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00:06I dressed as my brother and took his place at college.
00:09A few days later, I realized something was off about his roommate.
00:13He was the campus golden boy.
00:16The way he looked at me, I swear he wanted to pin me down and devour me whole.
00:21He was always watching me, especially whenever I got too close to a pretty girl.
00:26I started to suspect he had a crush on my brother.
00:29But my brother liked girls!
00:31Hmm, Landon didn't stand a chance, so I decided to keep my distance.
00:36Instead, he cornered me against the wall.
00:38His pale eyes locked onto mine.
00:43I'm right here.
00:45Do you seriously not see me?
00:49My brother Asher was Hawthorne's notorious troublemaker.
00:52Nobody messed with him.
00:54Even stray dogs would probably cross the street to avoid him.
00:58Unfortunately, he was also ridiculously good-looking.
01:01And as one of the soccer team's star wingers, half the posts on Hawthorne's anonymous student
01:06forum were about him.
01:07The other half?
01:08His roommate?
01:09Landon.
01:10The campus golden boy.
01:11And lately, I'd started to suspect Landon had a crush on Asher.
01:14Asher had left for an intensive soccer training camp.
01:17But it was taking longer than expected, and the school had turned down his request for more
01:21time off.
01:21Asher and I were twins, but I'd always been the academic one.
01:24I skipped two grades, so while he was still in college, I'd already graduated and been
01:28working for two years.
01:29I'd just wrapped up a project and had some time to kill.
01:33We looked so much alike.
01:35Even our parents used to mix us up when we were kids.
01:38So, in one spectacularly stupid moment, I agreed to take his place at college.
01:44Landon was always doing my laundry for me.
01:47He even washed my socks.
01:49And cleaned my cleats.
01:51And just now, I'd turned down his offer to wash my feet.
01:57The look he gave me afterward was seriously weird.
02:00Like he was seconds away from pouncing on me.
02:03I knew my brother was popular.
02:04I just never expected guys to fall for him, too.
02:07Wait.
02:08No.
02:08Asher was straight.
02:10No matter how good-looking Landon was, my brother was never going to feel the same way.
02:14The longer this went on, the harder Landon would take it when Asher turned him down.
02:19I couldn't let him keep getting his hopes up.
02:22But Landon wasn't making that easy.
02:24We just finished eating when he stepped in front of me, looking unfurrily handsome as ever.
02:28Asher, come to the library with me this afternoon.
02:32Oh, great.
02:33He wanted more alone time with my brother.
02:35I immediately shook my head.
02:37No.
02:38I'm going on a date with a girl.
02:40It was time for Landon to give up on him.
02:42Instead, Landon's pale eyes locked onto mine.
02:45Say that again.
02:48I swear he looked heartbroken.
02:50One more rejection.
02:52And he might actually jump off the cafeteria's second floor balcony.
02:57Now I felt bad.
02:59I wanted to stand my ground, but what if Landon really couldn't take another rejection and did
03:04something that had the whole campus talking?
03:06I couldn't just stand there and let that happen.
03:08I took a few deep breaths and finally gave in.
03:11I said, I'm going to the library with you.
03:13His expression softened almost instantly.
03:15Oh no.
03:16He really, really liked my brother.
03:18I was losing my mind.
03:20Just because Landon liked my brother didn't mean he got to drag me to the library and force
03:24me to study.
03:25He should have known Asher hated studying just as much as I did.
03:28Who makes someone they like do something they hate?
03:30I needed to remind him.
03:32I, I mean, Asher hated studying.
03:35I snuck a glance at Landon and quietly cleared my throat.
03:41Seriously?
03:43How much did this guy like my brother?
03:45He must have been watching me the whole time.
03:47While Asher, I was still trying to figure out what to say.
03:51If your throat's dry, drink some water.
03:52If you need the bathroom, go.
03:53If you have something to say, say it.
03:54Then he paused.
03:57But if you're trying to go on a date, forget it.
03:58I sighed.
03:59Did Landon have any idea how obvious his crush on my brother was?
04:02I couldn't let him get in any deeper.
04:03Fine.
04:04Time to go all in.
04:05I lifted my chin.
04:05Why can't I go on a date with a girl?
04:07Landon's whole expression went cold.
04:09Which girl?
04:10Uh-oh.
04:10Why did he want to know that?
04:12Was he seriously going to go after some innocent girl if she went on a date with Asher?
04:15I swallowed.
04:16For her own safety, I forced a laugh.
04:18I was just saying, don't get mad.
04:20Landon studied me for a few long seconds.
04:23Then he said coldly,
04:24If you don't want me mad, behave.
04:26I gritted my teeth.
04:28For the sake of innocent women everywhere, fine.
04:32I'd behave.
04:33Finally, the weekend came.
04:35I immediately rounded up the guys from the dorm for a casual soccer game.
04:41Come on, hurry up!
04:43I even invited a pretty girl to play with us.
04:47I hadn't even finished speaking.
04:49His eyes locked onto mine.
04:54Which pretty girl?
04:56Oh, great.
04:57Was he seriously about to start something again?
04:59I quickly made up an excuse.
05:01She's just a girl I met playing pickup soccer.
05:03I barely know her.
05:04Landon watched me for a few seconds, clearly unconvinced.
05:07Finally, he dropped it.
05:09I breathed a sigh of relief.
05:10Not long after, we headed out to the soccer field.
05:13Just as I was about to step onto the field, his voice came from behind me.
05:16Thought you said a girl was coming.
05:18I froze.
05:19He was still thinking about her.
05:21You actually want me to invite her?
05:23Landon gave me a cold look.
05:25So you were just making it up?
05:27Seriously?
05:28Just because he liked my brother?
05:30Did he think he could boss me around?
05:33Fine.
05:34I'd show him.
05:35Without another word, I messaged the girl and invited her over.
05:38A little while later, a pretty girl with a high ponytail jogged onto the field.
05:42Hey, Asher.
05:44Took you long enough to invite me?
05:45She flashed me a playful smile.
05:47Landon gave a quiet scuff.
05:49His gaze shifted from her to me.
05:50You two seemed pretty close.
05:53My stomach tightened.
05:55Oh my god.
05:57Was he so jealous he was ready to come after me too?
06:00If I wanted to make it back to the dorm alive tonight, I'd better explain.
06:04We're just playing soccer.
06:05That seemed to calm him down.
06:07We split into two teams and started playing.
06:09Landon and the girl ended up on my team.
06:11After a while, she came over to help me out on the wing.
06:13That was when Landon spoke.
06:15You.
06:15Move to midfield.
06:17We were playing just fine together.
06:20No matter how jealous he was, he couldn't seriously start ordering her around just because
06:24she came near me.
06:27I've got two guys marking me!
06:29Can't she stay over here and help me out?
06:31When I looked over, he was watching me with that same cool stare.
06:34For some reason, I suddenly felt guilty.
06:36Had he figured out I was deliberately trying to stay close to her?
06:39Before I could come up with another excuse, he spoke again.
06:42You haven't beaten a single defender all game.
06:44He looked at the girl.
06:46Fine.
06:47Stay and help him out.
06:48I stared at him.
06:50Landon'd.
06:50I swear, I'm taking your bet apart tonight.
06:54Landon seriously had it bad for my brother.
06:56Whenever we played, he seemed more focused on me than the game.
06:58The second I got into trouble, it didn't matter where he was.
07:01He'd come straight over to help me.
07:03Like right now.
07:03I'd just gotten the ball on the right wing when three guys closed in on me.
07:07I smirked.
07:08Three of you?
07:09Watch me.
07:10Before I could finish, one of them came at me from my blind side.
07:13Where'd you come from?
07:14Okay, I'm sorry.
07:16Help!
07:16Somebody help me!
07:17One of them knocked the ball off my foot.
07:19The words had barely left my mouth when Landon came cheering over from midfield.
07:23He won the ball back, drove forward, beat two defenders, and buried it in the net.
07:29I stared at him.
07:30Fine.
07:30Show off.
07:31That was already his third goal.
07:32Meanwhile, I still hadn't scored once.
07:35But I did have three assists.
07:36I quietly comforted myself.
07:38Three assists still counted.
07:39Clearly, I was just generous like that.
07:41Then the girl shouted from across the field,
07:42Landon!
07:43You do realize the rest of us are on your team, right?
07:46You've been hovering around Asha all game.
07:48I twitched.
07:48Could he make his jealousy any more obvious?
07:50One of our teammates finally had enough.
07:52Dude, is Asha your boyfriend or something?
07:54I had three guys on me back there.
07:56You ran right past me without even looking.
07:57Just to come save him?
07:58I was nodding like crazy in my head.
08:00Exactly.
08:01See?
08:01Even other people noticed.
08:03Surely Landon had to realize by now how obvious his crush on my brother was.
08:06Yeah, I definitely needed to keep my distance.
08:08I looked over at him.
08:10Landon!
08:10Stop hovering over me!
08:12I can handle myself!
08:16Landon gave me a long look with those pale amber eyes.
08:18He clearly wasn't happy.
08:19So I tried to calm him down.
08:21The other guys are going to complain.
08:23He reluctantly nodded.
08:26Then stay close to me.
08:27I was seriously running out of patience with this guy.
08:30Was he really that attached to my brother?
08:33Fine.
08:33I wasn't about to listen to him.
08:35And of course, the shameless bastard saw me move out to the wing again and immediately moved over to cover
08:40my side.
08:40I couldn't take it anymore.
08:42Why are you over here?
08:44To protect you.
08:45I froze.
08:46Wait.
08:46Why was he suddenly being so direct?
08:48Was he finally about to confess to my brother?
08:50Maybe I should bait him into saying it.
08:52I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling a little awkward.
08:55Why would I need protecting?
08:56You seriously want to stick to me that badly?
08:58The moment felt perfect.
08:59I was practically ready for his confession.
09:01I looked at Landon encouragingly.
09:02Instead, he slowly looked me up and down.
09:05Then he gave a quiet scuff.
09:06You tried to take on three defenders by yourself.
09:08You didn't even notice someone coming up behind you?
09:10He paused.
09:11And you're saying you don't need protecting?
09:12I stared at him.
09:14This was not how I'd pictured this going.
09:16Meanwhile, Landon looked completely unfazed.
09:18And suddenly, I understood.
09:19No wonder the campus golden boy had made it all the way to junior year without a girlfriend.
09:23The mood had been perfect.
09:24He could have confessed.
09:25Instead, he used the opportunity to insult me.
09:28That mouth of his would outlive him.
09:30I was in a great mood.
09:31Asher should be back any day now.
09:33I barely even complained when Landon dragged me to the library again that weekend.
09:37That night, the guys from our dorm wanted to go to a karaoke place off campus.
09:41I immediately agreed.
09:42Naturally, Landon came too.
09:44What I didn't expect was to run into the last person I could afford to see.
09:48Hey!
09:49A cheerful voice rang out.
09:50I looked up and saw a group of girls all dressed up heading our way.
09:53At the front was the same girl who'd played soccer with us.
09:55Maya, my best friend.
09:56The second she saw me, her face lit up.
09:58She rushed over and hooked her arm through mine.
10:00My first instinct was to look at Landon.
10:02Yep, his face had gone completely dark.
10:04I quickly pulled my arm free.
10:05I was afraid Landon would get so jealous he'd actually pick a fight with Maya.
10:08I lowered my voice and shot her a warning look.
10:10Hands off.
10:11I'm Asher right now.
10:12Maya took the hint.
10:14She bit back a laugh and winked at me.
10:17Not my fault you look so good tonight.
10:20I couldn't help myself.
10:22You guys here for karaoke too?
10:24Come sing with us.
10:25The other two guys from our dorm looked at Maya, then at all the pretty girls with her.
10:29They started nodding immediately, like if they were even one second too low, the girls might
10:33change their minds.
10:35I sat in the private karaoke room, completely on edge.
10:38Maya was right beside me, insisting we sing a love song together.
10:41I didn't even need to turn around.
10:42I could practically feel Landon's death gear burning into me from across the room.
10:46He hadn't said a word all night.
10:48Someone tried to get him to sing.
10:49He didn't budge.
10:50I was seriously starting to think he was sitting over there charging up some kind of attack.
10:54And the second he was ready, he'd come for us.
10:56Just thinking about it made my scalp tingle.
10:59Forget the song.
11:00I barely knew what I was singing anymore.
11:02I barely remember how we got out of the karaoke place.
11:05Only after Maya and her friends left did I dare sneak a glance at Landon.
11:08Big mistake.
11:09Those pale, unreaverable eyes were already on me.
11:11Oh my god.
11:12What was that look?
11:12My first instinct was to run.
11:14A hand caught the back of my collar.
11:15I almost choked.
11:16I was 5'9".
11:17Lips in my shoes, I was practically 6 feet.
11:19Landon was 6'4".
11:20And somehow one hand was enough to pull me right back.
11:23Come with me.
11:24A moment later, he dragged me around the side of the building, far away from everyone else.
11:28Then he cornered me against the wall.
11:29Panic hit immediately.
11:31Don't do anything crazy.
11:32Calm down.
11:33Seriously, calm down.
11:35Landon acted like he hadn't heard a word.
11:37Those pale eyes stayed locked on mine as he slowly leaned closer.
11:40A faint trace of alcohol lingered on his breath.
11:42Then he leaned close to my ear and murmured something.
11:46Then he leaned close to my ear.
11:48What exactly is going on between you and Maya?
11:51I stared at him.
11:52Was he really that jealous?
11:53Was he finally about to confess to my brother?
11:56Maybe I could bait him into saying it, then make it clear he and Asha would never happen.
12:01She told me she kind of likes me.
12:04But I already turned her down.
12:07I'm not interested in her at all.
12:09Landon's eyes narrowed.
12:11He studied my face but said nothing.
12:15So I pushed harder.
12:17You care that much about what's going on between us?
12:21Yeah.
12:24Why?
12:25My heart raced.
12:27Was Hothiton's golden boy really about to confess?
12:31Because...
12:34Not good enough.
12:37What the hell?
12:38Was he saying Asher wasn't good enough for Maya?
12:40My brother was a soccer star and he had plenty of great qualities, like fighting.
12:45And he was considerate.
12:46When our little cousin ate too much candy, Ashley ate the rest so she wouldn't get cavities.
12:51And he cared about his classmates.
12:53When a guy forgot his umbrella, Asber took everyone else's too, so he wouldn't feel left out.
13:00Okay, maybe those weren't the best examples.
13:03But that wasn't the point.
13:04Just because Landon liked my brother, he thought he could tear Asher down?
13:07Wait, was that his plan?
13:08Destroy Asher's confidence, then confess so he'd say yes?
13:12The more I thought about it, the worse it sounded.
13:15So that was the kind of guy Landon was.
13:19Landon, you're the worst.
13:22I shoved him away and stormed off.
13:24When Landon came back to our room, I pretended not to notice him.
13:28I climbed straight into bed, pulled the glanket over my head, and pretended to sleep.
13:32I swear, even if Landon apologized right now, I wasn't going to talk to him.
13:36I put my earbuds in and turned the music up, ignoring whatever he was doing on the other
13:40side of the room.
13:41Every now and then, I checked my phone.
13:43Nothing.
13:43Not a single message.
13:45He clearly had no intention of apologizing.
13:47The more I thought about it, the more annoyed I got.
13:49I yanked out my earbuds, put my phone away, and tried to sleep.
13:51But the second I lay back down, someone tugged lightly at my blanket.
13:55I looked up.
13:56Landon was standing beside my bed, finally ready to apologize.
13:59I just stared at him without saying a word, waiting for him to speak first.
14:04Turn around.
14:05Seriously?
14:06I was still mad at him, and now he wanted me to turn around and sleep facing him?
14:09Not happening.
14:10I ignored him and turned back over.
14:11A second later, he tapped my blanket again.
14:13I didn't move.
14:13Another tap.
14:14Still nothing.
14:15Eventually, Landon reached over and switched off the light.
14:17I still refused to turn around.
14:23I was just drifting off when someone lifted me off the bed.
14:27Before I could scream, I caught Landon's familiar scent.
14:34Why are you so light?
14:36I'm not?
14:38Wait, why are you carrying me?
14:40Without answering, he turned me around in his arms and set me back on the bed.
14:45You were facing the wrong way.
14:48I couldn't sleep.
14:50I couldn't sleep.
14:50Seriously?
14:51Just because I wasn't sleeping head to head with him, he thought he could move me around
14:54like that?
14:56Landon was asking for it.
14:58I jumped out of bed, went straight to his, and straddled him.
15:01Grabbing his collar, I lend in.
15:04Landon.
15:07Did you forget who you're messing with?
15:10I'm Asher Hayes.
15:11You keep pushing me like this, you better be ready for what happens next.
15:14The room was almost pitch black.
15:16I could barely see his face, but I could feel those pale eyes on me.
15:19His breathing stayed steady.
15:21From this close, I could feel every breath.
15:23Then it hit me.
15:24We were barely a fist apart.
15:26If I lowered my head, our noses would touch.
15:29Suddenly feeling awkward, I let go of his collar.
15:34The next second, Landon flipped me onto my back and pinned me beneath him.
15:38In the darkness, I could barely see his face.
15:42His low voice came from beside my ear.
15:47Asher, did you forget who people at Hawthorne really don't mess with?
15:52What?
15:53Had he figured out my secret?
15:55What do you mean?
15:56Then I remembered Asher's warning.
15:58Whatever you do, don't mess with Landon.
16:02My stomach dropped.
16:04Landon was sharp and one of the top engineering students.
16:06What if he knew I wasn't Asher?
16:09I lowered my voice.
16:13Please.
16:16Don't tell anyone the truth.
16:18Landon suddenly went still.
16:20His gaze sharpened.
16:23Wait.
16:24So he hadn't figured out my secret?
16:27And Asher's reputation as the toughest guy on campus?
16:30Landon had let him have it?
16:32Going back to your own bed or what?
16:36Or do you actually want to stay here with me?
16:40He'd already moved aside.
16:42I scrambled off his bed and fled back to mine.
16:46I barely slept all night.
16:48The next morning, I texted Asher.
16:50Asher, is your training camp over yet?
16:53When are you coming back?
16:56I think I've been exposed.
16:58My heartless brother took forever to reply.
17:01Didn't you say your acting was award-worthy?
17:05So what happened?
17:06Seriously?
17:07He was making fun of me?
17:09Just wait until he got back.
17:11This is all your fault for being such an attention magnet.
17:14Do you know Landon likes you?
17:15He's probably been watching you forever.
17:17One wrong move and he'll know I'm not you.
17:20I still didn't get it.
17:22Hawthorne's golden boy falling for my idiot brother?
17:25Did Landon just have terrible taste?
17:27Ping, ping, ping.
17:29Asher sent several voice messages.
17:31Did you hit your head?
17:33Landon likes me?
17:34Yeah, and pigs fly.
17:36Relax.
17:37Two more weeks and I'm back.
17:39Even if he finds out you're a girl, so what?
17:41He won't do anything to you.
17:43Everyone knows he's not into anyone.
17:44People throw themselves at him, but nobody gets anywhere.
17:47So quit imagining some cheesy drama where the campus golden boy falls for you.
17:50What the hell?
17:52Who was imagining that?
17:56But somehow, I felt even less sure.
17:59Had Landon already figured out I wasn't Asher?
18:03I couldn't shake the feeling Landon knew I wasn't Asher.
18:06If he knew I was a girl and still washed my clothes and socks, that was seriously weird.
18:10That weekend, our soccer team took a trip to a mountain resort with an indoor pool and hot tub.
18:15Naturally, Landon and I shared a room.
18:17Two teammates came by and dragged us out.
18:19When they decided to hit the hot tub, I backed away.
18:23I didn't bring swim trunks.
18:25You guys go ahead.
18:26One greened and held up two spare pairs.
18:28Bought a multi-pack online.
18:29Take one.
18:30Oh, crap.
18:30They started herding us toward the men's locker room.
18:33What if they tried to pull my clothes off when I refused to change?
18:35No way.
18:36I broke free and bolted.
18:37My foot caught the hot tub's edge.
18:39Watch out!
18:39I plunged into the water.
18:45Someone jumped in after me.
18:47A hand lawed me to the surface.
18:49Landon.
18:51You okay?
18:52His worried voice made my eyes sting.
18:54He noticed.
18:55His expression changed.
18:56My heart started racing.
18:58His lips parted like he had something to say.
19:01The other guys laughed from the deck.
19:02What are you two doing?
19:04Get out!
19:05Couldn't wait to get in, huh?
19:06You didn't even change.
19:08Staff's gonna yell at you.
19:09I started climbing out, then froze.
19:11My soaked shirt clung to me.
19:12The outline of my chest binder showed right through.
19:15Oh, God.
19:16I looked at Landon in panic.
19:18He met my eyes, then turned away.
19:20Grab two towels.
19:21We'll freeze walking back like this.
19:24Landon draped a towel around my shoulders
19:26and walked me back to our room.
19:28My mind was a mess.
19:30Back in the hot tub, he'd been right in front of me.
19:33Had he seen something?
19:35Did he know what I was panicking about?
19:36Was that why he'd ask the guys to bring us towels?
19:39Before I could figure it out, the door beeped open.
19:42Landon spoke calmly.
19:43Go change.
19:44I stepped inside, then realized he wasn't following me.
19:47He stayed outside and shut the door behind me.
19:52But right now, all I wanted was to get out of my wet clothes.
19:55I grabbed a change of clothes and hurried into the bathroom.
19:59Then I froze.
20:00One entire wall of the bathroom was clear glass.
20:03From the room, you could see almost everything inside.
20:04I just stood there.
20:06Wait, had Landon already noticed the glass wall?
20:09Was that why he'd stayed outside?
20:10My heart jumped.
20:13Did he already known I was a girl?
20:16I showered and changed into dry clothes.
20:19When I opened the hotel room door, Landon stood outside, a towel over his shoulders.
20:23He glanced at me and walked in.
20:24I started to follow, then remembered the bathroom's clear glass wall.
20:27I frallz in the doorway.
20:28Landon grabbed some clean clothes and noticed me.
20:30He gave a quiet laugh.
20:31Standing guard?
20:32I looked away.
20:34He went into the bathroom.
20:35I couldn't see inside from where I stood, so I actually stayed there to keep watch.
20:38Soon, the shower stopped.
20:40I waited for him to come out.
20:42Then the water started running again.
20:43He was doing laundry.
20:44Wait.
20:45My wet clothes were still in there.
20:47Landon usually washed my clothes.
20:48What if he washed mine too?
20:50My disposable underwear and chest binder were mixed in with everything.
20:53I'd forgotten to take them out.
20:54I knocked frantically.
20:56Landon?
20:58Are you done?
20:59Landon was at the sink, washing clothes by hand.
21:02Only his own.
21:03Thank God.
21:03Go ahead.
21:04He walked past me and shut the bathroom door behind him.
21:07I stood there, still feeling awkward.
21:10Then I noticed something.
21:12The blinds were down over the clear glass wall.
21:14Wait.
21:16There were blinds here the whole time?
21:21When I came back out, I was carrying the clothes I'd washed myself.
21:25Landon glanced at them, but didn't say anything.
21:29That evening, after everyone had eaten, someone suggested a game.
21:33Of course, it was truth or dare.
21:35And somehow, my luck was terrible.
21:38In less than five minutes, I got stuck with truth twice.
21:40Still have your first kiss?
21:44Yeah.
21:47Everyone immediately started making noise.
21:49Do you like anyone?
21:52Without thinking, I looked at Landon, and somehow, those pale eyes were already on me.
21:59I was about to shake my head, but then the scene from earlier flashed through my mind.
22:03Me falling into the hot tub, Landon jumping in after me, pulling me back above the water.
22:08My heart skipped.
22:10Wait.
22:11Wait.
22:12No way.
22:12Was I actually, I immediately shook my head.
22:14No.
22:14Impossible.
22:15How could I like someone?
22:16I hadn't even been thinking about dating anyone.
22:18Everyone took my head shake as a no and started groaning.
22:20Hawthorne's biggest trouble licker and the campus golden boy are both on this team, and
22:23neither of you likes anyone?
22:24I laughed awkwardly.
22:25Then I sneak another glance at Landon.
22:27To my surprise, he was still looking at me.
22:29And this time, there was something deeper in his eyes.
22:33After a few more rounds, Landon finally lost.
22:36He looked completely unfazed.
22:40Dare.
22:41Yeah!
22:42Then kiss someone here!
22:45Seriously?
22:46Even Landon frowned.
22:48Then his eyes landed on me.
22:50He stood and walked straight towards me.
22:52Asher was such a liar.
22:54He'd sworn Landon didn't like him.
22:57Then why was Landon looking at me like that?
22:59Was he really going to do this in front of everyone?
23:03Whoa!
23:04Landon, you're actually doing it?
23:05He stopped in front of me and leaned down.
23:09My heart nearly stopped.
23:11Then, right in front of me, Landon turned Nate's face towards him and leaned in.
23:16I froze.
23:17I barely remembered the rest of the game.
23:19All I could think about was Landon leaning towards someone else.
23:23And for the first time, I couldn't lie to myself anymore.
23:26I think I really did like Landon.
23:31But Landon liked guys.
23:32And after today, he had to know I wasn't Asher.
23:35That explained why he hadn't done my laundry.
23:37And why he'd rather kiss Nate than me.
23:38The first person I'd ever really liked.
23:40And I was already heartbroken.
23:42Landon, you sure you can carry him?
23:47Mmm, you smell like Landon.
23:54No answer.
23:56That annoyed me.
23:59Moments later, he lowered me onto a bed.
24:02I grabbed him and forced my eyes open.
24:09Five Landons swayed in front of me.
24:11I reached up to catch one.
24:14Landon, Landon, you're so annoying.
24:16Stop moving.
24:18Why are you always so annoying?
24:20You hate me?
24:21Yes.
24:23You're the reason I'm heartbroken.
24:27How did I do that?
24:31Fine.
24:32Do you like guys?
24:37And is the guy you like my brother?
24:40You seriously think that?
24:41Don't deny it.
24:44You only figured out I'm a girl today, right?
24:46That's why you'd rather kiss Nate.
24:48No.
24:48I knew you were a girl the first day you moved in.
24:51And I didn't kiss Nate.
24:53I only made it look that way.
24:55My drunk brain couldn't keep up.
24:56I don't believe you.
24:58Of all people, the first guy I fall for has to be you.
25:01And now I'm drinking because I'm heartbroken.
25:03Are you blind?
25:04What do you even see in Asher?
25:05He's an idiot.
25:09Say that again.
25:10Landon caught my chin.
25:12Who do you like?
25:16You!
25:16I like you!
25:17And you don't even care.
25:19Everyone likes you.
25:20Why would you care about me?
25:23I just wanted to sleep.
25:26I thought you liked Maya.
25:27Landon went quiet.
25:29Maya?
25:29Maya?
25:30She's my best friend.
25:31I don't like her like that.
25:32I forced my eyes opened.
25:34She's my sister.
25:36My brain completely stopped working.
25:39A few seconds passed.
25:41Then I slowly looked at him.
25:43You?
25:44You're the annoying, picky, full of himself, little brother Maya is always complaining about?
25:50Landon's face went dark.
25:52So what exactly is going on between you and Maya?
25:54She's my best friend.
25:57I don't believe you.
25:59Tell Maya you're dating me.
26:00Then I'll believe you.
26:03I hated being challenged.
26:04The second someone dared me, all common sense disappeared.
26:07I grabbed my phone and called Maya on the spot.
26:10Maya!
26:10I'm dating your brother!
26:13There was a beat of silence.
26:15No way!
26:17You finally figured out Landon's my brother?
26:20I knew you two would end up together.
26:21I stared blankly at Landon and kept staring until my head tipped sideways and everything
26:26went black.
26:29The second I woke up, I had no idea where I was.
26:32My head was pounding.
26:33I rubbed my temples and turned to the side.
26:35Then I found Landon asleep beside me.
26:38I froze for a second.
26:40His eyelashes were actually really long and annoyingly pretty.
26:43I barely got a few seconds to appreciate them before everything from last night came rushing
26:47back.
26:48My whole body went stiff.
26:49Wait.
26:50Did I actually confess to Landon last night?
26:52No.
26:53That wasn't even the worst part.
26:55Landon was Maya's brother.
26:56Hold on.
26:57That still wasn't the worst part.
26:58He'd also told me he knew I was a girl from the very first day I moved into the dorm.
27:02Oh my god.
27:03That was way too much.
27:04I couldn't stay there another second.
27:05While Landon was still asleep, I quietly packed my stuff, grabbed my suitcase, and got out of there.
27:10I made up an excuse, told the others I was leaving early, and headed back on my own.
27:14As for what Ashar was supposed to do about his classes after this, I honestly didn't
27:18care anymore.
27:18I sent him one message.
27:21He'd better get back.
27:22Fast.
27:27The second I got home, I called Maya.
27:31Had last night really happened, or had I dreamt it all while drunk?
27:35Well hello, future sister-in-law.
27:38Yep.
27:39Definitely real.
27:40I'm not dating your brother.
27:42He thought I liked you, so he dared me to call and say we were dating.
27:46No way.
27:47He actually believed me when I teased him about you liking me?
27:50Has he been paying extra attention to you?
27:52Seriously?
27:53What had she been telling Landon behind my back?
27:56Wait.
27:57He thought I liked you?
27:58Then why was he so nice to me?
28:00He washed my clothes, socks, even my soccer cleats.
28:02He watched me constantly and barely left my side.
28:05Was he seriously trying to steal me from his own sister?
28:07Landon was nice to you?
28:08Tell me everything.
28:09What did he do?
28:10Not telling.
28:12Those two were driving me insane.
28:14Maya hadn't even told me Landon was her brother.
28:16Why should I tell her anything?
28:18I was almost ready to stop hanging out with her altogether.
28:21Because as long as Maya was in my life, I'd keep running into Landon.
28:30I kept telling myself none of it had ever happened.
28:35Once my time off was over, I went back to work.
28:39I buried myself in work for an entire week.
28:43By the end of it, I finally felt almost normal again.
28:50Except every now and then, late at night.
28:54And for some reason, my chest would feel a little tight.
28:58Still, I was sure I was sure I'd get over him soon.
29:01That evening, I had just stepped out of the office, when a shadow fell over me.
29:05I looked up and froze.
29:07Landon was standing right in front of me.
29:09His expression was ice cold.
29:11What was he doing here?
29:13Was he here to settle the score?
29:15My brain immediately started racing, trying to figure out what I'd done to piss him off this badly.
29:20We need to talk.
29:23Landon and I sat across from each other at a cafe near my office.
29:27He didn't say anything.
29:28Eventually, I couldn't take the silence anymore.
29:31So, what did you want to talk about?
29:33Why you've been avoiding your boyfriend.
29:35The setting sun poured through the windows, making his pale eyes look almost amber.
29:38His voice was as calm as ever.
29:40What boyfriend?
29:41His expression darkened.
29:42So I got dumped?
29:45What?
29:46Landon, what are you talking about?
29:48That night, you told me you liked me.
29:52Then you called Maya and told her we were dating.
29:57The next morning, you disappeared.
30:00And you've been avoiding me for a week.
30:03Now you're saying I'm not your boyfriend?
30:06Avery.
30:09Want to explain?
30:11No!
30:14You made me call Maya because you thought I liked her?
30:19You wanted me to prove I didn't like her like that?
30:23And before that, you said I wasn't good enough for her!
30:29I said she wasn't good enough for you.
30:36What?
30:39So I'm really that hopeless to you?
30:41Then why the hell do you want to date me?
30:42Don't tell me you're just doing the world a favor.
30:44A hint of amusement flashed in his pale eyes, but his voice was completely serious.
30:48Because I like you.
30:50My face went hot.
30:51He said it so easily.
30:54Why do you even like me?
30:56Landon thought for a moment.
30:57Then a smile tugged at his lips.
30:59Maybe it was the time you teased a puppy with a hot dog.
31:01You let it think you'd share.
31:02Then ate the whole thing right in front of it.
31:06Or when you thought some guys were bullying me.
31:09You stood on your tiptoes, puffed yourself up, and tried to scare them off.
31:13Oh my god, he remembered that?
31:15I was so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.
31:18But Landon was still smiling.
31:20And somehow, that only made my face burn hotter.
31:26Wait.
31:27Was he actually serious?
31:33Landon, he really did like me?
31:35Landon, he really did like me.