The guys urge them to make out

Lily kept talking, her words tumbling out in a bright, tipsy stream that filled the small bedroom. She was telling some story about losing her shoes downstairs and how the guy at the keg had tried to help her look for them, waving her free hand for emphasis and nearly spilling what was left in her cup. The guys around the room laughed along, their attention split between her and Chloe. Chloe sat rigid between the two men on the couch, the beer bottle still mostly full on the floor by her feet. Every time Lily laughed, the motion jostled them closer together. The guy on Chloe’s left had let his arm settle more heavily across the back of the couch; the one on her right kept his thigh pressed firmly against hers. Her black dress had ridden high enough that the cool air touched the tops of her thighs, and she kept trying to tug the hem down without drawing more eyes.

Chloe’s pulse hadn’t slowed since she’d walked into the room. She smiled when Lily glanced at her, the polite, automatic smile she used when she felt cornered, but her mind was racing through exit strategies. Get Lily upright. Get past the guys near the door. Get downstairs and into a rideshare before anything escalated. The music from the phone on the dresser thumped steadily, and the air felt thicker with every passing minute—beer, cologne, the faint sweetness of whatever someone was smoking near the window.

One of the guys leaning against the dresser, a broad-shouldered one with a shaved head and an easy grin, spoke up over Lily’s chatter. “You two are best friends, right? Like, real close?”

Lily nodded enthusiastically. “Best friends forever. Chloe’s the sweetest. She’s literally the nicest person I know.”

A few of the others chuckled. The guy on Chloe’s left squeezed her shoulder lightly. “Prove it,” he said, voice casual but edged with something hungrier. “You two should make out. Just a little. For the room.”

Chloe’s stomach dropped. She felt the heat climb into her cheeks. “I—I don’t think—”

Lily turned toward her, eyes bright and unfocused from the alcohol. “Come on, Chloe. It’s just for fun. They’re being nice. We’re already here.” Her voice was excited, almost playful, the way it got when she’d had too much and the world felt soft around the edges. She leaned in closer, the scent of beer and her perfume mixing. “It’ll be quick. Just a kiss.”

The rest of the guys picked up the idea immediately. Voices overlapped—encouragement, low laughter, a couple of them shifting to get better views. “Yeah, do it.” “Just a little show.” “Don’t be shy.” The energy in the room tightened, focused now on the two women on the couch. Chloe felt the pressure of their attention like a physical thing pressing against her skin. She shook her head, trying to keep her tone light even as her heart hammered.

“Lily, I really don’t think we should. We’re not— I’m not—”

Lily only laughed, the sound loose and happy. “You’re so nervous. It’s cute. Come on.” She reached for Chloe’s hand and squeezed it. The guy on Chloe’s right took the opportunity to slide his palm higher on her thigh, not quite under the dress but close enough that the warmth of his skin made her tense. The one on her left murmured near her ear, “Just one kiss. Then you can go if you want.”

Chloe tried to stand, but the space was too tight and the two men didn’t immediately move. Lily was already half-rising, tipsy and eager, tugging at Chloe’s wrist. “Up, up. Standing’s better.” A couple of the guys near the bed stepped forward, not aggressive but insistent, their hands guiding more than forcing. Chloe found herself on her feet before she could fully protest, the black dress settling only slightly lower as she straightened. Lily was right in front of her now, cheeks flushed, smile wide and a little unsteady.

The room had gone quieter, the music still playing but the conversations paused. All eyes were on them. Chloe’s mouth felt dry. She could feel the heat of the bodies around them, the press of someone at her back, the way Lily’s free hand came up to rest lightly on her waist. Lily leaned in first, still grinning, and whispered, “It’s okay. Just go with it.”

Chloe’s reluctance was written across her face—the slight furrow of her brow, the way her shoulders stayed tight—but the circle of guys had closed in enough that stepping back wasn’t simple. Hands at her elbows and the small of her back guided her forward the last few inches until she and Lily were chest to chest. The fabric of Chloe’s dress brushed against Lily’s top. Lily’s breath smelled like beer and something sweet. Chloe’s heart was pounding so hard she was sure everyone could hear it.

Lily’s eyes were bright with alcohol and the thrill of the moment. She tilted her head, still smiling, and the space between them disappeared. The guys around them made low sounds of approval as the two women were pushed the final distance together, bodies aligned, the room holding its collective breath.