"I like you."
A sudden voice cut through the air.
A guy stood up shirtless, muscular chest gleaming under the lights, completely drunk.
"So," he smirked, "is that the answer you were looking for?"
"Uhmm…" I muttered, stunned.
My eyes flicked to Axel.
He didn't smile.
He didn't laugh.
He just stared at me.
"Spin the bottle again," someone shouted.
The bottle spun wildly.
"Never have I ever…" the voice dragged, "…loved a guy who has no feelings."
The table exploded with noise.
"Bro..."
I didn't hesitate.
I grabbed the bottle, gulped the drink, and jumped straight into the pool.
Splash.
Laughter followed.
"Looks like someone got her heart broken," someone teased.
I climbed out, water dripping from my hair.
"Okay," they said. "What's your dare?"
I wiped my face.
"Number 06," I said calmly. "Jump into the pool with me."
"06! 06!"
My heart raced.
"Uhmm… that's me," Kaelen stood up.
She leaned close as we jumped together, water splashing around us.
"If you're looking for Axel," she whispered quickly, "that's not his number."
I froze.
"What?"
"It's 09....."
"Time's up!" someone yelled.
We resurfaced.
The bottle spun again.
"Never have I ever worked for a wicked boss."
Josh sighed dramatically.
"This is finally my turn," he muttered before jumping into the pool.
"Who's that wicked boss of yours?" someone laughed.
Josh stared straight at Axel.
"He is..."
"No, no, no," Josh laughed nervously. "I'm not dying today."
He drank again and jumped.
"I dare number 33 to kiss me!"
Cheers erupted.
Kacey stood up.
"Oh… hi," Josh waved awkwardly.
She leaned down, brushed his lips softly, then kissed him gentle but deliberate.
"Time up!" someone shouted.
They pulled apart, eyes lingering just a second longer than necessary.
After several rounds, most people were drunk, soaked, or half-asleep.
Some sprawled on chairs.
Some wandered inside.
Only Axel remained untouched no drink, no stumble, no smile.
"Last round!" someone announced.
The bottle spun.
It landed on Axel.
"Ooooooh!"
"Spit it out," someone laughed. "You're the only one left."
Axel picked up the bottle.
"Never have I...." he began.
Then he stopped.
Silence.
"Game over!" someone declared. "Everyone inside!"
Groans filled the air.
****""
"Josh, let's go," Axel said firmly.
He removed Calliah's arms from around his neck and gently placed her back on the chair.
"Don't go," she whispered, grabbing his hand.
"You're drunk," he said quietly, rubbing his temple.
Her phone buzzed.
He check
📩 Old Witch: Where are you? Come home immediately.
"Shh," she said softly. "You still haven't answered me."
"Calliah…" he breathed.
"What don't you understand?" she asked, head bowed.
"I want a reply."
Another message buzzed.
📩 Old Witch: Where the hell are you? Where is Kacey? Come back within the next hour.
"You need to leave," Axel said, gripping her hand.
"I'm not leaving until I get an answer."
"Oh."
He lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
She slid down, standing by the pool, holding his hand.
"Say something," she whispered.
Her skin prickled with goosebumps.
He lifted her again, ignoring her protests.
"Josh," Axel ordered. "Take Kacey. Now."
Josh quickly helped Kacey up.
"Why won't you answer me?" Calliah cried softly, hitting Axel's chest weakly.
"Just say yes or no," she whispered, tears spilling. "Don't keep me in silence."
"Be quiet," he said, low and controlled. "You'll wake everyone."
He carried her into the room.
"Bring clothes," he ordered Levi.
He tossed them at Josh.
"Don't make a scene."
The door shut.
Inside the Room.....
"Go change," Axel said, dropping the clothes on the bed.
"Axel…" she whispered.
He turned away.
Downstairs, he made a Bloody Mary ice clinking, tomatoes crushed, hands steady despite the storm in his chest.
He returned upstairs.
Calliah sat on the bed, eyes red, hair damp.
"Calliah," he sighed, shaking his head.