Fake Love, Real Trouble

Lilian arrived at school as usual, chatting casually with her friends. Today was just another normal day—or so she thought. She didn't expect anything to change with Nathan. Their so-called relationship was just an act, nothing more.

But then, Nathan appeared.

"Morning, sweetheart," he greeted smoothly, his voice carrying a warmth that made Lilian almost choke on her drink.

She blinked, staring at him in disbelief. "Huh?"

Nathan smiled, effortlessly slipping his hands into his pockets. His whole demeanor exuded confidence, as if he'd been playing the role of a perfect boyfriend all his life.

Throughout the day, Nathan continued his act—except it didn't feel like an act at all. He held doors open for her, walked beside her like a proper gentleman, and even carried her bag without hesitation. His movements were so natural that it didn't feel forced.

The small touches, the way he brushed a strand of her hair away or glanced at her with amusement, sent whispers through the halls. People were starting to believe that they were actually together.

Lilian, on the other hand, was confused.

This wasn't Nathan. At least, not the Nathan she knew.

At lunch, he casually leaned closer, his lips curling into a teasing smirk.

"You know, sweetheart… we should make this more believable, don't you think?"

Lilian flinched slightly, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks. What the hell was he doing?

She clenched her fist, then—flick!—she flicked his forehead without warning.

Nathan winced and instinctively rubbed his forehead, staring at her in disbelief.

"What was that for?"

"That's my question." Lilian folded her arms. "What's with you today?"

Nathan raised a brow. "What? Can't I act like this? You wanted it to look real, didn't you?"

Lilian looked away, her blush deepening. "It's not really like the real you…"

Nathan's expression shifted slightly. His voice dropped to a lower tone.

"You've never known the real me."

Lilian froze, caught off guard by his words. Nathan didn't say anything else. He simply gave her one last unreadable look before walking away.

That night, Nathan sat alone on his couch, staring at the ceiling.

Maybe he had made a mistake.

Maybe this wasn't the right decision after all.

Lilian arrived at school, expecting things to be the same as yesterday. Nathan had acted strangely, being overly affectionate and gentlemanly—so much so that she had flicked his forehead in frustration. But today… something was off.

Nathan was nowhere to be seen in the morning. Usually, even if they weren't standing next to each other, she'd at least notice him somewhere, blending into the background. But today, it was as if he had disappeared.

When she finally caught sight of him in class, she immediately felt something was wrong.

Nathan wasn't just quiet—he was completely closed off. His usual composed yet somewhat playful aura was gone. He sat at his desk, eyes blankly focused on the window, showing no interest in anything around him.

At first, Lilian thought maybe he was just tired.

But then, when she tried to talk to him—

"Morning," she greeted.

Nathan didn't even glance at her. He didn't nod. He didn't give his usual lazy response.

Nothing.

Lilian furrowed her brows. She tried again. "Oi, Nathan, you good?"

Silence.

The whole morning continued like that. He didn't talk to her, didn't acknowledge her presence. Even when others greeted him, he only responded with the bare minimum—if at all.

By lunch, it was clear.

Nathan was avoiding her.

—

The afternoon sun bore down on the school field as students gathered for their P.E. class. The boys were playing soccer, with Derek and his squad dominating the game as usual.

Lilian sat with her friends at the edge of the field, still distracted by Nathan's strange behavior.

What the hell is wrong with him today?

Just then, one of the players on the field made a mistake—a bad kick sent the ball flying off course, heading straight for someone walking nearby.

Nathan.

Everyone expected him to dodge it.

But then, something unexpected happened.

Nathan's foot effortlessly controlled the ball, stopping it mid-motion with a smooth first touch. Without hesitation, he flicked it back into the air and passed it perfectly toward the field, the ball landing precisely near the players.

The movement was flawless. Too flawless.

Even Derek, who was the team captain, widened his eyes in shock.

"Hey!" Derek called out, stepping forward. "You play soccer?"

Nathan said nothing. He turned and began walking away.

Derek frowned. He wasn't the type to let things go easily. He strode forward, blocking Nathan's path.

"I asked you a question."

Nathan's expression remained unreadable. For a moment, it seemed like he wasn't going to say anything. But then—

"I used to."

His tone was flat. Emotionless.

Then, without waiting for a response, Nathan walked past Derek and disappeared into the school building.

Derek stood frozen for a few seconds, eyebrows furrowing in frustration. What's with that guy?

—

Later that evening, Nathan sat on his couch, his fingers drumming against the armrest. His mind wasn't on school.

It wasn't on Lilian, either.

His eyes flickered toward a piece of paper sitting on his desk.

A letter.

The words written on it made his chest tighten.

"The Cole's Party."

Nathan exhaled deeply, rubbing his temple.

So… it's that time again, huh?

End of Chapter 5.