My favorite idol got canceled, and I was sobbing in an internet café. The hot guy next to me lost his game and ripped off his headset in frustration. "What the hell are you crying for? I'll win the next round. I'll be your man." And just like that, I found myself nervously watching him play, terrified he'd lose. 1 This guy had a "player" face—sharp, aggressive, and dangerously handsome. He looked like trouble. I recognized him. Caleb Rivers, the heartthrob from the art school next door. Someone I would never cross paths with in a million years was now offering to be my man? Talk about a pie falling from the sky—and a sweet one at that! In the middle of the game, he "died" once. during the respawn countdown, he glanced sideways at me, his gaze lazy and tired. That look seemed to say: Relax, I'm definitely going to be your man. Finally, the screen flashed VICTORY. I got so excited I couldn't help myself and grabbed his arm. "Bro, you won!" I realized how forward I was being as soon as I said it. But hey, I'm a sucker for good looks. A little lack of reserve is normal. The man leaned back in his chair, headset hanging loosely around his neck, his tone casual. "So, are we dating for real?" He said it with a smile, not quite a question, but not quite a statement either. "Wait... didn't you say it?" My voice was timid, but inside, I was already cursing him out. Just then, four men in suits walked up behind us. They looked like bodyguards. The leader nodded slightly. "Mr. Rivers, if you've had enough fun, it's time to go home." "..." What is this? This vibe was giving "Domineering CEO drags his little wife home." I couldn't help but look at the guy next to me. Drop-dead gorgeous, but frowning with impatience. He turned to meet my gaze for half a second, then suddenly smirked. "Can't I even say a few words to my girlfriend without you interfering?" "..." I blinked. He had already taken my hand. His palm was warm, sending a tingle straight to my racing heart. The bodyguard was clearly stunned. "Of course, sir. We wouldn't dare." "..." Caleb didn't say another word. He just pulled me along and walked out. 2 Standing on the street corner, my thoughts slowly returned. My idol got canceled, but I got a boyfriend out of it? Thank you, cancel culture! Caleb let go of my hand, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it with his head tilted to the side. Smoke drifted from his pale hand. He had this undeniable bad-boy aura. "Crying that hard over a breakup?" he asked. I wanted to explain, but it felt unnecessary. "Have you always..." I swallowed, "liked me?" With a move like that, it was hard not to misunderstand. Caleb took a drag, chuckled lightly, and stubbed out the cigarette on a trash can. He didn't say anything, which felt like a silent admission. He really had a secret crush on me! I felt a sudden pang of guilt. "I'll take responsibility for you." "..." I don't know which part tickled his funny bone, but his shoulders shook with laughter, muscles flexing under his white tee. "Babe, you really are clueless." He grabbed my hand again. "Hungry? Let's get some food." I hadn't eaten much for lunch, so I was actually starving. On the way, we ran into a few of his friends. "Yo, Caleb, who's this?" "You turned down Vanessa for this innocent little bunny?" "Where are your bodyguards? How come they aren't tailing you today?" I've always been a well-behaved girl. Hearing these guys from a different crowd talking about me made my cheeks burn. Caleb's tone was light. He took a cigarette offered by a friend and twirled it in his fingers. "Why would they follow me? To watch us hold hands? Or to watch us..." He didn't finish because I slapped his shoulder in embarrassment. I guessed what he was going to say and glared at him. Caleb raised an eyebrow and gave me a meaningful smile. This scene caused the guys opposite us to hoot and holler. "Since when is Caleb whipped?" "..." Caleb didn't linger. He laughed, cursed them out, and dragged me away. 3 We found a dessert shop. I have a serious sweet tooth. I took a bite of a waffle and peeked at him, only to lock eyes. He hadn't touched his food. I quickly lowered my head. A few seconds later, I heard a faint chuckle by my ear. "Why are you blushing?" His voice was cool but laced with a smile that made my heart flutter. I wiped my hands. "Why do you keep staring at me?" "I'm looking at my own girlfriend. Got a problem with that?" My face turned even redder. I changed the subject. "Why do those bodyguards follow you?" He stirred his coffee absentmindedly. A few seconds later, he looked up at me lazily, clearly up to no good. "To be honest, babe, I'm sick." "..." I stared at him, stunned. "What kind of sickness?" He didn't answer directly, looking away. "I do like you, but I don't want to hold you back. So maybe we should just..." His tone was pitiful. Paired with that handsome face, it triggered my savior complex instantly. In that moment, I was Mother Teresa. I put my hand over his. "Caleb Rivers, don't worry. I won't abandon you." A flicker of stiffness crossed his brow, but then he laughed out loud and held my hand back. "Glad to hear it." 4 The news of Caleb dating spread to every campus confession page by the next day. "Holy sht, my crush is taken?"* "Help! How does this girl compare to Vanessa? She looks like such a 'pick-me'..." "..." The words "pick-me" kept replaying in my head. I was so mad I threw my phone. Just one photo and they decided I was a "pick-me" girl? "Summer, tell me, how did you hook Caleb?" My best friend, Lila, whispered, leaning in. I raised an eyebrow. "He confessed to me." Silence. Lila laughed. "You think I'm stupid? Caleb just rejected the campus queen next door, and then confessed to you?" She switched to a fawning smile. "Get to know him better, introduce his friends to me. Keep the good stuff in the family." "..." I brushed her off and went to find Caleb. The basketball court stands were packed with girls. Oh, and the four bodyguards standing on the sidelines. "Caleb, your girlfriend is here," someone said. I looked in that direction. He was wearing a black tee and gray sweatpants, his features sharp and cold. He was wiping sweat with a towel. He was tall. He walked towards me, towel in hand, the muscles in his neck and shoulders on full display. "What's up?" His tone was casual. I lowered my head. They called me a "pick-me," right? Fine, I'll show them a pick-me. Without thinking, I hugged him. 5 Boys hooted around us, enjoying the drama. A girl in the stands stood up and left. His waist was really firm. My ears burned, and I couldn't focus on anything else. I looked up at him and saw his Adam's apple bob slowly. Caleb looked down, his hand resting on my waist. "Don't start. I'm sweaty." I shook my head, looking aggrieved, forcing tears into my eyes. "They called me a pick-me." Caleb looked uncomfortable and clicked his tongue. "How did I end up with such a crybaby girlfriend?" Suddenly, a basketball flew from the next court. I instinctively shrank into his arms. He raised a hand and intercepted the ball effortlessly. Frowning, his tone unchanged: "Who called you that?" That move was so hot I was dazed. "Just... online." Caleb nodded. "Got it." "..." That's it? I poked his wrist. "Lunch together?" Caleb didn't speak. His gaze remained calm. He glanced behind me, his voice lazy. "Sure." After he showered, he naturally took my hand. He looked at the bodyguards nearby. "We're going on a date. You coming too?" The leader hesitated for a few seconds, then shook his head.
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