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 ˚｡
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙐𝙉𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 𝙒𝘼𝙎 𝙁𝙄𝙇𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂 through the window as Vivian hurried through the kitchen, grabbing a quick breakfast before school. Mark, already seated at the table with a bowl of cereal, eyed her curiously.
"Hey, Viv, can I ask you something?" Mark's voice was casual.
"Sure, what's up?" Vivian replied, trying to appear nonchalant as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
Mark set down his spoon, studying her intently. "I couldn't help but notice you and Conner McKnight yesterday. Are you guys... you know, together?"
Vivian nearly choked on her coffee, caught off guard by Mark's directness. She glanced around, making sure their parents weren't within earshot. "Uh, no, Mark. It's not like that. We're just pretending."
Mark raised an eyebrow. "Pretending? Why?"
Vivian sighed, setting her cup down with a clink. "It's complicated. McKnight has his reasons, and I... well, it's a long story."
Mark frowned, sensing her reluctance to elaborate. "Viv, just... be careful, okay? Conner's a good guy but he's not exactly known for being serious about relationships."
Vivian nodded. "It's nothing serious. It will be over in no time"
Mark didn't look convinced. "You better not be doing this because you think you need to impress people. You're worth more than that, Viv."
"Thanks, Mark," she said, managing a small smile. "But it's not about that. Just trust me on this."
Mark sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, but if he hurts you-fake or not-I'll have to deal with him."
Vivian rolled her eyes. "Noted, big brother."
Suddenly, a car horn sounded from outside. Vivian glanced out the window, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Conner's red car parked in the driveway.
"Is he picking you up?" Mark asked, eyebrows raised.
"Apparently," Vivian muttered, grabbing her bag and headed to the door.
As she stepped outside, Mark followed closely behind, intercepting Conner before he could reach her. "McKnight, can we talk for a sec?" Mark said, his tone firm.
Conner raised an eyebrow, exchanging a quick look with Vivian before stepping aside with Mark out of earshot. They spoke in hushed tones, their expressions serious. Vivian strained to hear their conversation but couldn't make out their words.
