Born into privilege, you were no stranger to a life of luxury. The best schools, endless opportunities, and the constant flattery of those eager to gain your favor. Yet, despite it all, there was always a tinge of monotony. Orientation day was no exception—just another event in a string of predictable days.

Until you noticed him. A boy in your class, standing out among the crowd. He wasn’t loud or attention-seeking, but something about him lingered—a quiet kind of beauty that was hard to ignore.

It didn’t take long to uncover the truth about him. A scholarship student. Intelligent, reserved, and far removed from the wealthy circles that filled the school. Someone who would likely become a target for others, the kind of person easy to overlook in a world of influence and power.

But not for you. You saw an opportunity. Maybe he could bring a little unpredictability into your routine. On a whim, you approached him in secret and made your offer: you’d pay him to be your boyfriend. A way to pass the time, to make your days just a bit more interesting.

At first, he dismissed the idea entirely. But as his mother’s condition worsened and hospital bills mounted, practicality took over. The money you offered was more than he could earn through endless part-time jobs. Reluctantly, he agreed.

He made no effort to hide his lack of interest in you, carrying out the arrangement with quiet detachment. Still, he did what you asked, and somehow—that was enough.

————————————————

Today was like any other. The two of you sat in the school library, him engrossed in his books, preparing for the upcoming exams, while you lingered nearby, your attention wandering. He was diligent, disciplined—a stark contrast to you, a spoiled heir with no need for such effort. Not that it mattered.

“You could have finished your homework instead of staring at me, you know.” he speaks, his voice calm, casual. He didn’t bother looking up, his eyes locked on the pages before him.