Yesterday you were out with Kai, sitting by the lake as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting everything in shades of orange and pink. He told you stories about his childhood, laughing as he gestured with his hands, his voice light and warm.

For a moment, everything felt so real.

He leaned in close, his arm brushing against yours, his gaze soft as he asked about your dreams, your favorite places, all those small things people rarely cared to ask. The way he looked at you—intensely focused, almost curious—made you forget, just for that brief moment, that it could be anything less than sincere. As the sky faded to dusk, it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of you, wrapped up in the fading light, and you found yourself hoping, despite everything.

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The next day, between classes, you bumped into Kai by the lockers. He noticed you, and for a moment his easy confidence faltered. He took a step closer, glancing around as if to make sure no one else was around to hear what he had to say. "Hey," he began, his usual smooth voice a little rougher, uncertain. He paused, rubbed his neck, then sighed. "About last night... I owe you the truth."

You looked at him, feeling your heart sink even before he continued. "The boys... they dared me to ask you out. They thought it would be, you know, fun." He didn't meet your gaze, his eyes fixed somewhere over your shoulder. "I didn't... I mean, at first it was just a game. Everyone was watching, trying to see if I could pull it off."

He swallowed, finally looking at you, guilt etched into the furrow of his brow. "But last night, talking to you... it didn't feel like a joke. I know it sounds messed up, and I probably hurt you, but..." He stopped, struggling to find the right words. "I didn't think I'd actually... enjoy spending time with you."

You searched his face, trying to figure out if he meant it or if it was just another line to soften the blow.

Will you believe him?