I grew up poor, financing college with student loans, while my roommate was a rich kid who’d never worked a day in his life. But from day one of freshman year, he was dead set on being my friend. He took me out, showed me a good time, and even introduced me to his inner circle—including Scarlett. Then Brandon flipped when Scarlett and I actually started seeing each other. He intentionally knocked over my meal plan tray, then claimed I’d burned him and demanded compensation. After I gave him every cent I had, he spread lies that I was a thief—specifically, that I’d stolen his Louis Vuitton wallet. The school put me on academic probation, classmates froze me out, and even Scarlett wanted out. She called me a loser with delusions of grandeur, saying I was way out of my league. I couldn’t fight back. Ostracized and broken, I dropped out and tried to drown myself when my mind finally gave out. But when I opened my eyes, I was back to the day Brandon first introduced me to Scarlett.
“Scarlett, meet Alex—my roommate and closest friend on campus. Not bad-looking, right?” The party’s loud music and Brandon’s playful nudge jolted me back to reality. This was it—the exact moment I’d first met Scarlett. She’d never given me the time of day before, and tonight was no different. She didn’t spare me a glance, just kept sipping her drink like I wasn’t even there. Brandon slung an arm around my shoulders, grinning. “What do you think of Scarlett, Alex?” “Scarlett’s family owns half the real estate downtown—total old money.” I ducked my head, forcing a bashful smile and playing the part of the flustered freshman. “She’s cool. Uh, I need to hit the restroom.” Brandon was obviously into Scarlett, so why was he pushing her at me? And Scarlett—she was just as bad, stringing me along even though she couldn’t stand me. I was just a pawn in their messed-up game. I splashed cold water on my face in the bathroom and took off my dorky glasses. This time, I wasn’t gonna be their toy. Who says the underdog can’t come out on top? I grabbed my bag and dipped without saying goodbye. Sure enough, I ran into Scarlett right by the door. She was alone on a bench outside, hunched over something in her lap. In my past life, I’d obsessed werewolf stories, so I’d memorized every detail of her life from Brandon’s gossip. Today was her birthday—and the anniversary of her mother’s death. Last time, everyone egged me on to toast Scarlett, but she laughed at me for confusing brandy with whiskey, leaving me standing there like a fool. I ducked my head and pulled a carton of strawberry milk from my bag. It was supposed to be my breakfast, but now it would have to do. “Here, drink this. All that alcohol can’t be good for you.” Scarlett shot me a icy look. “I don’t need your sympathy.” I didn’t rise to it. I just set it down. “If you get sick, your mom wouldn’t want that.” With that, I got up and left, ignoring the way she was staring at me. Rich kids like her and Brandon never really saw me. I was just background noise. But this time, I wasn’t just going to make her notice me. I’d make her fall for me, and then I’d sit back and watch her and Brandon tear each other apart. When Brandon got back, he bitched about me ditching without a word. I kissed up like always, agreeing with everything he said. If he skipped class, I’d sign him in. If he was too lazy to grab food, I’d bring it to him. He even whined the dorm washers were gross, so I hand-washed his clothes—every single piece. My other roommates talked trash behind my back, calling me a brown-noser trying to leech off rich kids. What’s the point, they’d say? They won’t throw you a bone. I pretended not to hear, playing the part of Brandon’s loyal gofer. Every day, besides running his errands, I had to listen to his bragging. He’d moan the dining hall food was garbage, bragging his dad should just buy the campus food service already. Sometimes Scarlett would stop by, bringing him gifts, snacks, all kinds of stuff. Once in a while, she’d even bring something for me too. And to keep up the act, whenever I brought Brandon food, I’d make sure to bring some for her too.
Brandon puffed out his chest. “Scarlett’s a total babe, right? All the guys want her. You into her?” I quickly shook my head, acting shy. “Who am I to even think about someone like her? I bet Scarlett only has eyes for you.” That went straight to Brandon’s head. He grinned, looking pleased with himself. Brandon knew Scarlett was into him, of course, but he wasn’t ready to settle down yet. Homecoming was coming up, and he was supposed to carry the banner—until he tripped over his stupid cape and twisted his ankle. Some athletic girl would end up helping him to the nurse’s office. And that day, Scarlett—jealous as hell—would end up confessing to me instead. But on Homecoming day, I made sure I twisted my ankle before he could. I gritted my teeth through the pain, limping as I brought him his hair gel and a change of clothes. Brandon didn’t bat an eye, just bitched about me being late. “What took you so long to grab a few things? Your ankle hurts? Man up! We can’t be late for the parade!” I hung my head, apologizing like I always did—acting all meek and sorry. That’s when the athletic girl came over and asked, “Hey, you okay? Want me to take you to the nurse’s office?” I felt awkward, waving her off. “No, I’m good.” But then I almost fell over. She steadied me anyway, helping me walk to the nurse’s office. Suddenly, I felt this icy stare on me. I looked up and there was Scarlett. Brandon, standing next to me, called out all excited, “Scarlett! Check out my outfit today!” Scarlett didn’t answer. She just looked at me and said, “I’ll take him.” Brandon’s face dropped. “Scarlett! I’m supposed to carry the banner into the stadium! Where are you going?” I jumped in quickly. “You don’t have to, Scarlett. This girl can take me. Don’t keep Brandon waiting.” At the nurse’s office, the nurse said my injury was pretty bad and told me to take it easy for a while. I thanked the girl who helped me—turns out her name was Chloe. Chloe was about to leave, but then she turned around at the door. “Hey, let’s swap numbers. If you need anything, just text me.” I noticed her ears were a little pink, and I was confused. Not long after I got to the nurse’s office, word came that Brandon had taken a fall. Scarlett brought him in herself. He had on his cape, looking all princely, with Scarlett by his side like some royal princess. Chloe came back with an ice pack, looking kinda shocked when she saw them. Brandon was wincing in pain. The nurse said he needed a cold compress first. He pointed at Chloe without hesitating, telling her to give him the ice pack. I kept my voice down like always. “Let Brandon use it first. I’ll get another one later.” Chloe looked annoyed but handed it over. “I’ll take you back to your dorm first, then I’ll grab you a new one.” “Alex, can’t you ask for help yourself? Do you need someone to wait on you hand and foot?” Scarlett’s face was still cold, her words sharp and unfriendly. But then she actually took the ice pack and put it on my swollen ankle herself. Brandon’s eyes went wide. “Scarlett! I haven’t even used it yet! How could you give it to him?” Scarlett ignored him, looking up at me instead. “Alex, don’t you like me? Let’s date.” I feigned surprise to hide the coldness in my eyes. Scarlett wouldn’t fall for me that easily. She was probably just trying to get back at Brandon. And I didn’t say yes right away. I stammered nervously, “I—I never said I liked you.” I left quickly, heading back to the dorm where Brandon’s attitude had completely flipped. He mocked, “Didn’t know you actually managed to score with Scarlett. You’ve got some nerve, huh? Dating her—you’re way out of your league.” I kept my head down and mumbled, “No, I’m not.” Brandon got even nastier. “Who are you kidding? There’s no way you don’t like Scarlett. I’ve seen your type before.” “All of you trying to climb the social ladder, like you even belong there. Even if Scarlett likes you, her family would never accept someone like you!” But this wasn’t enough. I wanted more than just her attention.
Scarlett actually started acting like she was chasing me. She’d walk me to class in the mornings, eat lunch with me, and ask me to walk with her in the evenings. And because of my foot injury, I stopped running Brandon’s errands. No one in the dorm talked to either of us anymore, so he moved off-campus to an apartment. Slowly, everyone started to think I was actually falling for Scarlett. I’d blush when I saw her, give her little handmade gifts, and even remember to bring her snacks after my part-time shifts. I’d text her good morning and good night, sharing little things from my day—whether she replied or not. I’d swapped my dorky glasses for contacts, fixed my hair, and even though my clothes were simple, I looked clean and put-together in the mirror. Slowly, I could feel Scarlett looking at me differently. She’d get close on purpose to make me blush, and on rainy days, her hand would brush mine under the umbrella. We were like a real couple. Until the night Brandon got wasted. He barged into the dorm and knocked over a bowl of discounted hot soup I’d bought. I dodged quick, but he ended up burning his own wrist. He shook it off right away, but there was still a red mark. He gritted his teeth, glaring at me. “Alex, I treated you like a friend, and you went after Scarlett? Have you got no decency?” I kept my innocent look. “Went after? Were you two an item or something?” Brandon clammed up. He pointed at me, spitting threats. “Just you wait. You really think Scarlett actually likes you? She’s just playing with you.” Little did he know I was playing with her too. I’d already gotten what I wanted—breaking up wouldn’t matter. Scarlett showed up to chew me out, just like I knew she would. Like last time, she dragged me into a private room with all her friends. Scarlett told me to apologize. “Be reasonable, Alex. Brandon’s never been hurt a day in his life. Now you burned him.” Brandon crossed his arms, sneering. “Apologize? I wouldn’t dream of it. He’s your boyfriend now, Scarlett.” Scarlett looked helpless, teasing him. “Are you really jealous? You’re the one who introduced us, remember?” Brandon pointed at a row of hard liquor bottles. “Here’s the deal—if you’re really sorry, drink all these and I’ll forgive you.” Scarlett didn’t object. She even picked up a glass and handed it to me. “The whole row’s too much. Just one glass.” I took the glass, then dumped the liquor on the floor with a flick of my wrist. “I’m not drinking a drop.” Last time, no matter how much I explained, all I got was mocked. They didn’t care about the truth—they just wanted to see me humiliated. I was the ugly duckling, the loser—basically, not in their league. They made me drink the whole row of shots. I couldn’t keep it down and threw up right there in front of everyone. Brandon jumped back, pinching his nose, while Scarlett looked grossed out and had someone kick me out. This time, after dumping the drink, I set the glass back on the table. The glass clinked as I put it down. I only explained once: “You got burned because you knocked over my soup on purpose. You did this to yourself.” Brandon flipped out, pointing and yelling. “Who did this to himself?! You’re usually such a wimp—now you’re finally showing your true colors? I always knew you were a two-faced jerk!” “I’m warning you—if you don’t drink all these shots and apologize today, I’ll get you kicked out tomorrow!” Scarlett frowned, looking at me like I was being unreasonable. “Alex, did you forget what I said? It’s just an apology. Why make this so hard?” I gave a small, mocking smile. “I didn’t do anything wrong, so I’m not apologizing.” Scarlett hadn’t expected me to be so stubborn. She grabbed my wrist, staring hard at me. “What if I *make* you apologize to him?” I gritted my teeth and pulled my hand away. “Then we’re done.”
Scarlett’s face dropped instantly. Brandon jumped in. “Alex, you think you’re hot stuff? Scarlett was just messing with you. If anyone’s ending this, it’s her!” But Scarlett stepped closer, moving in on me. “Break up with me? You don’t get to decide that.” “Whether I get to decide isn’t up to you.” I turned and walked out without looking back. Inside the room, everyone tried to smooth things over. “He’s just some small-town kid, Scarlett. It was just a fling—don’t sweat it.” “He’s just got a temper, that’s all. Don’t worry, he’ll be begging you to take him back in three days.” Brandon was in a better mood, offering Scarlett a drink. “You’re not really mad, are you? Alex just doesn’t know when to quit.” Scarlett smashed her glass. The loud crash shut everyone up. After a second, she spoke slowly. “It’s fine. Keep drinking.” But that night, she checked her phone a million times, waiting for my goodnight text that never came. Brandon wasn’t bluffing—he really was gonna get me expelled. And sure enough, it happened. I skipped class, hiding behind my bed curtains, and watched Brandon—who should’ve been in class—sneak into the dorm. He had that brand-new LV wallet in his hand. I pulled out my phone and recorded him putting the wallet in my locker. At noon, Brandon showed up with a group and cornered me right in the classroom. He looked all smug. “Alex, my wallet’s gone. You’re always hanging around me—did you take it?” The classroom was packed, even people in the doorway. I stayed calm. “Got any proof?” Brandon sneered. “Proof? C’mon—you’re the poorest guy here. You couldn’t resist something nice, could you?” “If you’d asked, I might’ve given it to you. But you just had to steal it. What kind of lowlife does that?” People started whispering. A bunch of students pulled out their phones to record. Theft’s a huge deal anywhere, especially on a college campus! “Fine, it’s just a wallet. I’ll pay for it.” Scarlett’s voice came from the doorway. The crowd parted for her. Looked like she was here to back me up. But I didn’t do anything. Why should I let them slander me? I stood my ground. “Brandon, you got any proof?” Scarlett frowned at me. “Alex, don’t cause a scene. Otherwise I can’t help you.” Brandon lost it. “Scarlett, you’re actually taking his side?!” “A broke loser like him—what makes him worth your time? You wouldn’t even know him if it weren’t for me!” She wasn’t taking my side. She didn’t believe me either—just trying to save face. Brandon ignored her and brought up his “evidence.” “I’m telling you—I found the wallet in his locker!” His friends jumped in. “We saw it with our own eyes in his locker.” “Alex, what do you have to say for yourself?!” “Someone who steals doesn’t belong here! You should get kicked out!” Weird, judgmental stares stabbed at me. Brandon lifted his chin, walked up, and whispered, “You’re not even in my league to compete.” But I smiled. I hooked my phone up to the classroom projector. “Let’s show everyone how that wallet ended up in my locker then.”
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