I could feel the tension between us, though I couldn't put my finger on why she seemed off. Sitting down on the plush three-seater couch, I found myself directly across from Zayn. His intense gaze was like a weight on my chest, but I refused to meet his eyes, choosing instead to focus on the coffee table between us.

"Nice to see you too," I replied, forcing a smile as I tried my best to suppress the urge to flee. I didn't belong here, and every fiber of my being was screaming for the exit.

"So, Bella," Jenna began, her voice laced with faux curiosity, "what made you choose Harvard?"

I hesitated, feeling the eyes of the room fix on me. Honesty won out—at least partially. 

"Well, there's this boy I wanted to reunite with," I admitted softly, watching Jenna's brow raise in interest. Something told me she wouldn't believe the typical "Harvard is the best" response. What surprised me, though, was Zayn's reaction. His posture stiffened, and for the first time since we met, his playful demeanor melted away, replaced by something much more serious.

"Oh really?" Jenna said, her voice tinged with amusement. "What's his name?" Her eyes flicked to Zayn, as if she already knew the answer.

But Zayn could never be him.

"I don't know his real name," I confessed. "I just call him Wonder Boy."

Silence fell over the group for a split second before they erupted into laughter. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I avoided their gazes, sinking deeper into the couch. Yet, amidst the laughter, Zayn remained quiet. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were locked on mine with a seriousness that made my heart stutter.

"Seriously?" Anna chimed in from the other couch, perched on Dustin's lap. "Is he hot?" She giggled, twirling a strand of her hair. I recognized her instantly as the girl who nearly walked in on Zayn and me earlier in that wardrobe.

"I don't know," I muttered, my voice barely audible above their laughter. "It's been years since we were kids."

Their laughter grated on my nerves, each chuckle chipping away at my patience. I could feel my temper flaring, and just when I thought it couldn't get more unbearable, Jenna clapped her hands together, her smile widening.

"Let's play a game! Truth or dare," she suggested, her eyes never leaving Zayn. Was there something between them? The thought gnawed at me.

"Alright, Bella," Jenna began, her tone sing-song, "truth or dare?"

I knew this was a setup. I was the target, and I could feel it. "Truth," I answered, bracing myself.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Jenna asked, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

"Yes," I answered, locking eyes with Zayn. "His name is Justin."

The moment the name left my lips, I saw it—Zayn's entire demeanor shifted. His eyes darkened, the easygoing smirk replaced by a storm brewing beneath the surface. The tension was palpable, and Jenna noticed it too.

"My turn, Bella," Anna cut in, her smile sharp. "Truth or dare?"

"Truth," I said, not trusting where a dare might lead.

"When was the last time you had sex?" Anna asked, her eyes gleaming with mischief. The question hit me like a slap, and I hesitated.

"I… I haven't…" I stammered, the words catching in my throat, the humiliation rising in my chest.

"You haven't what? Wait…" Anna's eyes widened as realization dawned. "Oh my god, you're a virgin?"

The room erupted in laughter again, louder this time. Even Jessica seemed taken aback, though she tried to hide her surprise. The laughter echoed around me, their amusement only heightening my embarrassment. I wanted to disappear.

"Alright, Bella, truth or dare?" Jenna asked again, her expression hardening. There was something behind her eyes now—jealousy. I recognized that look all too well, the same one other girls wore when they saw me with Justin. She was plotting something, and I braced myself.

But this time, I wasn't going to be the victim. 

"I think it's my turn now," I said firmly, my voice steady as I locked eyes with Zayn. 

"Zayn, truth or dare?"

The room stilled as Zayn's gaze met mine. He hesitated for a brief moment before answering, his voice colder, huskier than before. 

"Truth."

I smiled, the question I'd been dying to ask finally spilling from my lips. 

"Zayn, do you like Jenna?"

The tension was electric, the room holding its breath. Zayn didn't even blink.

 "No," he answered without hesitation, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

The others burst into laughter again, but this time, my heart felt lighter, freer. It was as if I had been carrying some invisible burden, and now it had finally lifted. I glanced at Jenna, her face flushed with anger, though she tried to maintain her composure. The satisfaction I felt was almost intoxicating.

"Zayn, truth or dare?" Jenna asked, her smile tight, forced. She was furious, and now, she was going to retaliate. Is she gonna ask Zayn the same question I did, well I don't mind. I don't like him either. My thoughts trailed off as I shrugged like the winner I was.

"Dare," Zayn replied, What! I thought he was going to say….  I gaze at Jenna, she had that same glorious smile I had a while ago. This nasty bitch, what is she gonna dare him to do!!?

Her eyes gleamed with malice. "Zayn, I dare you to French kiss Bella."

The smirk that curled her lips was vicious, and I could feel my own fury rising. My body tensed, my hands clenching into fists. This nasty bitch!