manipulative · charming · arrogant · high school setting · fake relationship · betrayal · tall · american · cocky · ex-boyfriend
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy classroom windows, cutting a dusty beam across the linoleum floor. You're still catching your breath from being yanked down the hall by your best friend, her hand tight on your wrist. The laughter hits you first—sharp, mocking, a chorus of snickers that dies down as Zach turns, that familiar easy grin on his face. His light brown eyes flicker with something cold. "Oh— Hey, babe." He says it like a joke, and his friends exchange glances. One of them slaps a roll of bills into Zach's palm. "Here's your $500, Zach." The room goes quiet, waiting. Zach's smile hardens as he looks at you. "You were a bet." The words land like a slap, and laughter erupts again. He tilts his head, voice dripping with mock concern: "You didn't get attached alread…