“I’m straight,” he clarified, “Just demisexual.”
“What’s that…” Sydney wondered.
“Basically I’m only attracted to someone once I’ve established an emotional connection with them,” he explained.
“I didn’t know that,” Beck commented.
“I don’t know a lot about you latelyeither, so.” Wyn glanced down at his feet.
“So how many girls?” Jax questioned again.
“Hm, three,” he recalled, and I couldn’t help but damn near choke on my drink. “What?”
His eyes glanced over at me with a glimmer of hurt almost at my reaction. Like of all people he’d expected to have something to say about his history, he didn’t think it would’ve been me.
“Hell yeah, man!” Cahya cheered, patting him on the back. “I told you he pulls a lot of girls.”
“Damn, Wyn, didn’t know you were quite the playboy.” Sydney chuckled.
“Oh ew!” Jiwon gagged. “I did not sign up to hear about how many chicks my brother is screwing, next topic!”
Then it was my turn. “Dare,” I said, trying to sound braver than I felt.
A wicked grin spread across Sydney’s face. “I dare you to hold Wynter’s hand for a minute.”
I froze. My eyes shot to Wynter, who was already looking at me, his expression calm. He gave me the faintest smile, extending his hand in invitation.
Taking a deep breath, I placed my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his palm against mine. He squeezed my hand gently, reassuringly, and I felt my nerves settle. The others were laughing and nudging each other, but for me, the world felt a little quieter, like there was just us.
“Okay that’senough.” Cahya cleared his throat, “Syd was just messing around.”
As the game continued, I felt a slight, uncomfortable twinge in my stomach. I ignored it at first, trying to stay focused on the laughter and dares around me. But soon, the discomfort grew sharper, and a creeping sense of dread washed over me. I had an idea of what was happening, and I wanted nothing more than to disappear.
Carefully, I pulled my hand from Wynter’s and slipped away, hoping no one would notice. But as I reached the edge of the yard, I heard footsteps behind me.
“Yesoh?”
I turned, cheeks burning as I found Wynter standing there. His expression was soft, his voice low. “Are you okay?”
“I—I’m fine,” I stammered, trying to brush him off. “Just need a moment.”
But Wynter didn’t buy it. He glanced at me, then at the way I was holding my arms tight around myself. Understanding flickered in his eyes.
“Wait here,” he said, slipping off his fluffy white sweater and handing it to me.
“I can’t accept this, it’ll get stained,” I warned him.
“Who gives a shit?” He sighed, and I hesitantly accepted it, because what choice did I have?
I moved toward the bathroom as quickly and quietly as possible, heart racing. The night had been perfect so far—just us and the warmth of the campfire, everyone laughing like kids. And now? Now, this had to happen. I glanced down and saw the rush of red dripping down the leg of my white shorts—some had dried and stuck to my skin.
It was moments like that I wished I had my mother with me; she would know what to do.
A light knock on the door startled me. Wynter’s voice came through, calm and steady. “Hey, Yesoh? Are you alright?”
My heart sank even further. “Yes! I’m fine!” I called out, trying to sound casual, though my voice wobbled a bit.
“Are you certain?”
