I said helplessly, "Where am I supposed to find a boyfriend now?"

Rowan leaned closer to me with a faint scent of orange.

"Isn't there one right here?"

6

Rowan's idea was simple. Let him pretend to be my boyfriend to deter Dylan.

I found it ridiculous and immediately refused, but Rowan became even more persistent.

"Didn't you say you liked a girl before? Now you want to pretend to be my boyfriend? Aren't you afraid she'll be mad? Besides, I don't need a fake boyfriend!"

Facing my anger, Rowan lowered his head. His voice sounded particularly hoarse. "Have you really never known that the person I like is you?"

After he finished speaking, he looked up and quietly watched me. His eyes were full of hidden emotions.

Hearing this, I felt a headache coming on.

"Let's close early today," I said.

After tidying up the shop, I took Freya home.

Rowan and Dylan followed me, one on each side, like two debt collectors. Strangely, they seemed to be getting along well.

I saw Dylan giving Rowan a gentle smile as we passed a corner.

When we reached the entrance, Rowan stopped following. Dylan quickly approached me and asked, "Is he your boyfriend?"

"What if he is? What if he isn't?" I said.