Dorian opened his mouth. The word next echoed in his skull like a system prompt.
Seven days. Two relationships. No one finds out.
Priya was still pressed against the cold brick, her eyes dark and curious, her lips parted. The fog of their breath mingled between them.
He said the only thing that wouldn't break the spell.
"I don't know." His voice came out lower than he intended. "But I don't want to stop."
Her smile returned—slow, genuine, a little surprised. She kissed him again, quick and warm, then pulled back.
"Okay." She bent to scoop up her thermos. "Let's see where it goes."
She was already walking toward the path, looking back over her shoulder. "I should go before Marcus starts asking questions. He gets quiet when he's thinking."
Dorian's stomach tightened. "He thinking about what?"
Priya shrugged. "Who knows. He's always thinking." Her eyes drifted down his body, then back up. A small smile tugged at her lips. "Anyway. Next time, somewhere warmer. This cold is doing things to both of us."
She winked and disappeared around the corner.
Dorian stood alone in the courtyard, the cold seeping through his jacket, his body still reacting to hers.
She noticed. Of course she noticed.
He pressed his palm against his forehead.
Day one. Seven days left.
He pulled out his phone. No messages from Sarah. Good. Bad. He didn't know which.
---
The walk back to the dorm was a tunnel. His feet moved. His mind ran.
She's interested. She's impulsive. She doesn't ask hard questions. Perfect target.
He passed the fountain. The water kept moving, indifferent.
Marcus is thinking. He's always thinking. About what? About me? About her?
His phone buzzed.
Unknown: Nice work. That was faster than I expected.
Unknown: Now don't screw it up.
Unknown: And Dorian? You're not the only one keeping secrets.
Dorian stopped walking. Stared at the screen.
Dorian: What are you talking about?
Unknown: You will find out soon enough.
Unknown: Goodnight, boyfriend.
---
The dorm door was ajar. He pushed it open.
The room was quiet. Tyler was already asleep, mouth open, snoring in that specific way that meant he'd been unconscious for hours. The empty BLIMP can sat on his nightstand like a monument to delusion.
Kyle was curled in his corner, buried under his blankets, a motionless lump. He didn't stir when Dorian entered.
Marcus was on his bed, reading. He looked up when Dorian came in.
"Hey."
"Hey." Dorian sat on his own bed. Tried to look normal. "How was practice?"
"Good. We won." Marcus closed his book. "You were out late."
"Walked around. Couldn't sleep."
Marcus nodded. Didn't push. His eyes lingered on Dorian for a moment longer than usual. Then he picked his book back up.
"I just got off the phone with Priya," Marcus said. "She said she was out with a friend. She seemed happy."
Dorian's stomach tightened.
"That's good," Marcus added. No accusation. Just observation. He went back to reading.
Dorian sat there, the words pressing against his chest.
She's my a lot.
His phone buzzed. Sarah's name on the screen.
He answered. "Hey."
"Hey! You sound tired." Her voice was warm, easy. "What were you doing?"
"Studying. Lecture stuff. Also looked for a job today."
"Oh yeah? Any luck?"
"Yeah, actually. Jenna got me a gig with event staff. Mixer this week, couple other things."
"That's great." She laughed. "You're going to be so busy."
"Keeps me out of trouble."
"Mmm. I'm glad you went to the guest lecture. I feel bad I missed it. You'll send me notes?"
"Yeah. Of course."
"Good. I miss you. We haven't really seen each other. This week is crazy."
Dorian's throat tightened. "We'll fix that."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
He hung up. The lie sat in his throat like something swallowed wrong.
His phone buzzed again.
Priya: So... that happened 😏
Priya: Didn't expect that tonight. Not complaining though 😘
Priya: You better have a good spot picked out for next time. Somewhere with heat and zero chance of running into anyone we know 🔥
He stared at the messages. His thumb hovered over the keyboard.
Dorian: I know a place.
Priya: Good. You're in charge then.
Priya: Night, bone structure guy 💋
He set the phone down.
System: 5C: DECEPTION ACTIVE. DURATION: 7 DAYS. STATUS: IN PROGRESS.
He lay on his bed. Stared at the ceiling. Tyler snored. Marcus turned a page. Kyle was a motionless lump in the corner.
His phone didn't buzz again.
He closed his eyes.
[END OF CHAPTER 18]