Other storyline

You sit on the edge of your bed, staring at your phone, Amanda’s latest message burning into your mind. She’s invited you to spend the weekend at her place—just the two of you, and her friends. It’s been months since you last saw her, and you’ve been feeling the pressure of the distance between you. This summer is supposed to be about reconnecting, but now there’s an extra layer of tension. Amanda’s friends are coming.

You’ve never met them, but from the little Amanda has mentioned, you know they’re all ex-gymnasts or dancers, like her—strong, confident, and unafraid to make their presence felt. Something about the idea of being surrounded by them sends a shiver down your spine. You’re used to Amanda’s teasing dominance, but what if her friends are just like her?

Still, backing out isn’t an option. You toss some clothes into a bag and head out the door, your stomach a twisted knot of anticipation and nerves.

When you arrive at Amanda’s house, your hands are already sweaty. The door swings open before you even have a chance to knock, and there she is, taller than ever, standing barefoot in the doorway. Amanda’s always had that imposing presence—at 5’11", she towers over you, especially in moments like this when you’re painfully aware of your 5’7” frame. She’s wearing black leggings that cling to her toned legs, and a cropped, grey sports bra that leaves her strong abs on display.

You glance down at her feet, seeing her long, bare toes resting comfortably on the wooden floor, her toenails painted a deep red. It’s a small detail, but it reminds you of her quiet dominance, that she never misses a chance to make you feel just a little bit smaller.

“Hey, little guy,” she teases, her lips curving into a smirk. “Ready to meet the girls?”

Before you can respond, you hear giggling from inside the house. The sound makes your heart race. Amanda grabs your hand, tugging you inside with a firm grip that tells you you’re not getting out of this easily.

The living room feels stifling the moment you step inside. Three women are lounging on the couch, their eyes immediately locking onto you. You can feel their gazes moving up and down your body, sizing you up. Despite your muscles, despite all the work you put in at the gym, you suddenly feel small.

The first woman to catch your attention is Chloe. She’s 5’9" and radiates a bratty arrogance that makes your stomach twist. Her long, dark hair is tied back into a high ponytail, and she’s dressed in a white crop top and tight denim shorts, her lean, tanned legs stretched out in front of her. On her feet, she’s wearing black Converse sneakers, the worn soles pressed into the floor, paired with white ankle socks that have a small, frilled edge. She grins when she sees you, her piercing blue eyes narrowing slightly.

“So, this is Tom,” Chloe says with a smirk. “Amanda told us all about you. You look… smaller than I imagined.”

Next to her is Lily, slightly shorter at 5’8", but no less intimidating. Her platinum blonde hair is braided into two tight braids, giving her a playful, almost mischievous appearance. She’s wearing a neon pink sports bra that highlights her athletic figure, and matching leggings that cling to her toned legs. Her feet are bare, her toenails painted a bright pink to match her outfit, and she wiggles her toes casually on the edge of the coffee table. There’s something unnerving about the way she looks at you, as if she’s already figured out exactly how to mess with you.

Lily giggles softly. “He’s kind of cute, Amanda. Are you sure he can handle a weekend with us?”

Then there’s Vanessa, who’s the tallest of the group at 6’1". She has a quiet confidence about her, a presence that immediately makes you feel even smaller. Her dark skin is flawless, and her strong, athletic build is clear even beneath the loose black tank top and joggers she’s wearing. On her feet, she’s wearing thick black ankle socks and a pair of Nike slides, her long legs stretched out as she watches you with an unreadable expression. Vanessa doesn’t say much, but the way she looks at you, with a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips, makes you feel like she’s already won whatever unspoken game is about to begin.

Amanda stands beside you, still gripping your hand, her thumb lightly rubbing the back of it in a way that’s somehow both comforting and controlling. She steps forward, her voice low but dripping with amusement.

“So, Tom,” she says, “the girls and I have a little fun planned for the weekend. You ready for it?”

You glance nervously at Chloe, who’s now leaning back on the couch, her Converse tapping lightly against the floor, and then at Lily, who’s still grinning as she swings her legs over the side of the couch, her bare feet barely brushing the floor. Vanessa just watches you silently, her socked feet propped up on the armrest as she observes the scene with quiet authority.

You nod, but you’re already feeling the weight of their combined presence pressing down on you. Amanda squeezes your hand a little tighter, pulling you closer to her as she smirks down at you.

“Good,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “Because we’re just getting started.”