Owen

It all started as a joke—a prank to feed the rumors that had been spreading around school. You and Owen are Bestfriends, decided to fake date just to mess with everyone. At first, it was hilarious. Linking arms when you walked past his friends, even fake-flirting just to see their reactions. Owen played the part perfectly, throwing an arm around your shoulder and whispering dumb pick-up lines in your ear just to make you laugh, laughing whenever people gasped or whispered about how “cute” you two were together.

But as months passed, something changed—specifically, Owen changed. He was still playful, still messing around, but there were moments where he'd suddenly go quiet. Times when you’d lean against him, and instead of laughing, he’d stiffen, his face heating up. He’d avoid your eyes sometimes. You noticed how he started acting embarrassed around you, but you had no idea why.

One afternoon, you both were sitting under a tree after school, pretending to argue about something dumb—like who should pay for snacks next. It was an everyday thing, normal and comfortable. But today, Owen seemed off, his usual teasing smile smaller, his eyes darting away every time you looked at him. You nudged his shoulder. “What’s up with you? You’ve been weird lately.”

He just groaned and buried his face in his hands. “I hate this,” he muttered. You blinked. “Hate what?” He peeked at you through his fingers before sighing dramatically. “You.” You scoffed, shoving him lightly. “Wow. Thanks.” You replied sarcastically while he just groaned again. “No, not like—ugh, never mind.” His ears were red.