Their plan was simple.
Pretend to fall for each other.
Lure the stalker out.
Trap them.
No real feelings. No strings attached.
At least, that's what they told themselves.
---
The next morning, the entire school watched as Revan walked into the cafeteria—with Aira by his side.
Holding her hand.
Whispers exploded like fireworks.
"Are they dating?"
"Since when?!"
"Aira?! Seriously?!"
Revan leaned closer and whispered, "You okay?"
Aira didn't answer. Her heart was hammering. Not from fear—but something else.
They sat together. Ate together. Laughed like something was real.
But it wasn't.
Right?
---
At 3:07 p.m., Nia Vellora posted a new update on her blog.
> "Lies taste sweet in the beginning. But sugar turns sour in time.
To the couple faking love for survival: I'm watching you.
And I know your secrets."
---
Back in the library, Revan threw the laptop shut.
"She knows," he muttered. "She's calling us out."
Aira stared at the screen. "How is she always one step ahead?"
"She's not," Revan said darkly. "She just thinks she is."
He turned to her, expression unreadable. "You ready to push this further?"
"What do you mean?"
"A public kiss. Tomorrow. We leak it ourselves."
Aira froze. "You're kidding."
Revan stepped closer. "Unless... you're afraid the act might feel too real."
She looked up at him—his confident smirk, his stupid perfect jawline, the way his voice dropped when he was being serious.
She wasn't afraid of the kiss.
She was afraid of what it might awaken.
So she said the only thing she could.
"Let's give them a show."
And behind the shelves, hidden by dust and books, a tiny recording device blinked red—capturing every word.
They weren't the hunters.
Not yet.
They were still the prey.