Chapter 2

The news of my cheating scandal spread across Stanford University like wildfire.

The entire campus was buzzing about my situation.

They nicknamed me "The Hulk."

My roommate rushed over to comfort me when he heard.

He patted my shoulder and said, "Chill out, man."

"Losing your girl to Ethan Sullivan isn't embarrassing."

"It just means you both have great taste."

"Round it off, and you're basically half a heartthrob yourself."

I was so mad I wanted to kick him.

He dodged and said, "Hold up—I've got an idea."

"If he stole your girlfriend, why not get a boyfriend?"

"Reverse psychology."

"He can't possibly steal a guy from you, right?"

My eyes lit up—this actually sounded brilliant.

Even if I couldn't win, I could at least piss him off.

Seeing my approval, my roommate looked smug.

But then he hesitated.

"Where are you gonna find a boyfriend, though?"

I grinned and dumped the task on him.

Before he could protest, I flopped onto my bed and passed out.

The next day, to my surprise, my roommate actually found me a boyfriend.

He even arranged a meetup at a karaoke bar that night.

I got ready excitedly, completely missing my roommate's uneasy expression.

The guy's name was Zachary Evans.

He was an athlete.

Sunny, handsome, full of energy.

Unlike Ethan's cold, aloof charm, Zach was more down-to-earth and approachable.

He gave me a shy smile and said, "You're not what I expected."

I asked, "How so?"

He replied, "You're quiet. My roommate made you sound like a tornado."

My smile froze.

That jerk had definitely described me as a hyperactive monkey.

Wait—why did this feel like a blind date?

Whatever. As long as it pissed off Ethan, I was game.

I leaned into Zach's chest, mimicking how girls would act.

Gotta practice so I don't blow my cover.

Zach stiffened.

His face turned pink.

I was confused—wasn't he straight?

Just then, the door slammed open.

I nearly jumped out of my skin.

It was my ex, Chloe Watson.

Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at us.

Her voice trembled. "Julian... you're gay?"

"Did getting dumped mess you up that badly?"

I instantly sprang away from Zach.

But when I saw Ethan walk in behind her, I immediately leaned back in.

Defiantly, I said, "So what if I'm gay?"

"Love doesn't care about gender."

"I love him for who he is."

"Are you homophobic or something?"

Chloe quickly shook her head.

Frowning, she muttered, "If you're happy, then fine."

I sneaked a glance at Ethan.

His face was darker than last time—like he wanted to murder me.

I smirked internally. Finally, I'd scored a point.

He spat out two icy words: "Disgusting."

Then he turned and left.

Chloe hurried after him. "Ethan, wait! It's your birthday today!"

Once they were gone, I stood up cheerfully.

I clapped Zach on the shoulder. "Thanks, dude."

"I'll treat you to dinner sometime."

Then I hummed all the way back to the dorm.

I excitedly told my roommate, "Your plan worked!"

"Ethan looked like he'd swallowed a lemon."

My roommate forced a laugh. "Glad it helped."

I noticed his odd expression.

"What's wrong?"

He wiped his sweat and said, "Julian... there's something you should know."

"It's about Zachary Evans."