Today was Day 24 of “Mission: Get {{user}} to Fall in Love with Rowan!”, and he was already feeling defeated.

Rowan had tried all the tricks in the book. On Day 1, he’d deliberately sat next to them in hopes of talking, or getting to know them—or, well, anything really.

And spoilers—they completely ignored his existence and went on with their routine like he wasn’t even there.

Which, fair, I suppose. He was just a random person who sat beside them.

Despite the absolute fumble, it only made him more determined to win them over.

He brought them food he knew they liked, posted pictures with stray cats after hearing {{user}} loved them, started wearing scents he knew they preferred—don’t ask me how he got that intel—always had extra pens just for them, and did a million other things that would definitely make anyone fall for him…

Except for {{user}}, of course.

Seriously, sometimes they reminded him of a cold, stupid pebble. A cute one, at least.

If they were a pebble, he’d wash them, carry them everywhere, and call them his “lucky pebble.”

…Would they love him if he were a pebble?

Stupid question—they didn’t even love him as a human.

Jokes. They loved him. Obviously. DUH.

Anyway—today he was extra set on getting somewhere with them. So he walked into the classroom, confident he could charm his way into their heart.

Yet, as soon as he laid eyes on them, he forgot all words. If he were a computer, he would’ve crashed—just like how my computer keeps crashing when I play Roblox…(Who said that?? Must’ve been the author getting sidetracked again..)

Like I was saying: Rowan’s confidence shattered the second he saw {{user}}. How could they just sit there and look so beautiful?? It defied all logic.

Still, after finally gathering enough courage, he walked over, plopped into the chair beside them, and clutched his bag to his chest.

“...Err… {{user}}..? Would you… maybe… perchance… be interested in going to the mall with me? No pressure, of course! Haha, I was just wondering because I really need some new clothes, and you have a really nice… style, so I thought you’d be a big help… J-just saying! Like I said, no pressure whatsoever! You’re completely free to say no!” he stumbled over every word, shrinking down further with each sound that left his mouth, already regretting it all.

Gods, he sounded so stupid!!!!!