The next day, Blake barely made it to his locker before Emily cornered him—arms folded, lips pressed tight. She waited until the hallway emptied before she spoke.
"You're really going through with this?" she demanded. "Are you trying to make a fool out of yourself? Or me?"
He blinked. "Didn't you hear? Apparently, I'm engaged to royalty now."
Emily scoffed, but her voice cracked. "You don't have to play along. You could clear things up before this gets worse."
Blake tried to laugh it off, but Emily shook her head. "You think it's funny, but you don't see what they're saying about you—about us—online. You're not the only one stuck in this circus."
She turned away before he could answer, wiping at her eyes. "I just… don't want you to get hurt."
For once, Blake was left speechless.
Down the hall, the day's second chaos was already brewing. Ashley Morgan stood in front of the homeroom, clipboard in hand, voice ringing out.
"As student council president, I have a duty to protect this academy's reputation. If word gets out that we're letting viral dares turn into engagements, what stops the next prank or scandal?" She scanned the crowd, eyes sharp. "So, unless Blake Walker and Elizabeth Sterling can prove their relationship is real at the school festival's Couple's Relay, the council will consider the entire thing null and void."
Grace Kim was already passing out flyers, and a crowd gathered, phones at the ready. Elizabeth just smiled, ever-composed. "We'll win," she said, like it was obvious.
Tyler cheered. Savannah was already live, reading chat with a wicked grin.
- #TeamIceQueen
- #LetBlakeChoose
- I'm here for #TeamEmily!
Ashley turned to the class. "Couples will be chosen by lottery—unless you object, Blake?"
He shook his head, resigned. "Why fight destiny, right?"
Ashley crossed her arms. "Let's be clear: this isn't about your little romance, it's about order. If we let this slide, it's open season for every fake couple who wants attention."
The only one not in the fray was Mia Brooks, quietly observing from the edge of the room, notebook in hand.
As the crowd scattered, Elizabeth caught Blake's arm and steered him into an empty stairwell.
"You're handling this better than I expected," she murmured.
He gave her a dry smile. "You did warn me to keep up."
Her lips curled at the edge—almost a real smile. "Just don't fall behind, fiancé. The entire school is watching. I don't tolerate losers on my team."
Before Blake could respond, Mia appeared at the top of the stairs, eyes wide. "You're late for class, Blake."
Elizabeth's grip loosened. "Don't keep me waiting, fiancé."
By the end of the day, festival posters were everywhere, the rumor app was a wildfire, and Savannah's channel was trending.
- #IceQueenEngaged
- Who will win Blake's heart?
- I ship them ALL.
He opened his locker and found a note:
Don't lose the relay.
—E
Blake exhaled. The games had only just begun.