The campus felt different on Saturday—banners fluttered, club booths lined the quad, and every corner buzzed with laughter and chatter. It was Aurora City University's annual Talent Festival, and for the first time since "the proposal," Ethan found himself in the middle of it.
Logan waved Ethan over to the student council booth, where Claire was already helping set up. "You're late, celebrity!" Logan called, grinning. "I thought you'd be hiding from the paparazzi."
Ethan managed a smirk. "Only if you're the one with the camera."
The crowd thickened as the day went on. Booths competed for attention; performers drew cheers. But as soon as Isabella appeared—immaculate as ever, even in a simple festival dress—the energy shifted. Phones came out. Whispers grew louder.
Ethan, supposed "fiancé," felt every eye on him as Isabella approached the main stage for a charity photo op.
To his shock, an event coordinator called out, "Can we get Isabella and her fiancé for a couple's photo?" The crowd whooped. Logan whistled. Claire tried not to look jealous.
Ethan hesitated, but Isabella stepped up, her expression cool as ever. "Let's get this over with," she whispered out of the corner of her mouth.
He managed a nod, feeling the pressure of a hundred lenses. As they stood together for the camera, Isabella's hand brushed his. Her grip was almost imperceptible—a silent signal: "play along."
The crowd cheered. Someone shouted, "Smile for your fans!" Isabella leaned in, just a little. Ethan felt his heart stutter, but the act was easy enough—her hair smelled faintly of something sweet, and for a moment, the Ice Queen's eyes actually softened.
The flashbulbs went off. For a split second, it almost felt real.
"Thank you for your cooperation," the photographer said. Isabella let go instantly, turning away as if nothing had happened. But as she left, she gave Ethan a tiny, almost invisible smile—gone in an instant.
Logan clapped him on the back. "Bro. Legendary performance. Did you feel that chemistry?"
Claire nudged Ethan, teasing, "You looked more nervous than her."
Before he could answer, the system chimed in:
[Public Event: Shared a Cheesy Moment with SSS-Rank Heroine in Front of a Crowd!]
[Skill Draw Available. Choose one:]
[Skill 1] Photogenic Aura (Common)
You look more relaxed and natural in every photo or video, even under pressure.
[Skill 2] Natural Chemistry (Uncommon)
Your body language syncs smoothly with partners in social or public situations.
[Skill 3] Crowd Confidence (Uncommon)
Your stage fright fades, and you thrive in front of groups or audiences.
Ethan weighed his options. He picked [Skill 2] Natural Chemistry, figuring it would make the next "pretend couple" moment less terrifying.
[Skill Acquired: Natural Chemistry (Uncommon) — Your body language syncs smoothly with partners in social or public situations.]
The system buzzed, and Ethan felt just a little more at ease in the spotlight.
As the day faded and the booths packed up, he caught Isabella watching him from across the quad. She looked away, but for the first time, Ethan wondered—maybe she didn't mind being in this together after all.