All Chapters of Built with a Dare, broken by the Truth: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Carlson’s POVI leaned back in the driver’s seat, fingers drumming against the steering wheel. The engine purred low, steady, unlike the rhythm in my chest.Then I saw him..Randy stepped out of the dorm, pulling his bag over one shoulder. He hesitated for a second, like the air itself was heavier outside. His friends crowded at the window behind him, watching, whispering, laughing like kids at a circus. While his trying to control his steps and act normal well that didn't drift my attention.But rather,my eyes stayed on him.He looked… different. Not dressed up, not plain either. Just,trying. Like he’d thought about it longer than he wanted to admit.I smirked. So he had been nervous. Should I tiss him a little or just let him be for now .The sight of him walking toward me, cautious but determined, did something sharp to my chest. For a moment, I almost rolled down the window, almost said something casual to break the tension. But I stopped myself.No,Let him come closer, Let him ma

Randy's povThe air outside the exam hall was thick with tension. Students clutched notes to their chests like they were sacred scrolls, eyes darting frantically across highlighted pages as though cramming in the last few minutes would make a difference.Sandy was the most dramatic of all. “If I fail this paper, I’m quitting school and becoming a farmer. At least yams don’t judge.” She groaned, collapsing against the wall.Brian rolled his eyes. “Relax, Sandy. You say this before every test and somehow you always scrape through.”“Scrape through is not the same as pass with glory!” she shot back, swatting him with her notebook. “I need glory.”I laughed weakly, though the knot in my stomach didn’t ease. It wasn’t just exam nerves, it was the thought of Carlson. His words from last night echoed in my head. “Promise me you’ll give your best. I’m rooting for you.”As if summoned by my thoughts, Carlson appeared, standing tall among the crowd of frantic students. He wasn’t carrying any bo

Carlson’s POVI waited for Randy’s text longer than I’d ever admit. The library lights were already dimming by the time my phone buzzed.Heading out now.Two words. Always two words with him.I pocketed the phone and headed toward the gate, expecting to see him alone, flustered as usual.Instead, I froze.A tall guy was walking beside him,too close, too comfortable. Randy was smiling at something he said, and I didn’t like the way it looked. Not one damn bit.Leaning against my car, I forced a grin to mask the sour twist in my stomach. No way was I letting this guy see me rattled.“Randy.” My voice cut across the space before they reached me. “You’re late.”Randy blinked, startled. The guy narrowed his eyes like I’d caught him stealing.“I was just keeping him company,” he said smoothly. “No harm in that, right?”Hands in my pockets, I let my smile sharpen. “Depends. I promised to drive him home. Not you. You’ve got legs,use them.”Randy, looking flustered, rushed to explain. “This is

Friday NightThe last exam was finally over, and Randy felt a weight lift from his chest. That evening, as planned, he made his way to Carlson’s place, his heart thudding hard against his ribs. Standing by the door, contemplating, if he should ring the bell or just turn back. He took a deep breath, and rang the bell. and The door swung open instantly. revealing Carlson leaning casually against the frame, as if he had been there ever since watching me panic. I looked up to him and his lips already curved into that infuriating smile.“You’re late,” he teased.I rolled my eyes, brushing past him into the apartment. My eyes swept the room, shelves lined with trophies, a desk stacked neatly with books, and one photo frame turned facedown as though hiding a secret. This was Carlson’s private world, and being inside it made my pulse quicken.This wasn't my first time coming into his luxurious condo but rather my second time but everything seems like I'm seeing it for the first time.Maybe

The morning after the celebration, the group scattered, each of us carrying our own secret warmth. Exams were over, but now came something heavier,holidays, family, responsibilities.Randy’s POVWe all left campus and travelled back home, each heading in different directions. I traveled back home , where home smelled of fresh earth and grain. The farm stretched wide, workers bent over fields while my parents busied themselves with numbers on the veranda table.The first person to spot me was my older sister, Ruth. She ran and hugged me so tight I could barely breathe, drawing attention from my older brother Robbins. Soon, everyone came running, excited to see me.My mom gushed over how grown I’d become, while my sister clung to me as if she didn’t want to let go. My brother carried my things inside the house.“Son, come in,” my mom said proudly. “I’ve prepared some of your favorite meals, and everyone’s waiting before we can eat.”Dad patted my shoulder before walking into the house