My best friend, Lilianna, freezes in the hallway, staring down at her phone.

"Are you serious?"

"What?"

"Some kid threw up!"

I scrunch my nose at the video she shoves in my face. I push the phone away as I respond.

"Ew. So how does that involve us?"

"Mrs. Crowns' classroom is down this hallway! I'll have to pass right by the spot as I go their!"

"Now I'm really glad there is a different way to get to the gym!"

I veer off right before the intersection.

"I'll see you later!"

I walk down the dimly lit and barely traveled hallway. I round the corner, greeted by the smell of cigarettes. Nathaniel King is leaning against the wall next to an open window, eyes closed as he takes a drag from the cigarette between his fingers. I try to sneak around him, but his eyes open and widen at the sight of me.

He puts out the butt on the bottom of his shoe.

"Don't snitch."

Of course he wouldn't want me to snitch! He would get suspended and that would tarnish his perfect attendance!

An idea pops into my head.

"I won't tell, as long as you do a favor for me in return."

He gives me a skeptical look. Why wouldn't he? We've been in the same grade and school for ages and rarely interacted.

"I'm listening."

"Be my boyfriend."

"What?"

"Just, pretend to be my boyfriend."

He doesn't bother holding back his laughter.

"Are you serious? No way!"

"Fine. Enjoy your ruined record."

I slip around him, walking to the gym. His laughter stops.

"Wait!"

I turn around slowly.

"I'll do it. Just tell me what I need to do in this pretend relationship."

"Give me your phone."

He unlocks it and I quick enter my number into his contacts.

"Text me later. I'll give you the details."

I try to rush away again but he stops me.

"What's your name?"

"Cecilia."

The late bell rings and I bolt for the gym, praying Mr. Houston is in a forgiving mood.