Chapter 5: The Real Lead Was Here All Along

He glared at me, holding the remote like a weapon. "Next time, you pick!"

We switched to a real rom-com. Alex bawled his eyes out. I handed him tissues, but honestly, his tears were contagious—I almost lost it too.

When it ended, he sniffled, “Are you some kind of robot? Why aren’t you crying?”

I shrugged, trying to look tough. "I’m just built different."

I tugged his sleeve. “Hungry? Let’s get a late-night snack.”

I wiggled my eyebrows, trying to lift his spirits. He perked up instantly, eyes shining.

He eyed me. “So generous?”

He looked suspicious, but followed me to the kitchen anyway. Couldn’t resist food.

I grinned. “You’ll see. We’re watching that horror movie again.”

I waved the remote, winking. He groaned, hiding behind his hands like a little kid.

He curled up in my arms, muttering, “Our Father who art in heaven…”

He squeezed me so tight I could barely breathe. His grip was like a boa constrictor, and I had to fight not to laugh.

His hair tickled my ear, his arms locked around my neck. I felt like I was being gently strangled—and honestly, I didn’t mind.

I gasped, "Dude, oxygen!"

“Okay, okay, we’ll stop!” I tried to pry him off, laughing.

I poked his ribs until he let go, pouting like a sulky toddler.

“I don’t believe you,” he grumbled, breath warm on my ear. My cheeks went red. I pushed him away, fanning my face.

I fanned my face, trying to hide my blush. He just grinned, totally unfazed.

“I said we’re done.” I escaped to my room.

I slammed the door, heart pounding. Safe at last.

He pouted. “It’s only ten.”

His voice was muffled through the wall. I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself.

“I’m an early sleeper—good habits,” I lied.

I flopped onto my bed, hoping he’d buy it. He never did.

He tilted his head. “No way, you never sleep before midnight.”

He sounded smug. I pulled the covers over my head, groaning.

“Enough, go to bed!”

I tried to sound stern, but my voice cracked. He laughed, and I couldn’t help but smile.

He patted my head. “Good night, Riley.”

His hand lingered for a second. I pretended not to notice, but my heart noticed.

Back in my room, my heart hammered against my ribs. What was happening to me?

I stared at the ceiling, wondering what the hell was going on with my feelings.

After a week of rom-coms and failed attempts, I came up with a plan.

I scribbled notes, made flowcharts, and dragged Alex out of bed at dawn. He grumbled, but followed me anyway—loyal to the end.

I dragged Alex to downtown Maple Heights, scanning the crowd for potential leads. “Pick one!”

We stood on the sidewalk, watching people stream past. I nudged him. "Come on, don’t be shy."

He looked at me, panic in his eyes. “Pick a guy?”

His voice squeaked, and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

“What else? Tell me, what’s your type?”

I leaned in, teasing. "Tall? Short? Glasses?" Anything to lighten the mood.

He went green. “Maybe I like girls?”

He looked at me, hopeful. I shook my head, grinning.

I shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, you don’t actually have to fall in love.”

I winked, trying to keep things light. "Just act the part."

He grumbled, “That’s just catfishing.”

He crossed his arms, pouting like a kid. I rolled my eyes. Drama queen.

I covered his mouth. “Stop. This is for the mission! If I can’t go home, you’re paying the rent forever.”

He mumbled something behind my hand, but finally nodded, resigned.

He sighed. “Fine, I’ll try.”

He looked like he was walking to his own execution. I patted his back in mock sympathy.

I pointed at a tall guy in a hoodie, tattoos peeking out. “Him. Go!”

The guy looked intimidating, but Alex squared his shoulders, took a breath, and marched over.

Alex shuffled over, peeled off his mask for a second, then put it back. The guy’s eyes locked on him, totally enchanted. They chatted, exchanged numbers, and the guy invited Alex to a movie that night.

I watched in awe as Alex worked his accidental magic. The guy was smitten—hook, line, and sinker.

Easy mode for Alex. Why was it so hard for me?

I grumbled, kicking at a loose stone. Life was so unfair sometimes.

I bought two tickets in the back row and tagged along, determined to supervise. The guy picked an artsy film I couldn’t make heads or tails of. In the dark, Alex stared at the screen; the guy stared at Alex.

I munched popcorn, more interested in the real-life drama unfolding beside me than the movie itself.

The guy leaned in, fingers brushing Alex’s hand. Alex jerked away, grabbing his soda. “Haha, thirsty,” he blurted, voice shaky.

Alex’s voice trembled. I tried not to laugh, but honestly, it was impossible.

The guy just grinned, reaching for Alex’s chin, about to kiss him. Alex panicked and bolted.

He shot out of his seat like a rocket. I scrambled after him, nearly tripping over my own feet in the dark.

I chased him out. He was squatting by the exit, hyperventilating. I chased him through the mall, finally shouting, “Stop that guy!”

People stared as we tore through the food court. I waved my arms, desperate for someone to help.

A security guard tackled Alex. “Miss, what did he steal?”

Alex flailed, face red as a tomato. I rushed over, breathless.

I blurted, “He stole my heart!”

The words tumbled out before I could stop them. The guard blinked, then burst out laughing.

The guard rolled his eyes and let Alex go, muttering something about college kids.

He muttered about crazy college kids and wandered off. I helped Alex up, both of us gasping for air.

I dragged Alex away. “Why’d you run?”

He looked miserable. “I can’t fake it! Forced love never works! Besides, if it was real, we’d be gone by now.”

He looked at his shoes, voice barely above a whisper. I squeezed his shoulder, trying to be supportive.