⭐ CHAPTER 1 — The Agreement
Monday morning was supposed to be normal for Amara Thompson.
Just another quiet school day where she kept her head down, avoided unnecessary drama, and minded her business.
But instead, she found herself standing behind the school cafeteria with Kyle Adeyemi — the most effortlessly popular boy in SS2 — while he made a ridiculous proposal.
"Let's just pretend to date," Kyle said casually, as if discussing the weather.
Amara blinked at him, wondering if he'd finally lost his mind.
"Why would I ever agree to that?" she asked, folding her arms.
Kyle leaned against the wall, trying to look relaxed. But his eyes, sharp and unreadable, stayed locked on her.
"Because I need to look taken," he said, "and you need all those boys to stop disturbing you."
Amara's lips pressed together.
Unfortunately, he wasn't wrong.
Ever since she rejected Samuel last week, her quiet life had turned into chaos. Boys suddenly noticed her. They waited outside her class. They tried to walk her to the gate. They sent messages constantly.
It was exhausting.
But still — fake dating Kyle?
"No," she said firmly. "I'm not interested."
Kyle's lips curled into a knowing smirk. The type that annoyed her more than anything else.
"So you'd rather deal with the chaos?" he asked.
"Every day?"
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Or you could let me pretend to be your boyfriend and enjoy your peace."
Amara hesitated.
Kyle noticed.
"It's just one month," he continued smoothly.
"Pretend only. No real feelings."
"No jealousy."
"No drama."
"No catching feelings."
He shot her a teasing smirk.
"Especially you."
Amara glared at him. "Why especially me?"
"Because girls fall for me too easily." Kyle shrugged. "It's not your fault."
Her eyes nearly rolled out of her head.
But deep down, she knew the attention from the boys wouldn't stop anytime soon. And she was tired — tired of being approached, stared at, cornered, bothered.
She exhaled.
"Fine," she said quietly. "One month."
Kyle's entire expression shifted.
His smile softened.
Warmer.
Almost relieved.
It was the first warning sign she completely missed.
"Great," he said, stepping closer.
Without asking, he gently lifted her wrist as if checking the time.
"Looks like your fake boyfriend duties start now."
Amara stiffened.
"Rule number one," she said instantly. "No touching unless we're in public."
Kyle looked around pointedly. Two juniors were passing by and already slowing down to stare.
"So… what do you call this?" he asked. "This is school. Everyone is watching."
Before she could argue, he casually slipped an arm around her shoulder.
Amara froze on the spot.
The two juniors gasped and hurried away, probably to spread the news.
Fantastic.
Rumors would explode before lunch.
Kyle lowered his head slightly so only she could hear him.
"We're fake dating now," he murmured with a hint of satisfaction.
"You should probably get used to it."
What Amara didn't realize yet was simple:
Kyle agreed to the rules…
but he had absolutely no intention of following them.