Foul Play in Love

Starter

Jace

As I sat in the canteen with my friends, Rose's words echoed in my mind, and suddenly, it clicked: What have I done? Dating a girl I barely noticed, using her for my own selfish reasons. Do I even deserve to be called a man?

We have all the tools to figure out who the stalker is, but somehow, she's always one step ahead. I knew popularity would come with its downsides—swimming in fans' attention—but I never expected a stalker. I thought Alex, as the basketball team leader, would be the only target. But no, she's twisted everything as the days go by. Flowers, love letters, even panties—she's stolen my stuff. She somehow figured out the two scents I mix for my cologne. Gross.

For the first time, I wrote back. A letter, inviting her to meet me at the basketball court. I made it sound sweet, like I was accepting her love. I even watched thrillers and serial killer movies—stuff I already liked—to prepare myself for this. But coincidentally, Rose showed up instead.

I was rude to her. I acted impulsively, letting my emotions take over when I should've been calm and composed. Still, I'm certain the stalker was there. She might've arrived before me, maybe even before Rose. Perhaps she was lurking outside, watching. No matter what, I know she'll reveal herself eventually, even if she knows our dating is fake.

Looking back, I was arrogant. I overpowered Rose in our conversation, but after truly seeing her, I can admit I was wrong. Luckily, she agreed to help. She's shown me what it means to volunteer, to selflessly help others. I wonder what this undercover dating will turn into.

To be honest, Rose isn't my type—or at least, I thought so. Surrounded by girls most of the time, I've never really had a "type." I always noticed the ones who stood out, and Rose never did, except for those times she volunteered.

A sudden shove on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to Dylan. "What?"

He gestured toward the door with a mischievous glint in his eyes. I followed his gaze and immediately knew—Rose had entered.

I looked at her, and a flood of thoughts rushed in. Her braid rested on her small chest. She wore a white shirt under a thin, tiled-skin tee, paired with a brown skirt that stopped just above her knees. Modest yet slightly daring. An invisible smile formed on my lips. She looked... cute.

Her eyes scanned the canteen as she signalled her friends to stop talking. Worry flickered in her gaze as she gulped. My attention drifted to the necklace around her neck. I blinked and glanced around. Was she really looking for me?

But then I noticed the lionesses in the room—those girls who lived for drama—getting ready to pounce. Without thinking, I stood up. I had taken responsibility for her. She'd sacrificed her ego, her image, even her first dating experience, just to help a well-known senior she admired from a distance.

I hurried toward her, ignoring everyone else in the crowded canteen.

"Babe," I called out as I reached her.

She flinched at the sudden term but quickly recovered. Blinking, she composed herself and played along.

"Huskyyy," she said with a giggle, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. Her eyes betrayed her—she was cringing inside. I chuckled.

Gasps rippled through the canteen. Everyone had heard it. I figured the news had spread already.

"You were looking for me?" I asked, smiling as I gently placed my hand on her silky braid.

She frowned slightly but managed a small smile. "Actually, I was trying to see if they're serving braised beef today. I thought I caught a whiff of it."