Billionaire's Childhood Love

LXX. Contract

Hailey's POV:

The world around me is spinning. Well, technically, it is. Earth is in constant rotation, so I'm not wrong. "W-W-What?"

Josh scratches his head. "Why can't I be your fake boyfriend?"

Then, reality hits me again. We were discussing Ricardo being my fake boyfriend. Fake. Fake. Fake! I want to grab Josh's shoulders and shake him. I don't want to be his fake girlfriend. I want to be the real one! I chuckle, "Good one." I know there's a dumb look on my face. I'm trying to cover up the shock and anxiety. I almost had a heart attack when he proposed to be my boyfriend earlier.

"I'm serious." His tone didn't sound like he's joking. Then again, there are moments when he jokes with a straight face. I waited for the - Just kidding. You should've seen the look on your face!

We went into a staring contest. It was pretty intense.

The taunting never came.

"I want to be your boyfriend."

Ka-Pow!

That was the sound of my universe exploding.

"Sure," I said, intervening in silence.

"Sure?" Josh questioned my response.

I didn't know why I responded the way I did. Before I could even wrap my mind around the conversation, I already approved his proposal. If he laughs about it, saying how he was joking. Then, I'll laugh along with it if he doesn't. Then, I'll go along with that too.

But, what is it that I hope for?

Maybe, if Josh sees me in his girlfriend's position, he may change his mind about me.

This can be my escape from the friend zone without sacrificing anything. If he doesn't feel any sparks between us, we can brush it off as a joke. I can still keep my best friend and my thoughts of - what if - can be at ease.

This is the best path?

Right?

Or maybe, this is my stupid fourteen years old self being stupid.

"Yeah," I respond mindlessly. "You can be my boyfriend." I noticed how I didn't even add fake.

"Alright. Then, I guess I'll be your boyfriend."

I withdrew my hands behind my back and continuously pinched my palm. This isn't a dream.

"And you'll be my girlfriend?"

I cannot believe he hasn't laughed. "Yes," I responded. "I'll be your girlfriend."

Josh nods mindlessly before his eyes cast around the room. "Cool."

"Oh-" I respond. I didn't expect this conversation or this outcome. "Cool." Even when I know it's all fake, the butterflies won't settle. I wonder if it will feel a thousand times more unsettling if this was all real.

Josh scratches his neck. "So, you like a guy from our school?"

And then reality hits. I know I shouldn't lie. And I won't. "Yes. I do." It's you.

"Your grade?"

I headed towards the bed and sat down. "No. He's older." I'm practicing to be a bit more truthful.

Josh settled beside me. He ran his tongue across his cheek. "When did you like him?"

"A while now," I grumbled.

"Why didn't you go to me?"

"Because it's hard. I thought you might make a big deal out of it." Good. Not a lie. It may be a big deal.