During the entire performance, I couldn't take my eyes off him.
Shawn was glowing under the lights—confident, charming, effortlessly magnetic. Every smile, every movement made my heart do stupid things. I barely noticed anyone else on stage.
After the performance, we all moved to a small after-party nearby. Music played softly, laughter filled the air, and conversations floated around about internships, future plans, and adult responsibilities. Everyone seemed so ahead in life.
Then Brian, being Brian, clapped his hands dramatically.
"Alright, why don't we play Truth and Dare?"
A collective groan followed.
"Aww, not again."
"Play something interesting!"
Mathew laughed. "Why not? It's old, but it always works."
Shawn shrugged. "Okay, but let's change it. No bottle. We'll use cards. Whoever loses the round chooses truth or dare."
That caught everyone's attention.
"Deal," everyone agreed.
The game started. One by one, secrets came out—embarrassing stories, failed crushes, awkward confessions. Laughter, teasing, chaos. Then… it reached Shawn.
My heart started racing.
Someone said, "Okay, we all want to know about your love life."
My ears instantly sharpened.
Yes, I thought. Say it clearly. Because I don't know.
Shawn smiled calmly. "You all already know."
Excuse me? We know? Since when?
Mathew leaned forward. "Bro, obviously we know you're in love."
Shawn nodded. "Yeah. So what else do you want to know?"
That's when it hit.
Ouch.
Like an arrow straight through my chest.
Mathew grinned wickedly. "Alright then—who's the top?"
The group exploded with laughter.
Wait—
WHAT?
Top?
Did I hear that right?
My brain completely froze.
Brian laughed loudly. "Hashtag gay couple goals! Now tell us—top or bottom?"
My world tilted.
My head spun. My thoughts crashed into each other. Shawn's face turned red instantly.
"Guys, stop," he said, embarrassed. "I'd rather take a drink than answer that."
Everyone laughed again. "We already know the answer," someone teased.
I didn't laugh.
I didn't talk.
I didn't move.
I just sat there—silent, stunned, frozen in space and time. Nina kept nudging me, whispering questions, but I couldn't hear her. My mind was completely blank.
That night—and honestly, for the next 24 hours—I was in shock.
Then Nina finally broke the silence.
"Don't you think all handsome boys are gay these days?"
I stared ahead and replied in a robotic voice,
"Yes."
And just like that…
Reality hit me.
Hard.