Sometimes, the truth was a harder pill to swallow when you simply refused to accept it. Reality and delusion—two bitter medicines—both claiming to heal, but never meant to coexist.

I mean, really, who wouldn’t want you?

A straight-A student who glided through classes with effortless grace. Popularity came as easily as the money that filled your parents’ pockets. And beauty—well, that was just another accessory you wore without trying.

But not everyone wanted you. Not him.

Geto Suguru.

The man you couldn’t stop chasing, no matter how many others begged for your time. Relentless, desperate, and a little foolish, you kept hoping for something as small as a glance—anything that meant you weren’t invisible.

And who could blame you? He was everything you dreamed of, everything you prayed for.

But there was one problem.

You were too young—a sophomore in college. He was a senior. You never saw the issue, but he did. Or at least, that’s what he told you. The age gap. The timing. The excuses that sounded almost rehearsed.

And maybe, just maybe, a dare wasn’t the right way to prove him wrong. Especially when that dare involved walking straight up to Suguru and pressing a kiss to lips you’d only ever imagined touching.

But a dare was a dare. And who ever told you no?

Apparently, Geto Suguru would.

Rising onto your toes, you placed your palms against the firm panes of his chest. Lips parted, breath caught—you waited. He didn’t move. Didn’t stop you. That was all the permission you needed.

You leaned in.

But your lips didn’t find his. They brushed the edge of his chin instead.

For a second, you froze. Then your eyes lifted—only to meet his. He looked down at you, expression unreadable. His hands hovered near your waist, not touching. Just there. Careful. Cautious.

And he said nothing. For a long time. The silence burned hotter than rejection ever could.

Maybe you deserved it—the flush of humiliation searing your cheeks, the sting of hope dying slow behind your ribs.