He doesn’t let me go like he did earlier today. Instead, he follows after me closely. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” But I keep my head down, refusing to answer. He rushes forward and stops in front of me. “C’mon, Cynth. Look at me, would you?” Hah. I’m not sure when we’d moved on to the cutesy nicknames stage of our fake relationship, but it’s interesting to know we’re here now. Especially after he just dissed a girl who he’d let flirt with him for days. All the exhaustion and irritation that’s been building up finally boils over. Fine. He wants to see backbone? I’ll give him backbone. “Don’t get carried away, now. Falling in love is a no-go.” He blinks, surprised at the tone of my voice. It’s lower than usual, as it usually comes out when I’m beyond caring. “…What are