Chapter 26 – “Campfire Dares”

The campfire crackled, sparks leaping into the night like fireflies on caffeine. Laughter and chatter filled the clearing as everyone circled around the flame, faces glowing orange and gold.

“Alright, everyone!” Mina announced dramatically, standing up with a flashlight like a stage spotlight. “It’s time for Truth or Dare: Summer Camp Edition!”

Groans and cheers rose together.

Riko sipped her hot cocoa suspiciously. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

“Because you know Mina,” Daichi muttered, sitting beside her on a log. Their knees brushed lightly, and both froze. Neither moved away.

Mina smirked. “Exactly. Now, let’s make things fun. No chickening out, no lying, and if you refuse—” She held up a paper cup. “You drink this mystery juice.”

Daichi leaned closer. “What’s in it?”

“Let’s just say it’s… spicy.” Mina winked.

The first few rounds went smoothly — silly dares, minor embarrassments. Someone danced like a frog; another confessed their celebrity crush. Then Mina’s eyes gleamed with devilish intent.

“Daichi,” she said sweetly, “Truth or dare?”

He hesitated. “Uh… truth?”

“Coward,” Riko teased. But her smile faltered when Mina leaned forward.

“Okay then… tell us, is there someone in this group you like?”

The fire popped. Everyone went quiet.

Daichi blinked, scratching the back of his neck. “Wha—What kind of question is that?”

Mina folded her arms. “It’s Truth or Dare, not Avoid and Die. Spill it.”

All eyes turned toward him — even Riko’s, though she tried to act disinterested, staring at the fire like it owed her money.

Daichi sighed, voice low. “Yeah… there is.”

A chorus of ooohs erupted.

Mina grinned. “Name?”

Daichi glanced at Riko, just for a heartbeat — but long enough for her chest to tighten. “N-not telling. Next question.”

“Boo!” Mina laughed. “Fine, half points for bravery.”

Riko’s face felt warm, though she told herself it was just the fire. “You’re terrible at games,” she muttered.

“Better than drinking lava juice,” Daichi shot back, lips twitching.

Minutes passed with more dares — a chicken dance, a piggyback race — until Mina turned her grin on Riko. “Your turn, princess. Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” Riko said without hesitation. Safer.

“Okay.” Mina leaned in. “Who would you not mind sharing your tent with tonight?”

Everyone snickered.

Riko froze.

Daichi almost choked on his drink.

“What kind of question is that?!” Riko sputtered. “We already are sharing a tent!”

“Then you don’t mind~?” Mina teased.

Riko’s face turned scarlet. “That’s—! I—! I mind completely!”

“Sure you do,” Mina sang.

The group dissolved into laughter. Daichi tried not to smile but failed miserably. “You’re really bad at lying.”

“Shut up, Tentmate,” Riko grumbled, hiding her face in her knees.

The game went on, but the air between them shifted — playful, but charged. Every glance seemed longer, every word softer.

Later, after most students drifted off, the campfire burned lower. Only a few embers glowed as Riko and Daichi stayed behind, sitting side by side in the dim warmth.

“Hey,” Daichi said quietly, eyes on the fading flame. “That question Mina asked earlier…”

Riko looked up. “Which one? She asked a thousand.”

“The one about who I liked.”

Her breath caught. “What about it?”

He hesitated, voice barely above the crackle. “I… I wasn’t lying.”

She blinked. “You mean…?”

“I can’t stand seeing you with other guys,” he said softly. “Even when it’s just a joke, it—” He exhaled, shoulders tense. “It makes me crazy.”

The world seemed to pause — only the wind and the faint rustle of the forest answering.

Riko stared at him, wide-eyed. For a moment, words refused to form. Then she laughed lightly, trying to ease the tension. “You’re so bad at being subtle.”

“Guess I’ve had enough of pretending,” he admitted, rubbing his neck. “After everything that’s happened… I just had to say it.”

Her chest felt tight — not from awkwardness, but something warm and terrifying. “Daichi…”

He turned to her, firelight flickering across his eyes.

Riko smiled softly, though her cheeks burned. “Next time, just say it without a dare.”

They sat there in silence — a quiet, beautiful kind — until Mina’s voice called from the tents, “LOVE BIRDS! LIGHTS OUT!”

Riko groaned. “I swear I’m going to strangle her.”

Daichi laughed, standing up and offering his hand. “Come on, Tentmate. Let’s survive another night of her schemes.”

She took his hand — and this time, neither of them let go right away.

> Riko murmured as they walked, “That wasn’t a confession… right?”

Daichi smiled faintly. “If it wasn’t… it’s close enough.”