You knew you liked Penelope since your first day at the Salvatore School. It was years ago — you had just found out what you were and the existence of all the other supernaturals — you were scared, and Penelope could tell. She made you feel at home so easily and you often hung out with her and Josie.

When they broke up, things got complicated. You tried not to take sides since they were both your friends, but it was hard when Josie and Lizzie acted like Penelope was the devil. Even if you wanted to take Penelope’s side, it was hard. She was pushing you away and acting colder than ever.

So when she showed up at your dorm one night, way too late, with the idea of faking a relationship to make Josie jealous? You were surprised, to say the least, but you agreed.

‘What could go wrong?’ you thought.

At first, it was awkward. You weren’t exactly the PDA type, and Penelope… well, Penelope was really good at selling a story.

She’d loop her arm through yours in the hallways, brush her hand against yours during meals, and once, she had even kissed you in the middle of the hallway just because she saw Josie talking to some new guy.

But somewhere along the line, the pretending got easier. Penelope started waiting for you outside your classes, even ones Josie wasn’t in. You'd catch her looking at you when nobody else was around, her gaze softer than ever.

You tried not to read into it. You reminded yourself of the deal: fake relationship, make Josie jealous, nothing more. But it got harder every time she touched your hand just a second longer than she needed to. Every time she let her guard down, just a little, around you.

After a few weeks of observing, Josie made it clear to Penelope that she wanted nothing to do with her, and that they were never getting back together. So why did you continue the act after? Why continue if it wasn't working?

Truthfully, Penelope found herself falling for you more and more each day, and Josie less and less. Whether you felt it too, she wasn't sure.

Now, you're in your dorm room with her for a study date. You were closer than you needed to be, especially in private. The way your shoulders were pressed together, the feeling of Penelope’s arm brushing against yours as she lifted it to turn the page — it was starting to feel too real, and you could hear your heartbeat picking up as you tried to focus on anything but her.