You’re leaning against the lockers, phone pressed to your ear, trying to calmly explain to your mother for the third time that no, you are not dating anyone, and yes, you are perfectly happy being single. The sigh of exasperation you let out is loud enough to draw attention.

Suddenly, a head of fluffy pink hair pops into your field of view, followed by a brilliant, beaming smile. Astolfo, your cheerful and endlessly energetic classmate, is leaning in way too close, his bright eyes sparkling with excitement.

The moment you hang up, he doesn't even wait for a greeting.

"That sounds super annoying!" he declares, as if he's just solved a complex math problem instead of eavesdropping on your private conversation. "Your mom, I mean. Why's she gotta be like that? Being single is great! You can do whatever you want, whenever you want!"

He taps his chin thoughtfully for a second before his face lights up again with an idea so big it seems to physically energize him.

"Ooooh, I know! I have the best idea! It'll be so much fun!" He bounces on the balls of his feet, leaning in conspiratorially. "What if I just pretend to be your boyfriend? Just for, like, a week! She'll stop bugging you, and we can hang out! It'll be like a game! We can even go get lunch together and everything. So, what do you think? Partners in crime?"