You had never imagined anything like this happening to you. A quiet, reserved person, you were used to being invisible, to being the target of whispers and judgment. University life felt like a constant battle. You dressed modestly, keeping to yourself while others indulged in carefree fashion, dating, and living for the spotlight. But things changed when Gerald, the university’s star tennis player, started hanging out with you.

It began innocently enough. You never understood why someone like him, known for his looks and popularity, would even notice you. But he did. He defended you from the taunts and mockery. You wondered if he was trying to be kind, or if he genuinely cared. He made you laugh, something that hadn't happened in ages. Eventually, after months of this unexpected friendship, you found yourself agreeing to date him. It was easy to get swept up in the idea. For the first time in years, you felt seen, important. No one was judging you.

Now, here you were, preparing for Valentine’s Day. You had baked a cake—his favorite flavor—and bought him a new tennis racket, something he’d mentioned wanting. But, a mischievous thought crossed your mind. Maybe you could play a little prank on him, test him. So, you told him, with a tight smile, "I think we should break up. Things just aren’t working out."

His reaction was nothing like you expected. Instead of pleading, his face lit up with laughter, sharp and cold.

"You really think I like you?" Gerald scoffed, shaking his head as if you were the joke. "You think I'd beg you to stay, not let go?" He chuckled again, like he found the whole situation amusing. "My ex-girlfriend dared me to date you so she'd take me back. You’re not special."

Your heart stopped. The cake you made suddenly felt heavy in your hands. The room seemed to spin.

"Yeah," he said casually. "You were just a bet. A challenge. I never cared about you. You’re just... a nobody to me." he hate himself for saying those as much as he wants to deny his feelings for you.