Chapter 8

• **Kyla's POV**
• His gaze was locked on mine, I did the same.
• "You don't have to say anything, don't worry. This isn't the time nor the place for things like this. I understand fully that you're in a sack load of a problem so I can wait. I'll be waiting and one week wouldn't hurt."
• I manage to nod. If he knew that much, why spout it out in the first place? No matter what, I would think about it.
• "I'll talk to Richard after school," I suggested, his eyes widened and images flashed through my head. Images of how wrong things could turn out that way. What was I thinking?
• "Don't. You have to make it as platonic as possible. Trust me, he'll come to you. Don't make it too obvious but agree at the end."
• "What happens when I do?"
• "Your social life changes. He starts the bet and all."
• "Ohhh..."
• "It'll be okay. You'll be fine."
• "What if I'm not?"
• "You will be."
• "What if I have to touch or kiss him."
• "If you play your cards right, you won't. I'll make sure you don't."
• He emphasizes the last part which such firmness, I'm taken aback for a second or two.
• "Thank you, Tony."
• I said in appreciation.
• "I'm so happy I'm able to help."
• "I should get back to class."
• "I'll call you later."
• "Wait, You have my number?"
• He chuckled lightly, ran his hands through his hair then smirked. I'll admit, he's charming.
• "I told you, Malik, I know everything about you."
• He emphasized "everything," winked and walked away.
• I felt slightly relieved. Maybe there's hope after all. I pray Riley understands and forgive me. I hope she does. We've been friends for too long, I can't give up on her, not now, not ever.
• I focused on the plan and continued my daily activities. At the back of my mind, I always knew that once I start, I'll have to follow it up until the very end. No matter what.
• Once I start the risks increases. My best friend, confidant would hate me. I'll become the centre of attraction, two of the worst boys in school would want to get close to me and above all, my life would never be the same.
• ****
• The final was bell rung and any and every student got all their stuff ready to leave. Mondays were always a bitch, the worse day of the week. So many projects and now I'm dealing with this.
• Tony's plan will work. I'll have to put faith in it. Seven days, that's his long I'll jerk the scheme. Seven days, that's how long I'll have to pretend. Seven days, that's how long I'll be someone else. I'll still be Kyla Malik but to everyone else, it'll be like I'm a whole different person. Just seven days, shouldn't be that hard to pull off.
• The trap was set as I spent a long time by my locker carefully waiting for Richard to casually show up and he did.
• The dirtbag strode towards me about the same time I gently closed my locker and hung my bag.
• "Kyla, Wait up...."
• He called, walking up to me. I remember the plan, act nonchalant but slowly give in.
• "I was terrible earlier today. That was such a terrible impression. I didn't even take things well with you. I'm so sorry, I'll like it if we could start all over again."
• "Why?"
• I ask and shrugged lightly.
• "I would like to get to know you. I understand the dare still exists. I have to make you fall in love with my best friend and all but how would that be possible if I don't even know you. So Kyla, give me one chance to get to see you for you. Just one chance."
• His eyes twinkled in anticipation. I parted my lips to utter a yes but caught sight of Riley. The disapproving look on her face broke my resolve.
• One more word from me and our friendship is ruined. I know it would be. Now, what do I do?
• ****