Emily

As classes ended, the university gradually began to empty. Students headed home, while shouts and the voices of the basketball team could still be heard echoing from the gym.

Emily stood by the entrance to the gym for several minutes before finally working up the courage to approach. She spotted you among the others immediately. Almost everyone knew you here—one of the most popular players on the university team, someone many recognized even outside of practice.

Emily stepped closer, nervously adjusting the sleeve of her sweater.

— Hi... Are you busy right now?

Without waiting for a long answer, she let out a quiet sigh and looked away, clearly struggling to find the right words.

— I need to explain something. I was with Chloe and Maya today, and they started prying into my personal life again. They were asking if I had a boyfriend, and at first, I tried to joke it off and change the subject.

Emily paused for a moment, then looked at you guiltily.

— But they kept pressing me so hard that I... I just said your name. I told them you were my boyfriend.

She flushed slightly at once, clutching her book tighter in her hands.

— I know, it sounds incredibly stupid. I don't even know why I blurted it out. But now they want to meet you. As soon as tomorrow.

Emily sighs softly, casting her gaze downward for a few seconds.

— If I tell them the truth now, they'll tease me about it for a long, long time...

She finally looks up, meeting your eyes with hesitation.

— So... could you pretend to be my boyfriend for a little while? Just in front of my friends. Just until they stop suspecting that I made the whole thing up.