𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓 | 𝙳𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚛

It's been a week since I had that moment with Navan. We finished our project earlier than I expected, and it turned out pretty good to the point we actually got the perfect mark.

It's 1 a.m. and I still couldn't stop thinking about what Navan said to me, that Ethan is not interested in me. How is he so sure? Did Ethan tell him about his feelings for me, that he has zero interest in me? Or is it one of his games, tricking me to fall into his trap?

I tossed and tossed around my bed, trying to get my mind off these things, and just then, my laptop tinged. I got up to see what it was all about.

It was an email from Campus Cupid, the anonymous matchmaking service that had been making waves on campus. I'd signed up a few days ago, mostly out of curiosity. I wasn't exactly desperate for love, but the hopeless romantic in me kicked in me, and thought about Ethan.

I clicked on the email, my heart pounding a little faster than usual. The subject line was simple: "Welcome to Campus Cupid!" My breath hitched. I'd been accepted!

I opened the email and skimmed through the introductory paragraph, my eyes scanning for the important part. Finally, I found it:

"Congratulations, Melody! You've successfully signed up for Campus Cupid. We'll be matching you with compatible students based on your preferences and interests."

This was actually happening. I was officially part of the Campus Cupid experiment. I reread the email, savoring every word.

I practically bounced off my bed, the excitement still buzzing through me. "Nessa! You won't believe this!" I burst into her room, ignoring the fact that it was well past midnight.

Nessa was sat on her vanity, applying a serum to her face, doing her skincare routine. She looked up at me, her eyebrows raised. "It's 1 a.m.," she said, carefully peeling off her face mask. "What the heck are you beaming all about?"

"I got accepted into Campus Cupid!" I exclaimed, practically bouncing on the balls of my feet.

Nessa's eyes widened. "Campus Cupid? You actually signed up?"

"Yeah! And I got the email, it's official. I'm in!" I practically shouted, my voice echoing in the quiet room.

Nessa chuckled, shaking her head. "You're going to be a disaster. You're going to overthink every single message, every single match. You're going to be a mess."

"Maybe," I admitted, "but it's going to be fun! Now, there's only one more step to go."

I lay on her bed, "Did you ask Erick about it?"

"Yeah, well..." She trailed off, I knew something isn't right. "He tried to."

"What do you mean?" I sat up, raising my eyebrows.

"He asked Ethan, but it wasn't enough to convince him." She admitted, looking at me with a sorry face.

"Shit, really?" I caress the back of my neck. "I guess this leaves me no other choice than the worst."

Nessa rolled her eyes, but I could see a hint of curiosity in them. "Fine," she said, "whatever works best. But remember not to get your hopes too high, Mels."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You're such a pain," I said, but I couldn't help but smile. "I know, don't worry."

I was left no choice but to make a deal with the devil himself. I really shouldn't have rung his phone, because now it's fucking ringing which it shouldn't be at past midnight.

He answered the phone, his voice deep and husky. "What the fuck, Loly?" I'd be lying if I say he doesn't sound hot.

"Hey..." I answered, biting my lips which I usually do when I'm on edge or stressed out. This was too risky, but it's too late to go back now. "Wait, how did you know it's me?"

"Your annoying voice is embarked in my ears. It's not my fault you have such terrible one to not remember." He didn't change his phone number, the one we exchanged before they moved out.

"Why on earth are you calling me at past midnight, what's wrong with you?" He added, sounding annoyed.

"Navan, you wouldn't happen to be interested in Campus Cupid, would you?" It was silent for a moment.

"You called me to ask that?" His voice tired, almost a hint of falling back to sleep.

"Why would I waste my time with a ridiculous matchmaking scheme?" My heart sank. This was going to be harder than I thought.

"Help me out with Ethan," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Besides, you could use a little romance in your life."

Navan's reply was short and to the point. "I don't need romance. I need a partner for my research project."

My eyes widened. This was my chance. "I'll be your research partner," I felt a pun of hope rising up. "And I'll do anything you ask."

"Anything?"

"Anything!" I repeated.

"Expect to be disappointed. It's a university matchmaking scheme, not a fairy tale."

"So, what do you say? Make Ethan sign up?" I plead, hoping he would finally agree.

Navan's response was a single word: "Deal." Then he hung up.

"What the heck? Hey!" I called out, but it was dead silence. He actually hung up on me just like that, and it took me a second to realize the hole I dug for myself to be buried alive, and it's not going to end up well.