Part 3Not Your Practice Run

In a dim corner of the VIP room, Liam and the school's "IT girl," Chloe, were sitting pressed against each other.

Chloe was wearing a crop top and a tight denim skirt that accentuated her tiny waist and long legs.

The two of them had clearly isolated themselves from the rest of the group.

They were whispering so closely they were practically rubbing cheeks.

Even though the screen, the thick, palpable tension between them was suffocating.

My chest tightened uncontrollably.

He said this afternoon he wanted to go after her. Looks like he already caught her tonight.

During a game of Truth or Dare, Chloe pulled a card demanding she lie on the floor while a guy did pushups over her.

Unsurprisingly, Liam volunteered immediately.

The crowd went wild.

Blushing, Chloe lay down obediently on the sofa.

Liam hovered above her, easily knocking out dozens of pushups.

He was very restrained the whole time, trying his best not to let his body touch hers.

Until the very last one. I don't know if his arms gave out, or if he did it on purpose.

He collapsed, his entire body pressing directly on top of Chloe's.

The screams and cheers around them nearly blew the roof off.

Both of their faces turned crimson.

Amidst the chaotic chanting, Liam simply lowered his head and kissed her.

They made out like nobody else was in the room.

It lasted for three whole minutes before they reluctantly pulled apart.

For those agonizing three minutes, I stared blankly at the screen, forgetting how to breathe.

My heart felt like it was being ripped open.

I wanted to cry, but I had cried so much that afternoon without drinking any water. I physically had no tears left.

"Tsk, tsk. Did you see that, Maya? There was literally a string of saliva when they pulled apart. He's obsessed."

Harper sighed and flipped the camera, walking out of the noisy room.

She found a quiet corner in the hall and looked at me seriously.

"Don't be mad at me, Maya. I knew if I didn't make you watch it with your own eyes, you'd never give up on him."

My throat was parched. The words I forced out sounded rusty.

"Yeah. I'm not mad at you."

I was mad at myself for being an idiot for so many years.

I thought just because I was the only one allowed to stay by his side, that spot belonged to me.

"I just can't stand him," Harper vented. "He knows you've been in love with him forever. Why play the innocent boy and string you along, watching you fall deeper and deeper?

"You saw it yourself. I really hope you think this through. Don't let him waste your next four years of college too..."

"I won't, Harper."

I cut her off, stating it calmly.

"I'm not giving myself another chance to be a fool.

"Harper, I've decided. I'm going to Miami with you.

"But you have to promise to keep it a secret for now."