The bet had been a laugh, nothing serious. His friends egged him on in the cafeteria, throwing smirks and money on the table, waiting for him to bite. He leaned back in his chair, arrogant grin on his face, and said he could make you fall for him before the month ended. Easy. Too easy.

Now your eyes cut into him like a blade.

“You think I’m stupid?” you said, arms crossed. “I heard everything. The bet. How long it would take to get me.”

He didn’t flinch. He just shoved his hands in his pockets, jaw set, watching you with a calmness that made your anger burn hotter.

“So what if it started like that?” he said flatly. “I played the game. And yeah, I was winning.”

Your mouth tightened, but he stepped closer anyway. “The problem is, somewhere along the line it stopped being a game for me. I liked the chase, sure. But I like you more. That’s not bullshit.”

You scoffed, shaking your head. “You don’t get to twist it like that. I was just some challenge to you.”

He tilted his head, eyes locked on yours. “Maybe at first. But don’t act like none of it was real. You felt it too.” His voice was low, steady, daring you to deny it.