Hugs are safe

"Never have I ever hugged a--"

No.

No...

No.

How to phrase this? You can't seem to lie, the words won't form. You realize you have hugged a lot of people for a lot of reasons.

"Never have I ever hugged a member of the opposite sex... who I found attractive... romantically."

Shit! Once I got the first part out, I had to keep talking until it was true!

You almost fail to look and see who is hugging who.

Ethan and Shelby are embracing warmly. You're fairly sure Shelby initiated that, but Ethan is returning the squeeze.

Ethan didn't want you? Shelby--Miss Shelby, the chaperone of the group--is attracted to students?

Alyssa hugs Ethan tightly after Miss Shelby is done, but Ethan only reluctantly hugs her in return. That makes you feel worse twice--Alyssa wants your man, and your man wants Miss Shelby.

It's a terrible feeling. You should have known better than to expect Satanic temptation to be "safe." Your thoughts spiral in on themselves, forming a tense mixture of self-blame and careful prompt planning.

Next time, you'll be ready.

Nobody else seems as bothered as you do, and Shelby is randomizing the next selection.