The Game We Play

Every time she looks away, he looks at her.

Deinerys Dela Real, the middle child of her family, always strives to be the best at anything because she thinks that's how she can gain her parents' attention. However, no matter what she does, they remain the same towards her. That was until her third year in college, when she met Atticus Ross Giordano, an engineering student who constantly stares at and annoys her.

When Deinerys confronts him, she's shocked by his offer: he'll stop annoying her if she agrees to be his personal tutor for the entire school year. Initially, Deinerys declines, but after discovering she's an illegitimate child and the reason for the unfair treatment in her household, she accepts Atticus's offer to distract herself.

As she spends more time with Atticus, she experiences emotions she hadn't felt before. She always feels safe with him, and despite knowing they have no relationship beyond being tutor and student, their bond grows stronger over the months. They become each other's comfort, and Deinerys realizes she's fallen for him. However, she's aware that this could just be a game, and she prefers not to lose.