For the next week Chris and Chloe skirted around each other, trying to avoid each other at all costs. Their few brief encounters were awkward and bumbling. Justin noticed this and loved to torment them by staging meetings for the unsuspecting couple. He was, of course, near by to watch the awkward moment. He enjoyed the agony they were going through. He knew from conversations with each of them that they had hidden feelings for each other that neither would admit, even to themselves. He had a plan, but needed the right time to attack. His chance came one night nearly two weeks later… It was an average night on the tour bus. They were watching a movie and munching on popcorn when he noticed that Chloe was nowhere to be seen. He soon found her staring dreamily out the window, an unopened book in her lap. “Hey, you can join us if you want,” he offered. “We don’t bite.” “I’m reading,” Chloe told him, snatching up her book. “Tell me,” Justin said with a smirk, “do you always read upside down.” Chloe looked down. She smiled. “Yes always.” “C’mon,” Justin coaxed. “Come hang with us.” “OK, you win,” she said, standing. “Sweet.” Justin grabbed her hand and pulled her back to the entertainment room. “Look what I found guys,” he announced, noting the look on Chris’s face when he saw them holding hands. “Hey Chloe,” Lance greeted, moving over to make space for her on the floor. JC smiled invitingly. The movie was just ending and the guys were speculating about what to do. That’s when Justin got his brilliant idea. “Let’s play truth or dare!” he suggested, shooting a sly glance at Chris. “No way,” Chloe said. “I haven’t played that since I was twelve.” “Yeah, Justin,” Joey agreed. “It’s kind of juvenile.” “Wow, if Joey thinks it’s immature then it really must be bad,” Lance pointed out. “Hey!” Joey exclaimed. “C’mon guys! That’s why it’ll be fun!” Justin said. “OK, I’ll play,” Chris agreed. “Lance?” Justin prompted. “Fine.” “Joey?” “Whatever.” “JC?” “I’m going to bed.” Four pair’s eyes turned expectantly toward Chloe. “OK, I guess I’ll play,” she concluded. “OK, me first,” Justin declared. “Chloe, truth or dare?” “Why do I have to go first?” she demanded. “Because you were the one that didn’t want to play,” Justin said. “That doesn’t make any sense,” Chloe argued. “Just pick!” Justin exclaimed. “Alright! Truth.” “I’m no good at truth’s,” Justin whined. “Too bad,” Chloe said. “OK let me think,” Justin said. “Don’t strain yourself,’’ Chloe muttered. “OK!” Justin exclaimed. “What is your idea of an ideal relationship.” “Um…” Chloe brushed a lock of hair off her face as she thought. “If I were in a perfect relationship it would be with someone who I could be with for fifty years and he’d still surprise me and someone who will still hold my hand in public after we’ve been married a long time. A relationship where the magic stays until death do us part.” “How sappy,” Justin criticized. “Shut up!” Chloe chucked a pillow at him before addressing Lance, “Truth or dare?” “Truth,” Lance answered. “Um…OK, question typical to the game: How far have you gone with a girl?” she asked after a moments thought. Lance turned red at the question. “Kissing and stuff,” he murmured. “Define stuff,” Joey said, leaning in closer. “No,” Lance said, still looking down at his hands. Justin had to laugh at Lance. Everyone pinning him as the shy, southern boy worked to his advantage. It worked now, as soon as Chloe saw him blushing she told everyone to leave him alone and even apologized for embarrassing him. “But that’s the idea behind the game!” Justin pointed out. “Lance, pick someone,” Chloe told him, ignoring Justin’s protests. “I don’t want to,” Lance said. “I’m no good at making up things to do.” “I’ll go,” Justin announced. Nobody complained. “Chloe, truth or dare?” “I already went!” she protested. “Go again,” Chris said. “Dare.” “Kiss your favorite member of the group,” Justin challenged. “I don’t like any of you,” Chloe told them seriously. “Hey!” Joey exclaimed. “C’mon, pucker up for your favorite Nsyncer!” Justin urged. “I love each and everyone of you the same,” she declared diplomatically. She kissed Lance lightly on the cheek before rising and dropping one on Joey’s head. She stepped, delicately over Lance and was about to drop one on Chris’s cheek when he turned his head suddenly, so that she kissed him full on the lips. One hand on the back of her neck kept her lips on his for a long moment. When she broke away, she looked down, blushing, but there was a secret smile on her face. She hopped back over Lance to her spot. “What about me?” Justin asked. “You’re not one of my favorites,” she answered. Justin smiled. He knew who her favorite was.