The Experiment

Favour

When I heard him say my name, it felt like butterflies in my stomach. I was caught off guard and in shock, but I had to respond since he was waiting.

"Y-yeah?" I managed to say finally.

"Can we talk in a park or something?" he asked.

"S-sure. I know a café a few blocks down from here. It's not crowded at this time," I suggested.

"Sure, lead the way," he said, motioning for me to go ahead. We walked together, and he was so tall and handsome. He was asking me for a favor! It felt like the best thing to happen to me in a while after everything else that's happened.

After 15 minutes, we finally reached Contigo Café, one of the best in town. He opened the door for me, and I felt myself melt right there. Not even Jake had ever done that for me. We both went inside and sat at a table near the big transparent window.

The waiter arrived to take our order.

"A cup of black coffee for me, and for you?" Kian asked.

"Oh, I'm not hungry, thanks," I said, blushing.

"Are you allergic to coffee?" he asked casually.

"Um, no," I answered awkwardly. He turned to the waiter and said,

"One black coffee for me, and one regular coffee for her, thank you," the waiter noted down our order and left.

Feeling nervous and curious, I decided to ask, "You wanted a favor?"

"That irritating blonde who was annoying me during lunch is back at it. She somehow got my number and won't stop bothering me. When I tried to use the restroom during math class, she was waiting outside the boys' restroom for me," he explained.

"Oh, I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I think she got your number from Mr. Keff. He's in charge of students' personal information and has a thing for Britney, so she takes advantage," I said.

"Hmm. She wouldn't let me leave after using the restroom, so to get rid of her, I told her I have a girlfriend. Now she's bothering me, asking to meet my girlfriend," he complained.

"I'm sure she won't cause any trouble if you're there with your girlfriend," I replied, feeling a bit heartbroken that he already had a girlfriend. Damn, I am sad again.

"That's not the problem. The problem is, I don't actually have a girlfriend, and she won't leave me alone until she meets my imaginary girlfriend," he explained.

Oh my God! That's great news! But I'm confused.

"So, you want me to help you find a girlfriend?" I asked.

The waiter brought our coffees, and as I took a sip, he answered, "No, I want you to be my fake girlfriend."

I almost spit my coffee out in surprise. Luckily, I choked instead and managed to compose myself.

"What? Why?" I managed to ask between coughs.

"Because I don't know anyone else's name," he said.

"How do you know my name?" I asked.

"I overheard that blonde guy saying your name since you sit behind me," he replied.

"That blonde guy... oh, Jake," I realized.

"Just because you know my name, you want me to be your fake girlfriend?" I asked incredulously.

"Yeah, it's not rocket science. It's simple. Yes or no?" he asked seriously.

Should I say yes or no? What do I do? What now? He's attractive, but what about his personality? Is he just playing with me? I don't think I'm pretty enough for him.

"Are you sure you want me to be your fake girlfriend? I mean, there are other girls who are more beautiful than me," I said, feeling insecure.

"I think you're good enough," he replied, making my cheeks turn red as he sipped his coffee and looked at me with his deep, dark eyes.

"You asked me out of the blue. Give me some time to think about it," I said.

He took another sip and said, "Okay. You can give me your answer by tomorrow," then signaled the waiter for the bill.

"Please, don't pay for my drink," I pleaded.

He looked at me without saying a word, paid the bill, and left, leaving me staring after him as he exited the café.

I was brought back to reality by a text.

"Did you get home safely?"

"I need your advice," I texted him back.

"Where are you? Are you okay?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, I'm alright. After practice, meet me at Contigo Café. Don't worry, I'm not dying," I texted back, then put my phone away and sipped my coffee, staring out the window.

What just happened? Kian asked me to be his fake girlfriend, and it's only been a day since I first saw him!

Should I say yes or no? I'm not going to ask Jake for advice because I know he'll say no. I just want to know the downsides, and if they don't involve me dying, I'll say yes. I mean, who wouldn't?

Being his girlfriend isn't the only great part; seeing Britney's face will be incredible.

I kept sipping my coffee and waiting for Jake. After 20 minutes, the door opened, and he entered the café with a worried expression. He spotted me and looked somewhat relieved. He sat down across from me where Kian had been sitting.

"Are you okay? Did something happen at home?" Jake asked.

"I'm okay, Jake. I just needed your advice on something. But first, do you want something to eat or drink?" I asked.

"No, Jane! Tell me what's wrong," he said, sounding concerned.

"Okay, so you know the guy who sat in front of us at school today? Kian," I began. He nodded, so I continued.

"He forgot his earpods in class, and I ran after him to give them back. Then he asked me for a favor and brought me here to talk—"

"DID HE DO SOMETHING TO YOU?" Jake interrupted, shouting.

"Calm down, you i***t. No! How many times do I have to tell you I'm okay? Shut up and listen. Then Kian ordered me coffee and said he needs me to be his, um, fake girlfriend so that Britney stops bothering him," I finished. I knew what was coming.

"And what did you say?" Jake asked, somewhat scolding.

"I haven't said anything yet. That's why I wanted your advice," I replied.

"No," he said firmly.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Seriously, Jane? You don't even know that guy, and what's the guarantee that Britney won't do something to you? Plus, you know he'll use you, and you still want to be used? What's wrong with you?" Jake scolded.

"First of all, lower your voice. Secondly, he's hot, I don't have a boyfriend, and I'm bored. And I don't think he's a serial killer," I said.

"Your talking like you 'know Kian.' Listen to me and just say no. Got it?" Jake said.

"No, I will say yes," I said stubbornly.

"Jane, don't you get it? He's a stranger!" Jake exclaimed, and I just looked away, feeling like a kid who'd been denied candy.

Jake stood up and said, "You're crazy. Do whatever you want, but don't come crying to me," before he left.

Now I feel kind of bad, but being just friends with Jake hurts too. Maybe I can use Kian as a distraction from my family and this whole situation.

I still haven't decided what to say, but I'll figure it out by tomorrow.