Chapter 2The Comment Section is My Wingman

Xavier didn't speak, but his nosy teammate leaned in. "Kai? You're looking for Kai? He's at the tennis courts next door."

"Thanks," I said, letting go of Xavier's wrist.

I turned and marched toward the tennis courts, letter in hand.

Behind me, the whispers started.

They weren't exactly whispering. I could hear every word.

"Holy crap, she likes Kai? That dude is creepy."

"Yeah, Kai gives off serial killer vibes. Why would a girl like him?"

"He's pretty, though. Different from Xavier. Kai is beautiful. Some girls are into that dark, mysterious look."

"Hey, Xavier, why are you so quiet?"

"Xavier? Where are you going? Aren't we getting food?"

Rapid footsteps approached from behind.

Xavier blocked my path.

"Xavier? Something else?" I asked.

He frowned at me, then at the letter. He seemed to realize what he was doing and awkwardly scratched his head.

"It's just... my roommate has a weird temper. You don't know him. If you just walk up to him, he might get mad. How about I give it to him for you?"

The comments exploded.

[What is this? Is the side chick playing hard to get?]

[Scared me for a second. I thought the Male Lead actually liked this plain girl. Turns out he's just being nice.]

[To be fair, when Xavier lost that game, her comfort really helped him. I'd have caught feelings too if I were him.]

I paused, reading the text.

They were talking about a basketball game last fall. It was important to Xavier, but he choked in the final quarter.

They lost.

His teammates tried to comfort him, but he could feel their disappointment. He hid away from everyone.

I sent him tons of messages, but he ignored them all.

Finally, I recorded a voice memo of me singing a song, deliberately off-key.

He finally replied: "Stop singing. You're killing me."

His voice was tired but held a hint of a smile.

I stayed up all night texting him until he felt better.

[She stole the Female Lead's plotline! Xavier can't like her. He's Lily-sexual only.]

[Exactly. He fell for Lily at first sight. He only added the side chick by mistake.]

Right. That makes sense.

I shook my head at Xavier. "No thanks. I know Kai pretty well."

Xavier froze. "How?"

I leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, "Actually, I've known him online for three years. We just haven't met in person."

I acted shy. "We're graduating soon, so I thought I'd confess offline. Give myself a shot."

[What? Did the side chick mistake Kai for someone too?]

[Good. Let her chase the creepy villain. Stay away from our Xavier.]

[But Xavier looks kinda upset...]

Xavier stood there, frowning, looking like he wanted to say something but couldn't.

I looked past him and smiled.

"There he is! Xavier, talk later!"

"Wait! Could you be mistaken?" Xavier blurted out.

I stopped. "Mistaken about what?"

He gritted his teeth. "You said you haven't met. How are you sure that's the guy you've been talking to?"

I laughed.

"If it's not him, could it be you?"

Xavier denied it instantly. "Not me."

I stared at him for a second.

He couldn't even meet my eyes.

"So, Xavier, don't worry about it," I said, dodging past him and running toward the crowd leaving the tennis courts.

Xavier raised his hand to stop me, but let it drop.