is ever

Singl

d like museums. But not just those. Prints from my online shop. Sketc

in a shrine t

ees g

hand steadies my

my eyes away from three

erstand. This isn't just about PR or fake relationships." He m

said her work

al name. But her art..." He touches one frame-my favorite, the one

lief and disappoint

ou showing

face me. We're close. "You remind me of her. Of

ring me to myself. Falling fo

. Right now. Conf

nds. The arrangement ends. Any c

" he asks softly. "Wha

. But he shared his pan

t went viral. My face became a meme. Everyone laughing." The words come

ifts, then drops. "

." I watch his reaction. Still nothing. "Built a c

or your

s like a blade. "

one of this is fair. But sometimes

ould choose this? S

something you love." His voice dr

Not y

oes someth

ries. No surprise paparazzi. Everyt

on

t in the

on

aces. I can't share a h

rs." He's already movi

. One bedroom. Kitchenette. Bathroom. Large wind

ni gestures. "I wouldn't come over unl

to the bedroom. It's bigger than my childho

etly. "My art. The livestreams

roperty is completely private.

've been chasing

anding in the doorway, back

this? You could find anyon

s." He shakes his head. "But you looked at me like I was the last per

the six months are up

won

o you

y violated. You wouldn't do that to someone else." He cros

prises both of us. "Pr

er. We're c

ent str

t start?" I h

blic appearance next month." He's being careful not to push. "Marcus would h

sho

e is saved. Think about the foreclosure notice disappearing

use. Away from my childhood bedroom an

Not just to save the st

comes out stead

ulders drop. R

ting. Every guarantee. Every bounda

ney. No questions asked."

lying. Six months pretending to be someone's girlfriend while hid

most complicated l

understand. Who gets panic attacks. Who s

e his

ct sends electricity up my arm. O

s phone

nd to check it. "

ke

xpression darkens. "When?" Anoth

The paparazzi got photos. Of us leaving the

veins. "What k

ut they're speculating. Marcus says we need to

ow

Announce the relationship on our terms." He

moving too fast. T

the contract. Th

ind of

sual. Like we're just

is is natural. B

giving me time to pull away. I don't. His fingers tu

okay?" he

t from panic. From som

es

loser with his other hand, warm on

me," he s

. Looking at me like I'm the onl

. This is all acting. For

ne, when his lips curve into a small

feel like a

to me. We look happy. Natur

e not lyi

it," he says. "Last

uld run. Should choose

b hover over the 'post' b

pos

that, the worl