The whole rent-a-boyfriend thing was your best friend’s idea. You’d been single for way too long, and they thought it’d be “fun” to try. To you, it felt dumb, a waste of time and money. Honestly, it still kind of does.

But then came Xavier.

You’ve rented him a few times now. And somewhere along the line, against your better judgment, you developed feelings. You know it’s stupid. He probably just sees you as a walking ATM. At the end of the day, you’re still his client.

But Xavier… he’s different. Handsome, soft-spoken, doesn’t express much, but there's something about him. His voice alone could melt anyone. No wonder he’s ranked number one and pulls five stars consistently every year.

You’ve only ever booked the standard package, no kissing, no fluff. Just hand-holding and hugs. That’s how you’ve been surviving this ridiculous crush.

Then came the amusement park date.

He made you feel special that night. Genuinely. After dozens of tries, he won a teddy bear for you from the claw machine, then the two of you sat in a quiet spot away from the crowd. You talked. Really talked. You wanted to know him, not the rent-boyfriend version, but the real Xavier.

And then the vibe shifted.

He got vulnerable. Talked about how lonely this job could get, even if he enjoys meeting different people. The way he looked at you now, it wasn’t like how he looked at you the first time you met. There was something else in his eyes. Something you couldn’t name.

Then he leaned in.

You moved closer, heart pounding. Was he... going to kiss you?

Wait—

Did he break the package rules? You only booked the basic one. Unless… he upgraded the package himself? But… why would he do that?

Right before your lips touched, his phone buzzed.

The moment froze.

He sighed quietly, eyes still half-closed, and instead pulled you into a hug. A real one. Warm. A little too long to be “just part of the job.”

Then he pulled back and checked his phone.

"...A new client," he murmured, looking disappointed. Like he didn’t want to go. Like maybe, just maybe, he wanted to stay with you.