𝙑𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙮 has always lived in the shadows of her high-achieving siblings. At Reefside High, she always keeps a low profile and stays at the sidelines. Not until a mix-up at a soccer match leads everyone to believe she's dating Conn...
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˚｡୨ ʚɞ ୧ ˚｡
𝙑𝙄𝙑𝙄𝘼𝙉 𝙒𝙊𝙆𝙀 𝙐𝙋 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙉𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 with a sinking feeling in her stomach. Knowing that the rumors would have spread like a wildfire, she dreaded facing everyone at Reefside High.
As she entered the school grounds, she could already hear the whispers and see the curious glances directed her way.
"Isn't that Vivian? Conner's girlfriend?"
"Yeah, I heard they were really close at the game yesterday."
"Do you think it's true?"
The blonde girl tried to keep her head down and walk quickly to her locker, but she couldn't escape the gossip that surrounded her. As she turned the corner, she came face to face with Cassidy Cornell, the school's relentless journalist.
"Vivian! Vivian, over here!" Cassidy called out, her cameraman and sidekick Devin following close behind. "Can you confirm the rumors about you and Conner McKnight? Are you two really dating?"
Vivian felt cornered. "Cassidy, I—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a gentle hand grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. It was Conner McKnight, who looked particularly calm despite the chaos.
"Hey, Cassidy, Vivian and I have to get to class. Maybe another time?" He said smoothly, guiding Vivian away from the inquisitive journalist.
Cassidy pouted but didn't pursue them further. "This isn't over, I'll be back for that exclusive!" she called after them.
As they rounded the corner and found a quiet spot, Vivian let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Thanks for that. I didn't know what to say."
"No problem," Conner replied with a reassuring smile. "I figured you'd need some backup."
Vivian glanced around, making sure they were alone. "McKnight, we need to clear this up. Everyone thinks we're dating, and it's all because I wore your jersey by mistake."
Conner's expression turned serious. "I know, but I think we should let them believe it for now."
Vivian blinked, taken aback. "Why would we do that?"
Conner sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated, but I'll try to explain. My dad's been pressuring me to settle down, even hinting at arranging a marriage with the daughter of one of his business associates."
He scrunched his face with disgust then continued. "He thinks it's time I take life more seriously, and he's using every opportunity to push me towards this. If it looks like I'm already in a relationship, it might buy me some time and get him off my back."
