Fake Dating My School's Basketball Captain

Kiana's POV “The Westbridge Academy Spring Dance wasn’t just another school event. It was the event of the year. The kind people planned months ahead for. The kind where girls picked dresses before winter even ended, and guys suddenly developed personalities just to ask someone out. And somehow, you plan to miss it. Like every other social activity.” Brooke’s voice cut through the hallway noise like she had been holding it in all day. I didn’t look up from my locker. “Brooke, not now.” “That’s what you always say.” I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bag. “Because it’s always the same conversation.” She stepped in front of me anyway. That was Brooke. Once she decided something mattered, she became impossible to escape. “This is our last year, Kiana,” she continued. “Our last year here, and you barely have any memories “It’s just a dance,” I said. Brooke stared at me without saying a word. When I finally looked at her. She wasn’t angry, that was the worst part. She looked disappointed in a soft, stubborn way that made me feel guilty without her even trying. Around us, the hallway was crowded. Someone nearby was holding a giant poster, asking a girl to the dance while students recorded it like it was a movie scene. Brooke nodded toward it. “That’s what I mean. People who are actually living their lives.” Silence stretched between us for a second. Then she continued. “I don’t want to go without you.” That made me pause. I looked at her and found myself thinking about how strange it was that we were even friends. Because if anyone had asked me to describe the kind of person Brooke Larson would be friends with, I wouldn’t have said me. We were just too different. She was the kind of girl people noticed before she even spoke. Cheer captain, social magnet, effortlessly liked by everyone. And me? I was the quiet girl, I preferred the quiet corners, spaces where I could just be alone. It didn't make sense that we were friends, it never had. And somehow, we ended up best friends. “I’m not going,” I said again, quieter this time. Brooke exhaled, like she already knew she wasn’t winning today. “Fine,” she said. “But you’re not getting away with this forever.” “I will.” I said with a small smile. “Besides, there will be nothing fun about me sitting alone in a corner the entire dance,” I said. “That’s why I want us to go together,” she replied quickly. “I want you to have something to do, other than school and books and disappearing into yourself. And before you say it, Lucas can come with the guys.” Lucas Hayes is her boyfriend. They've been together since sophomore year, and they are literally the cutest couple in school. “If we do that I'll end up feeling guilty the entire night. I'll be the reason you didn't attend the dance with him.” She sighed, then leaned closer like she was about to share classified information. “Okay,” she said. “Don’t panic, but I know someone who wants to ask you.” I immediately straightened. “No.” “You don’t even know who it is.” “I don’t need to.” “He thinks you’ll say no anyway.” “Smart of him.” Brooke groaned. “Kiana.” “I’m serious.” She studied me for a second, then narrowed her eyes. “Why won't you come? Is there any particular reason you don't want to?” I froze for half a second before forcing a laugh. “No.” But Brooke didn’t move. She just kept looking at me like she was waiting for the real answer. And for a moment, my mind betrayed me. Ryan Scottfield. Brooke sighed again. “You’re impossible.” “How?” “You’re clearly hiding something.” “I’m not.” “Hey guys.” A voice interrupted us. We both turned. Ryan stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets. His dark hair was slightly messy, like he’d run a hand through it too many times, and his uniform shirt sleeves were rolled up just enough to make it look effortless. His eyes flicked between Brooke and me, a small smile forming on his lips. “What are you two arguing about this time?” Brooke didn't waste a second, because she knew Ryan would back her up. “Kiana,” she said dramatically, pointing at me, “is refusing to come to the Spring Dance.” Ryan looked at me. “Seriously?” I shrugged, trying to act normal. “It’s not a big deal.” Ryan looked between us, amused. “It's our last high school dance together. You have to come.” I exhaled. “Not you too.” He smiled softly, pushing himself off the locker. “Come on, Kiana. It’ll be fun.” I let out a quiet breath. “I doubt that.” “Well, you won’t know if you don’t go.” “I’m okay not knowing.” Brooke groaned. “See? This is exactly what I’ve been dealing with.” Ryan laughed. “I can see that.” Then he looked back at me, his expression softening just slightly. “You should come,” he said. “Just this once.” “I'll think about it,” I said eventually, even though we all knew that meant no. Ryan wasn't just another guy. I've had a crush on him ever since the first time I saw him in ninth grade. But no matter how much I liked him, we could never be together, he already had a girlfriend. Brooke opened her mouth, probably to argue again, but she didn’t get the chance. “Ryan.” A familiar voice called out. Trish was walking toward us, her expression slightly impatient as she reached his side. “I’ve been looking for you,” she said, crossing her arms. Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry. Got distracted.” Her gaze flicked briefly to me, then Brooke, then back to him. “We're going to be late,” she said. He nodded. “Yeah. Right.” Just as they were about to leave, he looked at me again. “You really should come,” he added. I gave him a small smile. “Maybe, I will.” He held my gaze for a second longer. Then Trish reached for his arm, pulling him slightly. “Ryan.” “I’m coming,” he said quickly. And just like that, they were gone. I watched them walk away, maintaining the calm expression on my face, like it didn’t bother me. Because it shouldn't. “So,” Brooke began slowly, once they were out of earshot. I grabbed my bag. “Don’t start.” “Why don't you want to go to the dance?” “I'm going to be late for class,” I said as I turned to leave. She stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “You’re not getting out of this Kiana. I know you, if you insist on not going to this dance so much, then there has to be a reason.” I groaned. "No, seriously." She continued. "Most people are excited about the dance. You act like we're sending you into battle." "You don't want to go. You don't want a date. You don't want me finding you a date." Her eyes narrowed. "Which means there's somebody else." I stared at her. She stared right back. This was one of her best, yet sometimes most annoying qualities. She was physically incapable of giving up on anything. “Kiana.” I sighed, already annoyed. “What?” “You can’t lie to me.” “I’m not lying.” “Yes, you are,” she cut in immediately, “and you’re bad at it too, just so you know.” “I don’t know what you want me to say.” “The truth would be nice.” She tilted her head slightly, studying my face before continuing. “Is it because you think he won’t like you back?” My grip tightened slightly around my bag. “That’s not it.” “I’m serious,” she pressed. “Because if that’s it, then you’re being ridiculous.” I stared at her for a moment. “I mean it,” she said sincerely. “You’re smart, you’re pretty, you’re the kindest person I've ever met. Any guy would be lucky to date you, Kiana.” “Awwn, that's so sweet.” I said with a soft smile. “Can I get to class now?” She stood in front of me blocking my path. “Not until you give me an answer.” And I knew I wasn’t going to win this. Not without giving her a name. Maybe it was the pressure, or the need to end this conversation. I don't even know why, but I just said the first name that came to my mind. “Noah Harrison,” And the moment I did, I knew I’d just made a big mistake.