Chapter 2: The App Becomes Human—And a Heartthrob

He handed me a mask. “All this pollen’s rough lately. Figured you might need this.”

He offered it so earnestly, I almost burst out laughing. Only in Maple Heights would a guy bring you coffee and a mask before a study date. Weirdly thoughtful—or just weird? I slipped it on, grateful for the excuse to hide my smile.

What a gentleman! I took it, mentally giving him bonus points.

He walked beside me, cracked a joke, even held the door for me at the library. I had to admit, he was nailing the nice guy routine.

He told a corny joke about a chicken crossing the road, and I actually giggled. When he offered to carry my books, I let him—just to see what it felt like to be doted on.

The app whispered, “This looks promising.” It sounded like a game show host this time.

My hopes soared. Maybe this time, I’d finally cracked the code. Could this actually be working?

We sat by the window, sun slanting across his profile, his nose sharp as a crescent moon. For a moment, I almost forgot about the mission.

Dust motes floated in the golden light. He looked almost ethereal, flipping through his notes with careful, almost reverent fingers. For a second, I wondered—was I actually falling for him? My heart did a little flip.

I sipped my latte, sneaking glances. Our eyes met—he looked away fast, cheeks pink.

His cheeks flushed, and he fiddled with his pen. Maybe he was just shy. A little thrill ran through me—maybe I was finally getting somewhere. Was this real?

I straightened in my seat, ready to make my move. The app buzzed in my head like it was about to burst. This was it, right?

I tapped his shoulder, ready to say something, when suddenly he grabbed my shoulder instead.

His grip was gentle but urgent. My breath caught. Was this it? Was this the breakthrough moment I’d been waiting for?

Startled, I stared at him. My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest.

His eyes were wide, almost desperate. My heart skipped a beat. What was going on?

“Sorry, I just… can you ask the guy behind you if he’s single?”

My heart dropped like a rock.

I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. All that hope fizzled out, like a balloon popping in my chest.

“The guy… behind me?” I repeated, my voice stiff as cardboard.

My voice sounded hollow, even to me. I didn’t want to turn around.

He gently cupped my face, stopping me from turning. “Don’t look! He’ll notice.”

His hand was warm, but my whole body went cold. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, like everyone could see right through me.

“Uh-huh…” I peeled his hand away, face darkening. I could barely look at him.

I forced a smile, but inside I was screaming. Was I cursed? What was wrong with me?

Why did all the male leads like the guy sitting behind me? Seriously, universe?

I slumped in my chair, feeling like the universe was playing a very specific joke at my expense. Great. Just great.

“Sorry, I just remembered I have to go.” I bolted, tossing my latte in the trash. Get me out of here, please.

I didn’t even look back. I just needed to get out of there before I burst into tears. The taste of strawberry and coconut milk lingered, bittersweet and sharp.

Bad luck just kept coming. Like, was there a cosmic sign taped to my back?

I wandered across campus, trying—and failing—to shake it off. Maybe I just needed a sign. Or a miracle. Or a reset button.

Passing the basketball courts, a ball flew straight at me. At the last second, a guy jumped in front and blocked it, saving me from a face full of Spalding.

He caught the ball one-handed, landing lightly like he did this every day. Classic jock—sweaty, confident, a little out of breath, and totally in his element.

“You okay?” He steadied me, eyebrows creased in concern.

His hand on my arm was solid and steady. I managed a shaky, “Yeah, I’m good.”

I nodded. “Fine.” My voice was thin, but I tried to sound chill.

I dusted off my jeans, trying to look unbothered. But my heart was still racing like I’d just run a marathon.

The app practically screamed, “Maybe this is your shot! For the mission, Riley!”

Right, the mission. As if I could forget.

I took a deep breath, smoothing my hair. If the universe was going to throw basketballs at my head, I might as well roll with it.

I mustered my best caring act. “Are you okay? Want me to go with you to the campus clinic?”

I tried to sound nurturing, hoping to rack up some empathy points. I even brushed imaginary dust off his shoulder for effect. Go big or go home, right?

Before he could answer, a tall, athletic guy jogged over. They locked eyes, and both of their cheeks went bright pink—like, seriously, cartoon-level blushing.

The chemistry was instant. They grinned at each other, and I realized I was, once again, the third wheel. Story of my life.

I rolled my eyes and slipped away before I could witness another rom-com moment I wasn’t invited to.

I muttered, “Of course.” The app in my head practically shrank back, like it could feel my disappointment and was trying to hide.

“App, get out here!” I plopped down on a bench, ready to give it a piece of my mind.

I kicked at a stray pebble, my frustration bubbling over. “You got any other bright ideas, or are we just winging it now?”

The app sounded more like a guilty puppy than a program. “There was a… mix-up. You got sent here by accident.”

My jaw hit the floor. “A mix-up? Seriously? That’s your excuse?”

“I can’t do this. If anyone should, it’s you. Aren’t you a guy?”

I crossed my arms, glaring at the empty air. “Seriously, you try living in this world for a day.” If only it could.

Suddenly, thunder cracked across the blue sky, and leaves swirled down from nowhere. Out of the sunbeam stepped a tall boy in white—like he’d just walked out of a K-pop music video, dark hair perfectly tousled, white sneakers cleaner than any I’d ever owned. I almost fell off the bench.

He stared, wide-eyed. “They actually let me in!”

His voice was warm, surprised, like he’d just won front-row tickets to his favorite band. I blinked, trying to wrap my head around what I was seeing. Was this real life?

I gawked. “You’re… the app?”

He was actually pretty cute—dark hair, neat smile, bright, curious eyes. I stood up and realized I barely reached his shoulder. Great, now I felt extra tiny.

He was taller than I’d expected, with a kind of quiet confidence that made people glance twice. Suddenly, my faded hoodie and jeans felt like pajamas at a job interview.

I patted his arm. “You’ll be a hit here, trust me.”

He laughed, a little awkward. “I hope not.”

He stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Alex Kim.”

His handshake was strong, his palm warm. I felt a weird jolt—like the beginning of something I couldn’t quite name.

I grinned, shaking it. “I’m Riley Monroe. Take care of me, okay—”