When Sarah’s FaceTime call lights up my screen, I’m sprawled across my bed in my hoodie, restless.

Normally, I’d be sending a few texts to Luna, trying to find some excuse to see her, even if just for a minute. But she’s tied up and she won't talk to me since the stupid incident with Margaret, and here I am, left with this strange feeling, like something’s missing.

“Naomi!” Sarah’s voice crackles through my phone speaker, pulling me out of my thoughts.

She’s grinning, eyes gleaming with that knowing, mischievous look I’ve seen way too many times.

I roll my eyes, trying to keep my expression blank. “What?”

“Oh, nothing.” She leans in, her smirk widening. “Just wondering how the love life’s going.”

“Unbelievable.” I try not to laugh, but it slips out anyway.

“Don’t play coy with me. You’re practically glowing. Spill it.”

“It’s really not a big deal.” I try to sound casual, brushing her off. “We’re just hanging out, you know? It’s not like I’m... in love or anything.” I say it a little too fast, and Sarah’s grin only grows.

“Uh-huh,” she says, dripping with sarcasm. “So you’re saying you haven’t thought about her a thousand times today?”

I try not to smile, but it’s a lost cause. I can’t lie to Sarah even if I wanted to.

“Maybe I think about her sometimes,” I admit, picking at a loose thread on my comforter. “She’s fun to be around. It's nice, I guess.”

Sarah arches an eyebrow, not buying it.

“Just nice, huh? You’re practically blushing, Naomi.”

I let out a sigh, sinking back into my pillows.

“It’s not like that, Sar. It’s all part of the dare, remember?”

But Sarah’s expression softens, even though there’s still that teasing glint in her eye.

“Naomi, you started this whole thing to mess with her, but look at yourself now. You’re happier. You’re practically floating every time she texts you. So, you can’t honestly tell me it’s still just a game.”

I feel something twist in my stomach, and for a second, I don’t know what to say.

The dare—that’s how it all began.

Just a silly, stupid challenge to see if I can date someone for three months. But somewhere along the way, things got complicated.

Now, all I can think about is her laugh, her pretty face, her kisses and her hands on my body.

Every time we’re together, it feels like I’m falling deeper into something I wasn’t supposed to.

“Look,” I mumble, trying to brush it off, “it’s still just a dare. Nothing’s changed.”

Sarah sighs, as she studies me.

“Naomi, it’s okay to actually feel something real. It doesn’t make you weak, or any less. And honestly, you seem happier these days.”

I try to ignore the flicker of warmth in my chest at her words.

“Maybe I do like being around her,” I say slowly, as if saying it too fast will make it true. “But it’s just... complicated. Dad would freak if he knew I was getting distracted. He’s already breathing down my neck about Harvard shit.”

Sarah rolls her eyes.

“Your dad’s been on your case since forever, Naomi. That’s not new. But don’t you think you deserve something that’s just for you? Something that makes you happy?”

I hesitate, her words digging deeper than I’d like to admit. “It’s... it’s not that easy.”

She sighs, her tone softening. “Fine, deny it all you want. But don’t come crying to me when you’re head over heels and it’s too late to back out.”

I scoff, but I know she’s probably right. The truth is, the idea of falling for someone terrifies me.

It’s easier to pretend it’s all part of some dare than to admit how much I actually care about her.

Sarah’s face softens, and for once, she’s not smirking or teasing.

“You’re stubborn, I get it. But at least tell me what happened with Luna at dinner.”

I vaguely texted her that something happened but never got into detail.

The memory rushes back, and I groan, covering my face with my hands.

“It was a disaster,” I admit. “Margret just had to make it worse. She told Luna she was just another fling. I feel like an idiot.”

Sarah’s expression shifts from curiosity to concern. “Oh, Naomi... that sucks. And Luna just... sat there?”

I nod, my throat tightening. “Yeah. She tried to say something after, but it was too little, too late, you know? I didn’t know what to think.”

“Want me to talk to her?” Sarah offers, her voice gentle, and for a second, I’m tempted.

Sarah’s always been my go-to for tough situations, the one who’s willing to fight my battles when I don’t have the energy. But I shake my head, forcing a smile.

“No. I don’t want her thinking I can’t handle my own problems,” I say, trying to sound stronger than I feel. “Besides, it’s between me and Luna. I’ll figure it out.”

Sarah nods, though she doesn’t look convinced. “Just don’t let Margret mess with your head. If Luna’s really into you, she’ll make it right.”

I nod, but doubts still cling to me.

After Sarah and I hang up, I lie back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. I don’t want to let Margret get to me, but she’s right.

Luna is just a name on the list. That's what all this is about right?

A stupid dare.

And I'd be damned if I lost because I caught feelings.

I toss and turn, replaying the conversation with Sarah over and over.

She’s right—I’m happier. I’ve felt more alive these past few weeks than I have in ages, and it’s all because of Luna.

But if I let myself admit that... if I let myself truly feel something for her, then I’m risking everything. Goals, reputation, family, heart.

But maybe I do deserve something that’s just for me.

Maybe Luna could be that something.