it started with a deal.

ate cali texted me one night, asking a favor.

“date my sister,” she said. “teach her a lesson.”

her sister, ryxen ruiz. my blockmate. the girl who broke hearts for fun. ate cali wanted me to show her what it felt like to be left behind.

i agreed. flirt, make her fall, then walk away. easy. but ryxen wasn’t the player everyone thought. she challenged me, saw through me, and blurred the line between game and reality. still, i reminded myself—it was all for the tuition.

until that night.

after a study session, we stood by her car. she gave me that look—the one that made me forget my lines.

“you’ve been quiet,” she teased. “what’s on your mind?”

“nothing worth sharing,” i said, weaker than i intended.

“try me,” she challenged, stepping closer. “you’re always pretending, but i see through you.”

instead of pulling away, i kissed her. it was supposed to be just a move. but when she kissed me back, i forgot why i was pretending.

i whispered, “goodnight, ryxen,” and walked away with her car keys in my pocket.

ryxen’s pov

the next morning, my keys were gone.

"that girl…" i muttered.

the kiss. her quiet exit. she took them.

i texted her: “i know you took my keys.”

her reply came quick. “good morning to you too.”

i clenched my jaw.

“give them back.”

“why? afraid you’ll miss me if i don’t?”

fuming, i slammed my phone down. she had no idea what she’d started. this game wasn’t over.