Since that ridiculous bet went viral across the entire school, my life officially turned into a low-budget soap opera.
The moment I stepped through the school gate that morning, whispers followed me everywhere.
> "That's Rina and Anto…" "Are they really dating?" "They said it's fake, but what if it's real…?"
I took a deep breath.
Dear God… one more month and I might actually die standing.
As I walked toward the classroom, someone suddenly rushed up from the side and tapped my shoulder.
"Morning, my girlfriend!"
I almost threw my bag at his head.
"Anto, please. If you want to stay alive, don't call me that in public," I hissed.
He just grinned shamelessly.
"It's a one-month relationship, Rin. We have to be committed."
"Committed your head."
We entered the classroom.
Every single pair of eyes turned toward us.
Of course.
From the back row, Tey let out a long whistle.
> "You're five minutes late. Minus romance points!" he shouted, scribbling something in a small notebook.
I closed my eyes.
What on earth is that book?
"What is that?" I asked sharply.
Tey proudly patted it.
> "Your relationship scorebook! If the score is bad, one month turns into two!"
"WHAT?!"
Anto immediately shot me a pleading look, like I was the only one who could save the world.
"Rin… don't be mad, okay? They're just… overly excited."
"I seriously hate my life."
---
📌 First Break — The Hand-Holding Mission
The bell rang for break. Just as I was about to leave, Anto stood in front of the classroom door, blocking my way.
"Come on," he said, holding out his hand.
I stared at it like it was a caterpillar.
"Come on what?"
"Hold hands. Tey said it's a mandatory moment for new couples."
"Anto… are you insane?"
He lowered his head slightly, his voice softer.
"If we don't do at least one couple moment today, they'll raise the stakes. I don't want you getting even more annoyed…"
Ugh. Why does he sometimes make it so hard to stay mad?
"Just hold it for a second. It'll shut them up," he added.
I let out a long sigh… then took his hand.
Warm.
And strangely comfortable.
"DON'T GET ANY IDEAS, TO!" I snapped immediately.
"Of course not," he replied—smiling like an idiot.
We walked out of the classroom. And of course—cheers erupted instantly.
> "WOOO! HAND-HOLDING!" "NIICE, ANTO!" "RINA'S SMILING! QUICK, TAKE A PHOTO!"
I reflexively let go of his hand.
"See?" I muttered. "So noisy."
Anto just laughed and lightly ruffled my hair.
My hair!
Oh my God…
"Anto…" I hissed.
"Sorry. Reflex. You're just too cute."
I almost screamed.
---
📌 After School — A New Problem
That afternoon, I walked toward the parking lot with my head down, hoping no one would notice me. But life was never that kind.
Adrian—the guy I'd liked for a long time—suddenly appeared in front of me.
Adrian.
Quiet. Kind. Smart.
He smiled softly.
"Rina… can I ask you something?"
My heart started racing.
"Uh… yeah?"
"Is it true you're really with Anto?" he asked quietly.
The world froze.
My voice caught in my throat.
Before I could answer, an arm suddenly wrapped around my shoulders from the side.
Anto.
"Yeah, bro. Wish us luck," he said casually, smiling.
ADRIAN LOOKED AT ME.
I looked back at him.
I wanted to explain.
But it was too late.
Adrian simply nodded… then walked away.
Slowly.
Just like my heart sinking with every step.
Once Adrian disappeared around the corner, I shoved Anto hard in the shoulder.
"ANTOOO!! WHY DID YOU—"
"Rin…"
His voice was low.
Not joking this time.
"I just… didn't want you to become more gossip material. If I let you answer, they'd think we were lying."
I fell silent.
I wasn't ready for an answer like that.
Anto looked at me for a moment, then smiled slightly.
"One month, right? Relax. I've got you."
I turned my face away.
"Stop acting sweet. You're annoying."
He laughed.
"But you didn't push me again, did you? That actually hurts."
I snorted and walked ahead.
"If you say something stupid again, I'll push you for real."
---
And that day, I realized…
This month was definitely not going to be simple.
And maybe…
Anto wasn't as simple as I thought either.