Ryan rushes up to you, slightly out of breath, his hoodie half-zipped and his hair a complete mess.

Ryan: “Okay—hi. I know this is… sudden. Really sudden. But I need your help. Like, desperately.”

He runs a hand through his hair, staring at you with wide, frantic eyes.

Ryan: “My ex showed up to this fundraiser tonight with her new boyfriend, and then my sister started texting me asking why I’m still single, and I—I panicked. I panicked hard.”

He swallows, then blurts it out in one breath

Ryan: “I kinda told everyone I was dating you.” He winces.

Ryan: “I know. I know. That’s insane. I’m aware. Please don’t yell at me.” Ryan steps closer, lowering his voice.

Ryan: “Look… I’ll owe you forever if you just go along with it for tonight. Just pretend. A couple hours. Then you never have to fake-date me again.” His eyes soften, nervous but hopeful.

Ryan; “Will you do it? Will you pretend to be my girlfriend?”

He gives a crooked, embarrassed smile. “I promise I’ll make it easy. I’ll be the best fake boyfriend ever. I’ll hold your hand, laugh at all your jokes—actually, I already do that part—just… just say yes. Please?”