5
Here's your story translated into English, with the meaning and emotional flow preserved—and where possible, slightly polished for smoother readability while keeping every moment true to the original:
---
**Just one photo.**
A single snapshot of Aidan and me kissing on the beach, posted on Instagram. And *poof*, suddenly the whole school believes we're a couple.
Okay, I'll admit—the photo was a *little* misleading…
I still remember how it happened. We were supposed to meet at 6:30 p.m., but of course, *Mister Important* showed up thirty minutes late. And his excuse?
— *"I ran out of shampoo. I never go out without washing my hair, so I had to stop by the corner store before heading home to shower."*
He said it like it was the most valid excuse in the world, totally serious.
And then, while trying to take *the* photo, the idiot kept pulling faces. There was no way to get a decent shot. Until suddenly, he had this brilliant idea:
— *"What if we kissed? That'd make it look more real."*
It *could* have been a cute, maybe even romantic moment… *if only* he hadn't decided to grab my butt at the exact same time.
And of course, that's not all. He insisted on posting *that* particular photo. I was against it, obviously. But after a few minutes of back and forth, I gave in. Why again? Oh, right… because I picked a *dumbass* to be my fake boyfriend.
It's crazy how convincing he looks at school. The perfect bad boy: confident, brooding eyes, mysterious vibe…
And yet, outside of class, he's just a big kid. Goes to show—looks *can* be deceiving.
---
**The next morning, my phone blew up with notifications.**
Hundreds of friend requests on Facebook. Tons of DMs.
And… threats.
I sort of expected it. Taking the spotlight from the "legendary Aidan's" fan club? Might as well sign my own social death warrant. After all, *how* could a plain girl like me ever land a guy like him?
I scrolled through the messages, already tired of it all.
And of course, among them were some from Taylor:
> **Taylor:** *You stole my Aidan.*
> **Taylor:** *You're going to pay for this, you little b****.*
Great. Just what I needed.
We *really* needed to talk. Because honestly? Aidan and I are *fake*.
But I had a feeling that wouldn't be enough to stop the storm.
---
I headed toward the bench Taylor and I had always shared. But when I got there, she was nowhere to be seen.
I let out a sigh. Lately, she'd been acting weird, and after the messages she sent me yesterday, I really needed to set things straight.
Not seeing her, I headed for the school entrance—where I ran into her brother.
— **Me:** Hey, Gavin.
— **Him:** So… it's official with you and Aidan?
Straight to the point. Wonderful.
— **Me:** Yeah, and I *really* don't want to talk about it. Especially with you. You seen Taylor?
— **Him:** What, you think just 'cause we're twins I always know where she is?
I rolled my eyes.
— **Me:** It was a yes or no question.
— **Him:** … Do you *like* Aidan?
I stared at him, confused.
— **Me:** Is that jealousy I hear, Berwick?
— **Him:** *What's he got that I don't? Why him over me?*
I sighed, already annoyed.
— **Me:** I think we're drifting from the point here, Gavin.
— **Him:** Come on, just tell me. *Please…*
He tried flashing a cute look, but the guy *never* knew when to shut up.
So, I had an idea to shut him up real quick. I glanced down at his crotch, then smirked. He got the hint instantly and turned bright red.
Mission accomplished.
— **Me:** So? Where's Taylor?
— **Him:** *Embarrassed*… Uh, she's hanging out with Lyna and her crew, I think.
— **Me:** You sure?
I was surprised. Lyna was *the* stereotypical mean girl—cheerleader, queen bee, full-on drama. Taylor had *always* hated her. Why would she suddenly be tagging along with *that* group?
— **Him:** Yeah. Ever since people started talking about you and Aidan, she's changed. I used to think she was kind of a prude, but now… she's acting like a total… well, you know. Shows how fast people can change overnight.
I frowned.
— **Me:** I doubt that.
Taylor was *impulsive*, sure, but not the type to flip her personality overnight...
— **Him:** Whatever. I'm gonna grab a smoke. You killed my *mood*, Wells. See you in class.
He walked off before I could reply.
— **Me:** Yeah…
Something felt off. Taylor hanging with Lyna? That made *zero* sense. And the fact that she'd been avoiding me since yesterday wasn't just a coincidence.
I had to talk to her. Fast.
---
I walked the hallway, eyes scanning for Taylor. Her locker was empty. I sighed and moved toward mine. Maybe I was just overthinking...
Three minutes later, I heard quick footsteps behind me. I turned just in time to see Taylor storming toward me. I opened my mouth to greet her—but her response was a *slap* across my face.
The sting made me stagger back, the sharp burn spreading across my cheek. Before I could react, another slap landed—this time from Lyna.
I gasped.
— **Taylor:** *You said you weren't interested in him!*
— **Lyna:** *You stole Aidan from us! Ever heard of "first come, first served"?! I thought you didn't even *like* guys. You never gave him the time of day before!*
— **Taylor:** *I *told* you you'd pay for this, bitch!*
She raised her hand for a third slap—but this time, no way. My instincts kicked in. I caught her wrist with a swift move, and without thinking, my fist crashed into her face.
She stumbled, a gasp of surprise escaping her lips.
— **Me:** *Have you lost your mind, Taylor?!*
Taylor lunged to hit me back, but I grabbed her arm—maybe a bit too hard, judging by her wince. She deserved it, though.
— **Lyna:** *Let her go, you're hurting her!*
— **Another girl:** *Yeah, back off, slut!*
And just like that, the whole group of girls rushed me.
They swarmed in, ready to throw punches. I barely got my arms up to shield myself when a powerful voice ripped through the hallway:
— **Aidan:** *Back off—NOW!!!*
Everything froze. Like someone had hit mute.
In one motion, all the girls backed away—and started fixing their hair and adjusting their tops. Even *Taylor*. Seriously?
I exhaled, rubbing my sore jaw.
— **Taylor:** *My Aidan, it's not what—*
— **Aidan:** *Don't even call me that, you filthy bitch.*
His voice was cold, sharp like a blade. Taylor turned pale.
— **Aidan:** *Listen up. She's my girlfriend. And I love her. So next time I catch any of you talking to her...* He paused, then smirked. *No—if I even see you *looking* at her wrong, you'll be dealing with me. Got it? Now get out of my sight.*
The girls exchanged awkward glances, then scattered, their heels clacking as they fled the hallway—but not before shooting daggers my way.
Aidan turned toward me and held out a hand.
— **Aidan:** *You okay?*
I ignored him completely, focusing on stacking my books back into my locker.
— **Me:** *Let's see... my best—and only—friend just turned into a total skank overnight, slapped me in public, and now hates me. Yeah, everything's just peachy. Thanks for asking, Aidan.*
My voice shook a little. I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to keep the tears from falling. I *refused* to break down in front of him.
Aidan didn't say anything. He just stared at me, eyes filled with something too heavy, too intense. He knew. He could *see* I was barely holding it together.
And just when I thought things couldn't get worse—Lisa, the school's number one gossip, showed up.
— **Lisa:** *Why am I just now hearing about your relationship?*
I rolled my eyes. Did this girl have a built-in drama radar or what?
— **Aidan:** *Not the time, Lisa…*
— **Lisa:** *Oh please. It's obviously fake.*
She folded her arms with a smug grin.
*One day you're with Malcolm, the next you're with Aidan? Too good to be true. Admit it—it's just to make Malcolm jealous, right?*
She laughed out loud.
— **Lisa:** *Well, it's working. I saw him at the gate—he looked *pissed*.*
I clenched my fists. I was *this* close to wiping the floor with her.
— **Lisa:** *Prove it. Prove you're really dating.*
With one sharp motion, I slammed my locker shut. The whole hallway jumped.
— **Me:** *Is *saying* we're together not enough for you? What do you want me to do—blow him right here in the hallway?!*
Dead silence.
Lisa's mouth dropped open.
— **Me:** *You know what? Believe whatever you want. I have class.*
I grabbed my bag and started walking away, feeling all the stares burning into my back.
A few steps in, I noticed Aidan wasn't following.
I turned around, arms up in exasperation.
— **Me:** *Aidan!!! What are you doing?!*
He stared at me for a second, then smirked and caught up.
— **Aidan:** *Coming, babe.*
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