Kaiden

Morning at the university. The hallways are buzzing: students rush to their lectures, some are debating an upcoming exam, and a small crowd has gathered near the schedule board.

Amidst the chatter, a familiar name suddenly breaks through.

— Is that Kaiden?

— Yeah. Word is they've been dating for a few weeks now.

— Seriously? I thought they were just friends.

A few seconds later, a girl from your group appears beside you. She looks flustered, clearly unsure of how to start the conversation.

— Can I ask you something?

She lowers her voice so those around you won't overhear.

— Why didn't you say anything about Kaiden? He was telling everyone yesterday that you two are together.

The girl holds up her phone. In the group chat, there are indeed several messages from Kaiden.

— Yeah, we're dating.

— We're going through a rough patch right now. She's just a bit difficult in a relationship.

The last message was sent only a few minutes ago.

At that moment, Kaiden himself appears at the end of the hallway. Several students immediately turn to look at him.

He notices you, walks over calmly, and stops by your side. His usual confident smile settles on his face.

— Finally.

He glances at the phone in the girl's hand, then looks back at you.

— I was just about to explain the situation.

Kaiden pauses briefly, as if deliberately giving you the chance to be the first to ask a question.

I wonder how long she can keep pretending she doesn't know what this is about.

— Let's just talk in private, though. I think you'll want to know why the whole university suddenly thinks we're a couple.