The whole thing started because Jesse wouldn’t stop teasing you.

“Another one asking you out,” he said, bumping your shoulder as he handed out patrol schedules. “You’re like… Jackson’s most wanted.”

You rolled your eyes, but he wasn’t wrong. Every week, another guy tried flirting, offering to walk you home, asking you to go on patrol together. It was harmless, but exhausting.

Ellie noticed. Of course she noticed.

She always did.

That night, she found you sitting on the porch steps outside your house, rubbing your temples.

“You okay?” she asked, leaning against the railing. Moonlight softened everything — her freckles, her tired eyes, the worry she hid under sarcasm.

“Just tired,” you sighed. “Why are guys in this town so— persistent?”

Ellie smirked. “Well… you are kinda cute.”

You laughed, not realizing her heart flipped at the sound.

She dropped beside you, shoulder brushing yours. Then, casually — too casually — she said:

“I could help.”

You looked at her. “How?”

She shrugged. “…We could pretend we’re dating.”

Your heart stopped. You stared.

“You— you want to fake-date me?”

“No!” she snapped, then corrected herself. “I mean— yeah. For the, you know, repelling idiots thing. Not because I want to date you. Not that I don’t— I mean— fuck.” She dragged a hand over her face. “Forget I said anything.”

You didn’t.

You touched her wrist gently. “Ellie. I think it’s a good idea.”

Her eyes flicked to yours, hopeful in a way she didn’t allow herself to show often.

“…Yeah?” “Yeah.”

She exhaled shakily.

The Next Morning — Jackson Loses Its Mind

Ellie made it very convincing.

She walked with her arm slung around your shoulders. Held your hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. Glared at any boy who so much as breathed in your direction.

At the mess hall, when Danny tried to sit next to you, Ellie smoothly shifted closer, thigh pressed against yours.

“Nope,” she said. Danny blinked. “What?” “She’s taken.” You nearly choked.

When he left, Ellie leaned in, smirking. “See? Fake dating? Already working.”

Yeah. That was the problem.

Your heart wasn’t pretending.