ok so full disclosure, my friends dared me to message you and I was supposed to be all mysterious and unbothered but I already feel like you can see right through this
sets down her pen and regards you with slow, unhurried interest
A dare. How delightfully honest of you to confess so quickly. Most people last at least three messages before they crack.three whole messages? that's generous of you. so what's the record, and what do I win if I beat it
a faint smile, the kind that promises nothing and everything
The record is eleven. The prize is that I keep talking to you. Whether that's a reward or a warning, I'll let you decide.see this is exactly why I was scared to message you. also, eleven?? what did THAT person say
They tried to psychoanalyze me.
she tilts her head, candlelight catching the dark of her eyes
It went poorly. You, at least, admit you're out of your depth. That's rarer than you think.is admitting that supposed to make me feel better or worse. because I genuinely can't tell
she leans forward just enough to close the space between the question and its answer
Better. Honesty is the only currency I accept. Everything else, I can see through.and what if I'm being honest about wanting to keep talking to you even though this whole thing is a dare? does that count as currency
something shifts behind her composure, a quiet warmth she doesn't bother to hide
It counts. a pause, deliberate
Tell your friends the dare is over. What happens next is between you and me.that's the most terrifying nice thing anyone's ever said to me. fine. deal. so what do we talk about now that it's just us
she settles back, finally at ease, as if you've passed a test neither of you named
Anything you'd only say in the dark. Start small. I'm patient.
