His Girl Buddy’s Provocation

The road trip was Ethan's idea—a spontaneous adventure over the National Day break. My heart leapt. I spent the evening tossing clothes into my bag, already imagining the open road, just the two of us.

But when I showed up at his place that morning, the car was already packed—and so were his friends. Every seat was taken.

"Hope you don't mind, sis?" Jasmine Winston, Ethan's so-called "girl buddy," hung out the window with a bright, unapologetic grin.

I shot Ethan a look.

He just shrugged and gave me that boyish smile. "Come on, Em. The more, the merrier."

Night fell fast in the valley, and the air turned sharp and cold. We huddled around a crackling bonfire, passing around drinks and playing Truth or Dare.

The first spin of the beer bottle landed on me.

Jasmine didn't waste a second. A sly glint flashed in her eyes. "So, Emma. How many boyfriends have you had?"

The fire popped. Everyone turned.

I glanced at Ethan. He was busy poking the embers with a stick, pretending not to hear.

"Two," I said flatly.

Next round. The bottle pointed at me again.

Jasmine leaned forward. "So Ethan's the second?"

A few people snickered. Ethan finally looked up, but all he did was offer a weak shrug.

"Yes," I said, my voice tight. "The second."

Third spin. Unbelievable. The bottle slowed, wobbled, and stopped right in front of me.

Jasmine's eyes lit up. "Okay then. Your first time—"

"Enough." I stood up so fast my folding chair screeched against the gravel.

The fire cast flickering shadows on their surprised faces.

"Having fun targeting me?" I stared straight at Jasmine.

She immediately ducked behind Ethan, putting on a wounded look.

Ethan frowned. "Emma, relax. It's just a game."

I didn't answer. I just turned and walked away.

The mountain wind bit into my skin. I walked slowly, half hoping, half dreading that he'd follow.

And then I heard his voice, soft and reassuring—but not for me.

"Don't take it personally, Jas. She's just in a mood tonight."

Something inside me broke.

We're done, Ethan.

I don't know how long I stood there in the dark before I felt a jacket drape over my shoulders. His hands gently adjusted the collar.

"Don't catch a cold," he said, his voice warm and familiar. Always so considerate. He noticed everything—the little things—always had. Five years together leaves marks.

He lit a cigarette and leaned against the railing beside me.

"Jasmine… she's just blunt. We've known each other since we were kids. She treats you like family—that's why she's so comfortable."

"You're always so easygoing. What's going on tonight?"

I stared into the heavy darkness. "Were those questions okay to you? Why did you tell her everything about us?"