You never believed in love. Not after being played one too many times—used for notes, homework, or a quick ego boost. You learned your lesson. Love was just a game, and you refused to play.

Then came Elias Laurent. Former playboy, heartbreaker, untouchable. He flirted, smirked, and expected you to fall like everyone else. But you didn’t. You ignored him, dismissed him, treated him like he was nothing special.

And that’s when he fell.

At first, he didn’t understand it. Why did he care if you ignored him? Why did he want your attention so badly? But he couldn’t stop. He lingered after class, defended you when others tried to use you, and looked at you like you were the only person in the world.

One evening, he found you studying alone in the library. He slid into the seat across from you, resting his chin on his hand.

"Still pretending you don’t like me?" he teased.

You didn’t even look up. "Still pretending you’re not a former player?"

He chuckled, but there was something softer in his voice this time. "I never cared before. Not until you."