Truth or consequences.

AIDEN’S POV. 

I stood outside Peter’s dorm room with a bottle of wine in my hand, staring at the door like it might judge me for being here.

I never went to people’s dorms. Ever.

And yet, here I was.

Before I could knock, Riss walked up to me. 

“You came,” he smiled. “Didn't think you would make it.”

“I promised Peter. You know I don't joke with my words.”

Riss nodded, and turned to the door. And almost immediately he's eyes was back on me. 

“Wait,” he said, eyes dropping to the bottle. “Is that wine?”

“Yes,” I said simply.

He burst out laughing. “Wine? What are you doing with wine?”

“It’s a gift,” I replied.

Riss laughed harder. “Aiden, we’re just watching movies. If you wanted to bring something, you should’ve brought beers.”

“Well, I thought wine would be nice,” I defended. “I've never been to these kinds of things.”

“No kidding.”

I shrugged. “My dorm is too far. I’m not going back. And besides Peter wouldn't turn down a great wine.”

He shook his head, still smiling. “You’re something else.”

Before he could say more, the door opened and Peter walked out.

He froze when he saw me. “Wow. You actually came.”

I lifted the bottle a little. “I did promise.”

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I can’t blame myself for doubting you. You’ve been in this school for almost four years, and you’ve never been to anyone’s dorm.”

I laughed too. “That’s true. But there is always a first time.”

“Not for someone like you,” Riss teased and walked in. 

“Well,” he said, stepping aside, “come in.”

I walked in and took a quick glance around. It was better than my dorm and more beautiful. 

“Nice place,” I said. “Never knew you were into art.” I turned to him. “Is Daniel into art?” 

“Not this kind of art,” he laughed, looking around too. “Daniel likes dark art. Death… depression…”

I raised a brow. 

“I wasn't comfortable with that kind of vibe so we had a little talk and settled for something less… disturbing,” he explained. 

“Well, I'm glad you guys did. This place looks lovely.”

“Thanks,” he replied, taking the wine from my hand. He leaned closer and whispered, “But beer would’ve been nicer.”

Riss immediately pointed at me. “See? I told you.”

I rolled my eyes and walked in fully. Then I froze, my eyes widened in horror. 

Someone was sitting on the couch, his legs relaxed, flipping through TV channels like he owned the place.

“Ryder,” I growled, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turned his head slowly, saw me, and smiled. Then he winked.

My stomach dropped.

What was he doing here? What in the God's name was Ryder doing here? 

Peter walked in behind me. “Oh, Aiden. I met Ryder earlier and invited him over. I hope you don’t mind.”

Hope I don't mind? You don't ask that after you have already done it. And yes… yes, I mind. This was Ryder, the fucking idiot and soon to be my number one on my hate list. 

I clenched my jaw but forced a smile. “It’s fine. I was going to invite him anyway.”

“Really?” Ryder turned back. 

“Yes,” I growled. 

“Anyways, why didn't you tell me about Peter?” Ryder asked. 

Because he's none of your business. 

“You never asked,” I defended. “But I'm glad you both met.”

I wasn't. 

Ryder nodded in agreement. “Do you know we have a lot in common? We both love pork, and we believe that the world will be a lot better if it was ruled by one person.”

Yeah, God or science… whichever one you believe. 

I turned to Peter. “Just some anime theory we thought would be nice if it happened in real life,” he defended. 

I swallowed and asked, “Where’s Daniel?”

Peter’s smile faded a little. “He bailed last minute.”

Of course he did.

I couldn’t stop the thought from forming. He was probably with that other guy again.

Before I could spiral more, there was a knock on the door.

Peter rushed to open it.

Ava and her roommate walked in. 

“Hey,” I said to Ava. And turned to the girl. “Hi, Cyra.”

She smiled weakly at me, then walked straight to Ryder. 

Ava walked over to me. “Told her that she was going to be getting laid tonight… by Riss,” she whispered. “Do you know she has a huge crush on Riss?”

I didn't answer. 

“She's so not his type. But I needed to get her out of the room,” she added and walked to meet them. 

As she passed me, she smacked my butt.

I jumped. “What the—”

She laughed. “Relax.”

I sighed and went to meet them.

We started the movie, some random action film. No one was really watching.

Halfway in, Ava groaned. “This is boring.”

“Then what do you want to watch?” Peter asked.

“A gay movie,” she said brightly. “They’re hot.”

Ryder snorted. “I don’t watch those.”

Peter turned to him. “You don’t watch gay movies?”

Ryder laughed. “No pleasure in watching two men kiss and make out. I’m more of an action guy.”

Cyra tilted her head. “What about girls p**n?”

“Like I said.” he slowly turned to her. “P**n is for kids.”

“Woah, I have never seen a guy that doesn't watch p**n…” her words trailed off as she slowly turned to me.

Everyone looked at me. 

“Do you watch p**n?” Riss asked.

I swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortably on the seat. “Well… men will be men.”

“That's not an answer,” Ava frowned.

“He watches p**n,” Peter quickly said.

Everyone turned to him in shock — except Ryder. 

“Aiden watches p**n?” Ava asked, shocked.

Ryder scoffed loudly, shaking his head. 

I opened my mouth before I could stop myself. “Can we not talk about p**n?”

The room went quiet for a second. 

Then Ava smiled and winked at me. I rolled my eyes away. 

Riss clapped his hands. “Okay, new idea. Truth or dare.”

Everyone immediately agreed.

They grabbed an empty bottle and sat on the floor in a circle.

Riss looked at me. “Join us.”

“I’m good,” I said, staying on the couch.

The game started and as usual Ava turned it into the most dirtiest true or dare in the world — thankfully, there was no sex.

The bottle spun. And stopped at Ryder.

“Truth or dare?” Cyra asked.

“Dare,” Ryder replied without hesitation.

Cyra smiled slowly. “Kiss someone in the room.”

My heart started pounding.

Ava was sitting right beside him. I was sure he’d pick her.

Ryder scoffed. “Easy.”

He stood up, moved past Ava. Past Cyra.

Straight to Peter.

Then he leaned down and kissed him. Not a short “muah” but a pretty long kiss with tongue. 

That did it. Ryder had already crossed the line.