Fake Love, Real Trouble

The final school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Nathan had barely packed his things when Lilian approached him, arms crossed and an expectant look on her face.

"Don't forget. We have a date today," she reminded him, her voice casual but firm.

Nathan sighed. He had spent the entire day thinking of a way to get out of this ridiculous arrangement, but nothing seemed to work. "Are you sure about this? We can just—"

Lilian raised an eyebrow. "You promised."

"Technically, I didn't promise anything. You just—"

"7 PM. Don't be late," Lilian cut him off with a smirk before walking away.

Thomas, who had been watching the entire exchange, let out a laugh. "Man, you really got yourself into this one. Enjoy your romantic evening, lover boy."

Nathan shot him a glare. "Shut up."

On the other side of the hallway, Eva was watching with narrowed eyes. She still wasn't convinced about this whole "relationship." "Are you sure this is a good idea, Lilian?" she asked.

Lilian just smiled. "Relax, Eva. I know what I'm doing."

Eva sighed. "I hope so."

---

Nathan stood outside a fancy café, staring at the glowing sign. He had seen this place before—an elite hotspot for rich students. He never thought he'd actually step foot inside.

He sighed. This is going to be a disaster.

Lilian arrived right on time, dressed in casual yet elegant clothes. She glanced at Nathan's hoodie and jeans. "Really? That's what you're wearing?"

Nathan shrugged. "You didn't give me a dress code."

She rolled her eyes before leading him inside.

As soon as they stepped in, the chatter in the café dimmed. All eyes were on them.

Nathan could hear the whispers.

"Isn't that Lilian?"

"She's with… wait, that guy? Who is he?"

"Wasn't she dating Derek before?"

Nathan ignored them, but he could feel the weight of their stares. Lilian, on the other hand, acted like it was nothing. She confidently walked to a table, gesturing for Nathan to sit across from her.

"You do this often?" Nathan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lilian smirked. "Being the center of attention? Comes with the territory."

Nathan leaned back in his chair. "Yeah, I figured."

---

Things were actually going smoothly—until Derek walked in.

He was accompanied by a few of his soccer teammates, all laughing and chatting until they spotted Lilian and Nathan. Derek's expression darkened for a second before he smirked and walked over.

"Lilian," he greeted smoothly. Then, his gaze flicked to Nathan. "And… you."

Nathan sighed internally. Here we go.

Derek leaned against their table, arms crossed. "Didn't expect to see you here, man. Didn't think this was your kind of place."

Nathan took a sip of his drink. "It's not."

Lilian shot Derek a sharp look. "What do you want?"

Derek chuckled. "Relax. Just surprised to see you move on so fast. I mean, I get it. You wanted someone better than me, right? And… this is your pick?"

Nathan raised an eyebrow but didn't react. He had no interest in entertaining Derek's ego.

Lilian, however, wasn't about to let that slide. "Better than you in every way," she said sweetly, her words sharp as a knife.

Derek's smirk twitched. "Oh yeah? Then prove it."

Nathan blinked. "What?"

Derek leaned forward, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "If you two are really dating… kiss her. Right now."

The café went dead silent.

Nathan and Lilian looked at each other.

Shit.

---

Without hesitation, Lilian grabbed Nathan's wrist. "We're leaving."

Nathan barely had time to react before she pulled him up and practically dragged him out of the café.

They ran through the dimly lit streets, only stopping once they reached a quiet park. Lilian let go of his wrist, breathing heavily before bursting into laughter.

Nathan stared at her. "What the hell was that?"

Lilian wiped a tear from her eye. "Sorry, I just—" She laughed again. "His face! He actually thought I'd listen to him!"

Nathan sighed and sat on a bench. "Next time, if you're going to make me go on a fake date, at least warn me about potential disasters."

Lilian grinned, still catching her breath. "Noted."

There was a moment of silence between them. The night air was cool, and the stars were out, giving the park a peaceful atmosphere.

Nathan glanced at Lilian, who was still smiling slightly.

How did I end up here?

---

After parting ways with Lilian, Nathan didn't head home immediately. Instead, he found himself jogging through his usual midnight route.

The rhythmic sound of his footsteps on the pavement echoed through the empty streets. Occasionally, he threw a few quick punches, shadowboxing as he ran.

After a while, he stopped by a bench, exhaling as he sat down. His mind was a mess.

Why am I even involved in this cliché drama?

He leaned back, staring at the sky.

His thoughts drifted back to his childhood—a memory long buried.

He remembered visiting one of his uncle's business associates. A grand mansion, an intimidating atmosphere, and among all that… a little girl, about his age.

She had been stunning even back then. Confident. Bright. Untouchable.

Nathan barely remembered what they talked about. He only remembered watching her, fascinated by the way she carried herself.

That was the day he decided to learn boxing.

He scoffed at the thought.

What a joke.

Shaking his head, he stood up and continued jogging.

Little did he know, this was only the beginning.

End of Chapter 3.