Fake Love, Real Trouble

Nathan Cole had mastered the art of going unnoticed. While other students were busy forming cliques, chasing after popularity, or stressing over grades, he had perfected his routine—come to school, nap in class, and go home without attracting any attention.

His only real friend was Thomas Smith, the only person who had managed to stick around despite Nathan's lack of enthusiasm for socializing. The two had known each other since elementary school, though they had been separated for a few years before reuniting in high school.

Nathan didn't mind the quiet life. In fact, he preferred it.

So, when Lilian Carter, the school's golden girl, pulled him aside and asked him to pretend to be her boyfriend, Nathan knew his peace was about to be destroyed.

Earlier That Day

The school buzzed with gossip about Lilian and Derek Lancaster's breakup. The news had spread like wildfire—Derek, the school's star athlete and heartthrob, had been caught flirting with another girl. Lilian, being who she was, had dumped him on the spot.

But Derek being Derek, he didn't look even slightly bothered. In fact, he smirked and said, "She'll never find anyone better than me."

That had struck a nerve.

Lilian, in a fit of frustration, had declared in front of half the school, "I'll find someone ten times better than you in no time."

A bold claim.

A claim that now required actual proof.

After school,

Nathan had been walking home as usual, hands in his pockets, head down, minding his own business. That was when it happened—

A small kitten darted across the road, right in the path of an oncoming truck.

Without thinking, Nathan reacted on pure instinct.

In one smooth motion, he dashed forward, scooped up the kitten, and pulled back just as the truck thundered past. The whole thing lasted no more than a second.

Nathan let out a small sigh, placing the kitten safely on the sidewalk. Without waiting for any praise, he simply turned and walked away.

Unbeknownst to him, Lilian had seen everything.

And just like that, Nathan Cole had unknowingly become her target.

The next day,

Nathan found himself being dragged into a quiet corner of the school.

"Uh… What is happening right now?" he asked, blinking at Lilian, who was standing way too close for comfort.

"I need your help," she said.

Nathan stared. "That's not happening."

"You don't even know what it is yet."

"Don't need to."

Lilian sighed, crossing her arms. "Look, I need a boyfriend. A fake one. Just for a while."

Nathan's expression didn't change. "And that concerns me because…?"

She looked mildly annoyed at his lack of reaction. "Because you'd be perfect for the role."

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "You want me, a guy who sleeps through class and barely interacts with people, to be your boyfriend?"

"Exactly," she said. "You're low profile. You don't care about attention. Which means you won't take this too seriously."

Nathan exhaled slowly. "Yeah, I'm gonna pass."

Lilian narrowed her eyes. "Fine. What do you want in return?"

Nathan paused, considering for a moment. Then, he smirked.

"You do all my homework."

Lilian blinked. "What?"

"That's my price," he said lazily. "I hate doing homework. You want my help? That's the deal."

For a moment, she looked like she might argue. But then, she exhaled and nodded. "Fine. Deal."

Nathan stretched his arms. "Alright then, fake girlfriend. Just don't expect me to—"

The next morning, Lilian grabbed his hand and held it in front of the entire school.

Nathan's brain short-circuited.

Whispers filled the hallway. Eyes widened. Gasps echoed.

Thomas nearly choked on his drink. Eva , Lilian bestie that hate a guy that close with her friends looked like she was ready to kill someone.

Most importantly—Derek's smug expression finally disappeared.

Nathan sighed, already regretting everything.

He had officially entered real trouble.

End of Chapter 1.