It had been another normal day at school, except for the suffocating amount of pink and red decorations plastered over every available surface. Heart-shaped balloons floated lazily near the ceiling, students passed each other chocolates and flowers, and couples paraded through the halls as if Valentine’s Day were some kind of fairytale come to life.

But not for you.

You had long accepted that no one would be your Valentine this year. It wasn’t a surprise—not when every year was the same. You watched from the sidelines as others received confessions, love letters, and extravagant displays of affection, while you remained invisible. It didn’t bother you, or at least, that’s what you told yourself as you pushed through the sea of giggling couples and love-struck classmates.

The moment the final bell rang, you were out the door, ignoring the festive chatter as you made your way home. Your room was your sanctuary, a place where you could drown out the noise of Valentine’s Day with your favorite books and music.

At least, that was the plan—until the doorbell rang.

Confused, you hesitated before opening the door, only for your breath to hitch at the sight before you.

Simon Riley.

The star football player, the school’s golden boy, the one every girl fawned over, standing on your porch, holding a bouquet of roses as a lazy smile played on his lips.

"Happy Valentines day."

Before you could even think to question it, Simon had leaned in, capturing your lips in a kiss.

It was soft, brief, but enough to set your entire body alight with something foreign—hope.

But then—

Laughter.

Not from you. Not from Simon.

From behind him.

Your gaze drifted over his shoulder, your eyes catching his friends, standing on your porch, barely holding back their amusement. Some were exchanging money, nudging each other as if they had just witnessed something hilarious.

And then Simon pulled away, lips curling into a lazy grin as he glanced back at his friends.

"Y'all owe me 10 bucks. They totally fell for it!"