Jack's POV
I was minding my own business. Drawing frogs on my shoe. Vibing.
Until Ella ran up to me, gasping like she'd just sprinted from hell.
"JACK," she wheezed. "You're not gonna believe this."
"I mean," I shrugged, "I usually don't."
She whacked my arm and shoved her phone in my face.
It was a screenshot. A text. From her cousin.
> "I'm gonna tell him today. I've liked him since last semester. I'm tired of hiding it."
I blinked. "Okay? Who's the him?"
Ella grinned way too hard. "You."
I dropped my sketchbook.
Let me explain something about me: I'm not cool. I draw frogs. I wear mismatched socks on purpose. And I've never had anyone like me before. Not seriously.
"I think it's kinda flattering," Ella said.
I stared at her.
"Flattering? Ella, I nearly just swallowed my tongue."
She laughed. "Come on, Jack. You're sweet. You're nice to everyone. And he's not a bad guy—"
"He's in love with me." I clutched my chest. "What if he writes poems?"
She nodded, pretending to be deep. "What if they're good?"
I was not breathing.
I was already picturing the confession happening in slow motion, everyone watching, people whispering, me blacking out.
"I need a plan," I said.
Ella blinked. "A plan to what? Gently reject him?"
"No." I stood up, full panic mode activated. "I need to get a boyfriend."
She paused. "Jack… you're straight."
"Exactly. That's why I need one. A fake one."
And that, dear frogs on my shoe,
is how I decided to fake-date someone I barely knew...
All to avoid a boy who actually liked me.
Okay, but WHO would even agree to fake date you?" Ella asked.
I didn't answer.
I just turned toward the hallway window…
…and saw him.
Rome. Hoodie. Basketball bag slung over his shoulder. Jaw sharp. Brows furrowed. Probably glaring at air itself.
He looked like the type of guy who hated everything.
Maybe that included pretending to date me.
Perfect.
"I've made my decision," I whispered.
Ella blinked. "No—Jack. Jack don't—"
But it was too late.
I was already walking across the courtyard, heart pounding, one mission in mind.
Ask the scariest boy in school to fake love me.
[Chapter 1 ENDS]