Chapter 4: Breaking the System

After that huge fight, I didn’t see Eli again.

Adrian came to find me. He messaged, then dragged me out and grabbed my collar.

"Are you out of your mind?"

"You’re toying with gay guys now, straight boy?"

"Do you like Eli or not? Give me a straight answer."

He looked at me, his anger practically burning a hole through me.

I was dumbfounded.

I’d never thought about it.

I was always worrying about whether I was being turned gay.

I froze.

Do I like Eli?

My thoughts stopped. The option box appeared again.

[Based on your future data, here are two options:]

[Option 1: Tell Adrian, "I like you." (42.52%)]

[Option 2: Kiss Adrian. (41.3%)]

I stared blankly at the options, then looked at Adrian through the box. He glared at me, furious.

I used all my strength to shove him away.

Screw your options.

I don’t like men. The one I like is Eli.

Just thinking about kissing Adrian made me want to puke.

At that moment, the damn option box seemed to lose its hold on me.

I ran back to the dorm, my mind full of Eli—

The way he looked at me, lying on the desk;

The way he cried, nose red;

The way he’d just showered, hair wet, whispering, "It really is a bit hot…"

The system’s screen flashed:

[Congratulations, you’ve been turned gay.]

I rolled my eyes and sprinted to the dorm.

But the dorm was empty.

A passing classmate looked at me, concerned. "What’s wrong?"

For the first time, I felt like crying. "Where’s Eli?"

"He moved to Adrian’s dorm. Today."

The classmate glanced at me, then seemed to realize what I was worried about.

"Good luck at the basketball game this afternoon."

"Economics vs. Management. Winner gets three years’ bragging rights and first pick at the afterparty."

I was silent for a moment.

What the hell do I want priority mate selection for?

I want a girlfriend. My girlfriend!

My girlfriend is gone because of me.

Wait—Economics department?

Warming up, I spotted Eli in the economics stands. He sat there quietly, left knee still bandaged, swinging his legs and holding a water bottle.

I watched him for a long time, steeling my resolve.

He really is my partner.

His eyes met mine, but he quickly looked away.

Before a basketball game, both teams shake hands. When it was my turn with Adrian, his grip nearly crushed my hand.

He gritted his teeth. "Jerks can’t make layups or hit threes."

I squeezed back. "I’m not a jerk."

The game started with a whistle. Both departments were evenly matched, the competition fierce.

The gym was sweltering. I glanced at Eli in the stands. He didn’t look at me—his gaze was cold, never landing on me.

My heart felt blocked, uncomfortable.

At halftime, the transparent option box popped up again.

[Based on your future data, here are two options:]

[Option 1: Forcefully kiss Eli. (49.52%)]

[Option 2: Shout, "Eli, I like you!" (42.3%)]

The options boxed me in. I stared, then looked at Eli. He was smiling as he handed water to Adrian, who drank and patted his head.

My gaze lingered on that hand in Eli’s hair. My heart ached.

I clenched my fist, remembering the feel of Eli’s hair—soft, fluffy, with a gentle wave.

I looked back at the options and chose the second.

My body ran uncontrollably to the stands. I looked up at Eli.

"I like you."

He was stunned. The noisy gym seemed to fade out.

He lowered his head, lips pressed tight. I could see his eyelashes trembling.

"What did you say, Carter?"

"I said—" I practically yelled, "I like you, Eli!"

The gym went silent for a moment, then erupted into chaos. Someone in the stands whooped, others pulled out their phones to record, and a wave of whispers spread through the crowd.

In the commotion, I saw Adrian’s face darken, and Eli’s eyes widen.

A moment later, across the stands, Eli smiled at me. "Stop messing with me."

He was smiling, but it looked like he was crying.

I’d hurt my partner too much. He didn’t believe me anymore.

Realizing this, I pressed my lips together, took a deep breath, and tried to steady myself.

It didn’t help. I was lost.

The option box flashed again:

[Remember, he’s coming to your house for lunch on Saturday.]

My eyes lit up.

"Wait for me. I’ll prove it to you."