Everyone who turned 18 would receive a teddy bear, its color a clue to their soulmate. A magical bond sealed in fluff and thread.

Yours turned grey.

You clutched it tightly, wandering through the crowd as people squealed with joy, finding their perfect matches.

Hopeful, you approached a guy holding a bear that looked almost like yours. “Hey, uhm… can I see your bear?”

He smiled. “Yeah, sure, he—”

But before he could hand it over, a girl clung to his arm, flashing a smug smile. “Not happening. He’s mine, see?” She held up her bear, identical in color to his.

Your heart sank, but you forced a small smile. “Right. Sorry.”

As you turned to leave, she called out, her voice laced with venom. “Wait.”

You barely had time to react before she snatched your teddy.

“Good luck finding yours,” she sneered, tossing it like trash.

But then... swift hands caught it.

Chester. The most popular guy in school.

He walked towards you, cool and confident, ignoring the stunned stares. He handed you your bear and slid an arm around your waist.

“Don’t mess with what's mine,” he said coldly, eyes locked on the girl, daring her to try again.

Then you saw his bear. Grey. Just like yours. Turns out… your soulmate was the one everyone wanted. And he only wanted you.