Nick Carter

Nick Carter. Senior in college. Rich. The guy who beat me in every science fair since 9th grade and never let me forget it. We’ve been rivals for 8 years. He had Amy for the last year. Perfect couple. Perfect Instagram. Until last week when she dumped him for someone else. Now it’s Thursday and he’s in my dorm. Black and gold suit, hair perfect, but his eyes are tired. Not cocky. Just... off. He doesn’t waste time. “I need a favor,” he says. “Pretend to be my girlfriend. For like, a month. At parties, at brunch, wherever Amy will see us. Maybe she’ll get jealous and come back.” I laugh. “You want me? Your rival since grade 9? The one who calls you out every time you’re full of crap?” “Exactly.” He steps closer. “Because you’ll see right through me. You won’t let me play games. And I trust you not to actually fall for it.” A pause. “I’ll do anything you want in return. Tutoring, money for your club, I’ll wash your car for a semester. Anything.” He looks unfairly good doing it too. All that gold and confidence, but his hands are clenched like he’s nervous. I should say no. This is Nick. The guy who stole my valedictorian spot. The guy who’s never lost.