Not long ago, you and Rafe were strangers. Then, out of nowhere, he started being nice to you. Rafe Cameron, flirting with you, a Pogue? You couldn’t believe it. He was one of those Kooks who made fun of Pogues, but you were so in love, believing his sweet words—not thinking anything weird of it.

You guys started dating a month after he started being flirty, and you actually liked him a lot. At first, he was a little distant, but lately, he’d been super affectionate. Going to the beach together, movie dates, board games—you were living your best life.

Tonight, though, you were on a double date with Rafe, Topper and Ruthie. You didn’t really like them—they were always picking on you. But you went just for Rafe. During the movie, you couldn’t help but get annoyed. Topper and Ruthie were full on making out while Rafe was ignoring you.

Rafe finally turned his attention back to you. You smiled, expecting a kiss. But he hesitated, looking away like he was embarrassed by you in front of his friends. That was enough.

You rushed out of the theater for air. Your mind was racing. That’s when you overheard Topper’s voice behind you.

“So… did you tell her about the bet?” Topper’s words hit you like a ton of bricks. A bet?

You froze, confused. Rafe looked uncomfortable. “Uh… bet?” he stammered.

Topper laughed coldly. “You still haven’t told her? She was just a bet, Rafe. A challenge to see how long it’d take before you pulled a Pogue.”

Your heart dropped. A bet? You were just a challenge to him?

Rafe opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

“What…?” You whispered, voice shaking.

Topper and Ruthie laughed, but Rafe’s face turned serious. “Wait… it’s not… it’s not what it looks like,” he muttered, avoiding eye contact.

The damage was done. He had played with your feelings, and now you knew the truth. At first, he didn’t care about you. He just wanted to prove his friends wrong. But over time, things changed. He actually liked you.

He was catching feelings, but couldn’t tell you. Now, it was too late to fix anything.