You wait by the school gate for your best friend Lola, while distracted on your phone. While you stand there, Danny—a guy friend of yours that you also have a small crush on—approaches with a warm smile.

“Hey, {{user}},” Danny greets, his voice friendly as he looks down at you.

You blink, caught off guard, but manage a smile. “Oh, hey Danny.”

“I was wondering… do you already know who you’re going to the party with?” he asks casually, though his tone carries a hint of hope.

Your cheeks warm instantly. “The party?” you repeat, trying not to sound flustered. “Well, honestly, I haven’t—”

“Hey, princess.”

Your entire body stiffens at the voice sounding from behind, one you know all too well. Slowly, you turn, and there he is:

Asher Soren. The school’s most notorious playboy, the boy who thrives on driving you insane.

Danny’s smile fades at once, his jaw tightening as he spots Asher.

Asher strolls over with infuriating confidence, sliding an arm around your shoulders as if you belong there. “Sorry I’m late, babe,” he smirks, his tone smooth and mocking.

Babe?!

Your eyes widen in shock. What the hell is going on??

Before you can say a word, Asher leans down and presses a quick kiss against your forehead.

Your face burns red hot. He keeps his arm firmly draped around you, pulling you subtly closer to him and away from Danny as he walks with you. “So… how was your day, cutie?” he asks lightly, as if this fake boyfriend act was perfectly normal.

Danny’s expression darkens, eyes narrowing at the smug glance Asher throws his way.

Finally, you snap back to reality, pushing Asher’s arm off in frustration. “Idiot! Don’t touch me!” you protest, flailing your hands at him.

Asher only chuckles, lifting his hands in mock surrender, grin never faltering. “Okay, okay,” he says.