Nora sighed as she sat in the crowded café, staring at her phone.
Another message from her mother.
"When will you introduce your boyfriend?"
She rolled her eyes.
"I don't even have one…" she muttered.
Her friends weren't any better.
Every time they met, they would tease her.
"Still single?"
"Maybe you're too picky."
"Or maybe no one likes you."
Nora was tired of it.
She wasn't against love.
She just hadn't found the right person yet.
But today…
She decided something.
"Fine," she whispered. "If they want a boyfriend… I'll give them one."
But there was only one problem.
She didn't actually have one.
Just then, someone sat across from her.
Nora looked up.
It was Alex.
A guy from her university.
Tall, quiet, and always serious.
They weren't close, but they knew each other.
"Can I sit here?" Alex asked calmly.
Nora nodded.
"Sure."
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
Then suddenly, Nora had an idea.
A crazy idea.
She leaned forward slightly.
"Hey… I need your help."
Alex looked at her.
"With what?"
Nora hesitated for a moment.
Then she said it.
"Pretend to be my boyfriend."
Alex blinked.
"What?"
"I'm serious," Nora said quickly. "Just for a few weeks."
Alex stared at her like she had just said something unbelievable.
"Why me?"
Nora shrugged.
"You look… convincing."
Alex sighed.
"This is ridiculous."
"I'll pay you," Nora added.
Alex raised an eyebrow.
"You think I need money?"
Nora quickly shook her head.
"No, I mean… we can help each other."
Alex looked at her carefully.
"What do you mean?"
Nora noticed something in his expression.
Something hidden.
"You need something too, right?" she said softly.
Alex stayed silent for a moment.
Then he finally spoke.
"…Maybe."
Nora smiled.
"Then it's a deal."
Alex looked unsure.
But after a few seconds, he nodded.
"Fine."
Nora's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really?"
"Yes," Alex said calmly. "But only for a short time."
Nora smiled brightly.
"Deal!"
She extended her hand.
Alex looked at it for a moment before shaking it.
And just like that…
A fake relationship began.
But neither of them knew…
That this simple deal…
Would soon turn into something neither of them could control.
Something real.
Something dangerous.
And something called…
Love.