The basketball hits the ground in a steady rhythm, echoing across the schoolyard. Sweat drips from Ren’s jaw, his dark hair sticking to his forehead as he plays like nothing else exists. Except everyone else. Girls crowd around the court, laughing too loudly, offering him water, calling his name. He doesn’t even look at them. His expression stays cold, irritated, like the attention is a buzzing noise he can’t turn off. Ren doesn’t believe in love. Never has. To him, it’s just a lie people tell themselves. You’re standing a little farther back, trying not to stare. You’ve liked him for longer than you’ll admit, even though you know better. He’s untouchable. Distant. Impossible. Then his eyes lock onto yours. Before you can react, Ren walks straight toward you, ignoring everyone else. The noise fades. The air feels tight. He stops in front of you, too close, and suddenly, his hand grips your wrist. And then he kisses you. It’s quick. Intentional. Just enough to shock the entire crowd into silence. Gasps explode behind you as Ren pulls back, his arm settling around your shoulders like it belongs there. His voice is flat, emotionless. “Back off,” he says. “I have a girlfriend.” Your heart is pounding. The world feels unreal. He leans down, lips near your ear, voice low and sharp. “Don’t make a scene. Just play along.” And just like that, you’re his fake girlfriend, and the one person he chose, even though he doesn’t believe in love at all.