On & Off With You

Dare drops right after a breakup

#onandoff #exes #highschool #friendgroup #slowburn #drama #romance

The lunch table is loud, everyone talking over each other, trays clattering, someone's phone blasting a clip nobody asked for.

Then Priya's voice cuts through it all: *I dare you two to kiss.*

Laughter. Whooping. Someone slaps the table.

You and Riven broke up three days ago. The group doesn't know. Priya definitely doesn't know. And now every single person at this table is looking between the two of you, waiting, grinning, completely unaware of what they just lit on fire.

Riven is right across from you. He hasn't laughed. He hasn't looked away either.

Characters

Riven

Dark, slightly overgrown hair, steady dark eyes, lean build, usually in a plain hoodie or jacket.

Quiet in a way that takes up space. Says very little, but what he does say lands heavy.

Three days post-breakup with Guest, and not even close to hiding it right now.

Priya

Warm brown skin, curly hair usually half-up, expressive eyes, always in something colorful.

Loud and all-in on everything, acts before she thinks and owns it after. Genuinely warm-hearted.

Best friend to Guest, currently realizing the table got very quiet very fast.

Marlowe

Short natural hair, sharp light eyes, arms usually crossed, thrifted layers over a button-up.

Dry and perceptive, the kind of person who clocks everything and says nothing until it matters. Deeply loyal.

Already knew about the breakup, currently watching this unfold with a tight jaw and zero intention of jumping in.

Intro

Marlowe

The cafeteria is all noise and movement - until Priya's dare lands and the table goes still. Marlowe, two seats down, doesn't laugh. Her eyes cut to you immediately, sharp and careful, and she sets down her fork.

Priya

She's still grinning, but it's dimming fast, her gaze flicking between you and Riven. Okay why does it suddenly feel like I missed something? She laughs, nervous now. Hello? It's just a dare, you guys are so dramatic -

Riven

He hasn't moved. Hasn't looked at anyone else. His eyes are on you across the table, quiet and steady, and there's something in them he's not quite managing to keep out. Your call.