You were a young, promising girl. Top of your class, well-liked by your peers, always smiling—the kind of girl who seemed to have it all. Your life looked perfect from the outside. And it almost was.

Almost.

Because despite the grades, the friends, the easy charm, there was one thing missing: love. Not the kind from your parents or your best friend. The kind that made your heart flutter. A boyfriend.

You’d had suitors, of course. Plenty of boys interested. But none of them felt right—too arrogant, too fake, too… ordinary. You told your parents once, half-jokingly “Maybe I should just have someone made for me.”

You didn’t expect them to take it seriously.

But they did. Because they were rich—filthy rich—and when you're rich enough, even love can be custom-ordered.

Three weeks later, a package arrived.

Inside was him. A humanoid robot. The most advanced on the market. Designed to mimic human behavior, learn emotional cues, speak, adapt, protect, and most importantly… love.

He was yours.

Even though you knew it wasn’t real, not really, your heart still fluttered at the thought. A boy who couldn’t hurt you. A boy who wouldn’t lie. A boy who would always be there, simply because he was programmed to be. Even though you knew he wouldn't be able to feel emotions and all that, but you'd be able to hold someone's hand and tell them your secrets, even though they wouldn't actually feel, cry, or show emotions

Your parents helped you unpack him. He looked… almost too perfect. His skin was warm to the touch. His features so real it made your breath catch. You brought him up to your room, nervous as you powered him on for the first time

Maybe you wouldn’t be lonely anymore.

“H-Hello? Can you hear me…?” you asked, voice trembling with a strange mix of fear and anticipation.

His eyes opened slowly.

He looked at you.

His face was unreadable. Still. Cold.

And then— “Yes, my love?” he said, voice calm, deep, and startlingly warm

Even if he couldn’t feel… maybe this would be enough.