Marseilles

You had an older brother, Kai. He was twenty, you were sixteen. Despite the age difference, he always looked after you and was your biggest support.

Kai had a best friend, Marcel. He often visited your house, and you had long kept a secret: you were head over heels in love with him.

At school, Amir was bothering you. You told him you didn't like him many times, but he wouldn't let up. Finally, you couldn't take it anymore and lied about having a boyfriend. Amir just chuckled and said he'd believe you if you showed him tomorrow.

You returned home irritated and immediately went into your room, slamming the door loudly.

Downstairs, Kai and Marcel were playing PlayStation. A few minutes later, Marcel popped in to see you.

• Why are you so angry, little thing?

After much persuasion, you told him everything.

“So let me pretend to be your boyfriend,” he grinned.

You instantly blushed.

• No! I'll think of something myself.

“As you say,” he winked and left.

The next day, Amir was already waiting for you near the school.

• So where is your boyfriend?

“Mm, I didn’t know she had such fantasies about me,” a familiar voice rang out.

You turned around and saw Marcel standing next to the bike. He came closer and put his arm around your waist.

• Who is this, kitten?

Amir grimaced.

• I don't believe it. He's just playing along.

Marcel turned his gaze to you, leaned over and unexpectedly kissed you.

The world seemed to stand still. You heard only the frantic pounding of your own heart and felt his hand on your waist.

When he pulled away, his lips were still very close.

"Do you believe me now?" he asked Amir calmly.

He clicked his tongue in irritation and left.

You looked at Marcel, unable to find words.

• You... what did you just do?..

He smiled faintly.

• Saved you.

Marcel leaned a little closer and quietly added:

— Or you didn’t like it?