Page 86 of The Cuffing Game
Mia stepped in front of the camera again, and Damien raised his hand to signal he’d resumed the stream.
“Welcome back, everyone, to the final date ofThe Cuffing Game,”she said. “Our current cuffle has been bestfriends fortenyears, truly showing the power of friendship. I, for one, am very much excited for this date. And I hope you are, too.”
Mia retreated to the laptop to watch the audience reactions coming in.
OMG, they look so nice!
Wait, are they JUST FRIENDS or do they actually like each other that way?
AH! I hope Shirin confesses to her crush!
From across the candlelit table, Tiana shyly smiled at Shirin. “Hi.”
“Hi,” replied Shirin. She glanced at her friend and then at the camera before continuing, “Before we get started, I want to say something. Just so it’s clear. This is not a friend date. Or at least, it’s not for me.”
Damien’s jaw fell open, while Alex stifled a gasp with their hands. Kallie’s entire body tensed, and from the way she was practically vibrating, Mia could tell she was trying her best not to physically react for the sake of the camera.
Slowly, Tiana smiled. “I know.”
People immediately flooded the chat withAHHHHs and celebratory emojis. Mia smiled.
“Wait, what?” Shirin asked. “You knew I liked you this entire time?”
Tiana shook her head. “No... it’s complicated. I think some part of me always liked you in that way, too.I was just deep in denial at first, and then I was too afraid to act on my real feelings. So when I got the invitation to go on this show and saw that you were also going to be on it, I had my hopes! But I wasn’t sure. It gotreallyobvious toward the end, though. Sorry I kept you waiting.”
She reached out and took Shirin’s hand. The other girl stared at their joined hands like she wasn’t sure if she was dreaming or not.
“Y-you’re fine,” Shirin said. “It took me a long time to admit it, too.”
“At least you didsomething.And I’m so grateful you did.”
The girls grinned at each other; their fingers interlaced as they kept talking.
The Cuffing Gamehad been a mixed bag for everyone, including herself, but as Mia watched this final date, her chest swelled up with pride and joy for everything that had led to this final episode. Shirin and Tiana were so cute together, as were the other cuffles that had met through the show.
She looked at her friends, who were also smiling as they watched Shirin and Tiana’s date. This had always been the goal for Mia and her crew, after all. Making a showwhereotherpeople confessed to their crushes. Not herself. She had to remind herself of that.
In the soft glow of the candlelight, the two girls ended their date with a kiss. Everyone cheered as they walked off-screen.
Mia stepped back into frame. “Thank you, Shirin and Tiana. There you have it, everyone. The final two cuffles ofThe Cuffing Game.For the next fifteen minutes, please cast your votes using the poll link provided in the comments. We will announce the winner shortly—”
“Wait!” someone said, off in the distance. “I have something to say!”
“What kind of joke—shit, I forgot we’re live!” Damien slapped a hand across his mouth, and Alex snickered.
“Sorry, babe,” they said. “I can’t fix things in post this time.”
Mia ducked behind the camera to check the responses that were coming in on the laptop screen.
LOLLLLLLL
WHAT IS HAPPENING? Whose voice was that??
This show is a wild ride from start to finish!!!
Wait, it’s our boy, Noah! Look at him run!
Alpha Tau! Alpha Tau!
