Used as "Practice" Then Kissed? I'm Done with Him!

Chapter 3

In the darkest corner of the private room, Ryan and Claire, the school's resident beauty, were sitting way too close for comfort.

Claire was wearing a crop top and tight jeans tonight, her slim waist and long legs on full display, effortlessly drawing all eyes to her.

The two of them were clearly isolated from the rest of the group, wrapped up in their own world. They barely talked, but when they did, it looked like they were exchanging flirtatious whispers, the chemistry between them nearly palpable.

My chest squeezed with a feeling I couldn't shake.

Just this afternoon, Ryan had told me he wanted to pursue Claire. By the looks of things, he'd already gotten exactly what he wanted.

The game of "Truth or Dare" went on, and Claire drew a card that made her do push-ups with a guy on top. Unsurprisingly, Ryan was the first to volunteer.

The room erupted in laughter and teasing.

Claire's face turned crimson as she lay down on the couch, trying to stay cool.

Ryan got into position and started doing push-ups effortlessly, his arms strong and controlled. He was being so careful, almost too careful, avoiding any accidental touch with her.

But on the last push-up, whether it was because he was too tired or just felt like it, he collapsed directly onto Claire.

The room went wild, the screams getting louder, the air thick with excitement.

Ryan and Claire were both red-faced, looking like they wanted to crawl into a hole. But amidst the chaos, Ryan bent his head and kissed her.

It was no sweet peck. No, it was a full-on, passionate kiss that lasted a full three minutes.

I stared at the screen, frozen in shock. It felt like everything around me had disappeared. I almost forgot to breathe.

My heart was being torn apart.

I wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn't come. I'd already cried too much earlier, my throat dry, my eyes empty.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk… Mia, did you see that? Full-on French kissing. Tongue and everything. He's so into her now."

Lily's voice came through, pulling me from my daze. She turned the camera away and stepped out of the room, finding a quieter spot. Then, she spoke to me seriously.

"Mia, don't hate me. If I didn't show you this, you'd never let go. Now you've seen it for yourself. It's time to face the truth."

I could barely get the words out, my voice rough.

"Mm, I'm not mad at you."

I wasn't angry at her. I was angry at myself for being so foolish.

For all these years, I'd convinced myself that as long as I stuck by Ryan's side, I'd eventually win a place in his life. That spot next to him? I thought it would always be mine.

"I just can't stand Ryan," Lily said, her voice filled with frustration. "What gives him the right to keep you around, knowing how you feel, pretending to be this innocent guy while you fall deeper and deeper for him?"

She paused, the words hanging heavy between us.

"Now you've seen it. Please, don't let him waste any more of your time. Not during college, not ever."

"I won't, Lily."

I interrupted her, my voice steady even though my heart was breaking.

"I won't give him another chance."

There was a long pause on the other end before I spoke again, more quietly but with conviction.

"I've made up my mind. I'm going to Florida with you for college."

"And Lily, promise me you'll keep this a secret. Just for now."