Fake Love, Real Trouble

The news spread like wildfire. By the time Nathan stepped into the school the next day, it felt like every pair of eyes was on him. Conversations hushed as he walked past, whispers followed him through the hallways, and some students even stole glances, trying to make sense of what they had heard.

Nathan Cole—the guy who slept through class, barely socialized, and flew under the radar—was now dating Lilian Carter, the school's golden girl.

"This is insane," Thomas muttered as he walked beside Nathan, shaking his head in disbelief. "You didn't just fake-date any girl, bro. You fake-dated her."

Nathan shrugged, completely unfazed. "It's not like I planned for this to happen."

Thomas scoffed. "Yeah? And what's in it for you?"

Nathan smirked. "She's doing all my homework."

Thomas stopped in his tracks, staring at Nathan as if he had just confessed to selling his soul. "Are you serious?"

Nathan yawned. "Dead serious."

Before Thomas could say anything else, a new presence made itself known.

"Nathan Cole."

The voice was sharp, confident, and filled with suspicion. Nathan turned his head and found himself face-to-face with Eva Blain, Lilian's best friend. She stood with her arms crossed, her piercing gaze locked onto him like she was analyzing every detail of his existence.

"What do you want?" Nathan asked casually, slipping his hands into his pockets.

"You," Eva said bluntly. "Outside. Now."

Nathan sighed. "Great. I love being threatened before first period."

---

Outside the classroom

Eva wasted no time. "Alright, let's cut to the chase. You and Lilian. What's the deal?"

Nathan tilted his head. "We're dating. You heard the news, right?"

Eva narrowed her eyes. "You expect me to believe that Lilian—who literally just broke up with Derek Lancaster—is suddenly madly in love with you? The guy who barely talks to anyone and spends half the day sleeping?"

Nathan gave a lazy smile. "Love works in mysterious ways."

Eva didn't look amused. "I swear, if you're messing with her—"

Before she could finish, Lilian suddenly appeared beside them. "Relax, Eva. I know what I'm doing."

Eva turned to Lilian, frustrated. "Lilian, this doesn't make sense. Are you sure about this?"

Lilian smiled sweetly. "Yes. Nathan is my boyfriend now. End of discussion."

Eva exhaled sharply before glaring at Nathan. "Fine. But if you hurt her, you'll regret it." She turned and walked away, leaving Nathan with an amused expression.

"She's intense," Nathan remarked.

Lilian smirked. "That's why she's my best friend."

---

Lunch Break

Nathan quickly realized that being Lilian's "boyfriend" came with consequences.

For the first time ever, he was being noticed.

People were staring at him, whispering, and even some girls who had never given him a second glance were suddenly looking his way. It was suffocating.

At the lunch table, Thomas smirked. "Dude, this is hilarious. You're famous now."

Nathan groaned, resting his head on the table. "I hate this already."

Lilian sat across from him, looking completely unbothered. "Welcome to my world."

Before Nathan could complain further, a shadow loomed over them.

"Well, well, well... isn't this a surprise?"

Nathan looked up and met the sharp, calculating gaze of Derek Lancaster.

Here we go.

Derek smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "So, you're Lilian's new boyfriend, huh?"

Nathan stretched his arms lazily. "That's what people say."

Derek chuckled, crossing his arms. "Funny. I never took Lilian as someone who'd go for guys like you."

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "What kind of guy am I?"

Derek smirked. "The forgettable kind."

The tension in the air was thick. Lilian watched silently, her expression unreadable. Thomas, meanwhile, was enjoying the show.

Nathan, unfazed, leaned back in his chair. "Well, I guess I'm memorable enough to steal your girl."

Derek's smirk faded for a split second before returning. "Enjoy it while it lasts." He turned and walked away, but Nathan could tell—Derek wasn't letting this go.

Lilian sighed. "That was unnecessary."

Nathan grinned. "Oh, come on. I was just having fun."

Lilian rolled her eyes. "If you're going to be my boyfriend, at least try to act like one properly."

Nathan blinked. "Wait, I thought you just wanted to prove a point to Derek?"

Lilian smiled mischievously. "Exactly. Which means you need to act convincing. So, we're going on a date after school."

Nathan choked on his drink. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, and don't worry," Lilian added. "I'm still doing your homework."

Nathan sighed, rubbing his temples. "This is getting out of hand."

Thomas laughed. "Oh, buddy. You have no idea."

Nathan reply with a sigh. "I hate these things already."

End of Chapter 2.