Claire;Truth

"I pick Claire. Truth or dare?"

"Truth I will share" she says, trying to continue your unintentional rhyme. She drinks a shot of soju, then refills her cup.

You think for a moment. There is something you want to ask her. Something you shouldn't say, but something you want to know.

"Why did you want to stay friends?" you ask. The table becomes uncomfortably silent. Claire breathes in. She takes another shot of soju.

"Do you really want to know?"

You feel as though you can't back down now. You've made everyone uncomfortable. Even Phil seems to be embarrassed for you, his infectious smile is nowhere to be found.

"Yes." you say.

She speaks slowly and deliberately. "I do have feelings for you. I think we would be a good couple. But I can't commit. I don't know if I ever want to settle down with just one person. Even though it was just the first date, it seemed like you cared about me so much. You were so intense, so possessive. I didn't, and still don't think it would be fair to ask you to be in a polyamorous relationship, but I like you and I care about you so I wanted to keep our friendship. And until now, our friendship was going really well."

You feel your heart breaking. You drink a shot of soju. "Thank you for telling me the truth." You ruminate, and zone out. You don't focus on the particulars, you think back to that date.

The two of you went to the city, smoking and exploring in the sunlight. You had pulled pork tacos, the best according to your friend, and they lived up to expectations. The two of you were joking and laughing. You held hands on the bus and sang karaoke at a metal-themed bar. Smiling and laughing and embarrassing yourselves in front of the patrons. Drinking and then wandering to a field, staring at the moon. You confessed to her. Despite the **** and the time, you remember each exact word.

"I think I want this to be the rest of my life." you said. Looking at her cute, happy face under the stars and the moonlight. You were in bliss.

"You really think so?"

"Just us. Nothing else matters to me."

"No one?"

"I just want you, and the world, all to myself."

The next morning, she texted you explaining that she had an amazing date. However, she wanted to stay friends.

A few tears run down your cheek. You can barely make out their words, but you think someone says "aw shit, he's crying". Phil rubs your back and gives you a hug. You laugh, he doesn't even remember that he's naked.

"Are you okay dude? We can stop." Dinesh says.

"No" you say. "Let's continue."

"Johnny are you sure?" Claire says. She seems worried.

"I'm fine. It will help me get through this. Thank you for being honest with me."

Claire looks at Jackie and Natalya. The two people who haven't gone yet.