“No way. You’re kidding, right?”
“Yes way! I learned from my mom. She’s a chef.”
“Wow, that really is impressive.” Angelina nodded. “What’s your specialty?”
“I make a mean lasagna,” Ashton replied playfully.
“That’s cool. Maybe you can make it for me sometime.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Maybe.” He leaned in and caressed her cheek lightly.
Both of them shared a quick laugh, before she stretched out her hand, and held onto his. “You’re really funny, Ash. I love you.”
“I love you too, Angie.”
The two gazed into each other’s eyes for a little while, hands still locked in each other’s embrace. I know what you’re thinking. ‘I thought these two were rivals!’ Let me explain the whole story.
Ashton and Angelina had always been academic rivals, each vying for the top spot in their class. Their competitive nature fueled a strong dislike for one another, resulting in a constant clash of egos and an intense tension whenever they crossed paths. However, a common enemy had emerged – Jake, the notorious troublemaker who seemed to take pleasure in making their lives miserable.
Determined to put an end to Jake’s reign of chaos, Ashton and Angelina found themselves reluctantly teaming up, driven by a shared goal of revenge. After numerous brainstorming sessions and attempts to outsmart Jake individually, with Ash’s toothpaste Oreo, and Angie’s poop-cake.
They had just been pranked yet again by Jake, who’d just sent an edited image of the two laughing at his potential reaction to being on the receiving end of their latest plan of sneakily pouring hot sauce in the chili-allergic boy’s lunch that day.
The caption of the social media post stated that they were dating, which was the most outlandish thing either of them could imagine. They realized that their best chance lay in a plan they both had in mind, but neither knew that the other was thinking the same thing. It was a plan that required them to work together more closely than ever before.
The plan was audacious yet simple – they would pretend to be dating. They would essentially prove Jake right, although he knew it was anything but true. By feigning a romantic relationship, they would infiltrate Jake’s social circle, gaining access to valuable information and opportunities to strike back. It was a risky move, as their mutual animosity threatened to sabotage their efforts at every turn. But the potential rewards were too tempting to ignore. The atmosphere crackled with tension as they exchanged wary glances, unsure if they could trust one another enough to embark on this elaborate charade. Yet, the shared desire for revenge against Jake proved to be a powerful motivator, pushing them to set aside their differences and forge an unlikely alliance.
“We don’t have to like each other,” Ashton finally broke the silence, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism. “But if we want to take down Jake, we need to work together. Can we put our rivalry aside, even if it’s just for a little while?”
Angelina’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance shining through. “Fine,” she reluctantly agreed, her tone revealing her own reservations. “But let’s make one thing clear – this is strictly business. No personal feelings involved.”
“Obviously.” As they tentatively shook hands, a pact was silently sealed, binding them together in a shared mission for justice. They knew that their path would be filled with challenges and unexpected twists, but they were determined to outsmart Jake at his own game.
Ashton and Angelina had planned their date carefully. They had chosen a popular restaurant, where they knew Jake and his friends often hung out. They had made a reservation for a table near the window, where they would be easily visible from the street. They had dressed up in their best outfits, making sure to look stunning and attractive.
They had also prepared their conversation topics, their jokes, their stories. They had rehearsed their lines, their expressions, their gestures. They had practiced their chemistry, their intimacy, their romance.
They were ready to put on the best performance of their lives.
They arrived at the restaurant, arm in arm, and were greeted by the hostess. She smiled and led them to their table, where a candlelit dinner awaited them. They thanked her and sat down, facing each other.
They looked around and saw that the restaurant was busy and lively. There were many people eating, drinking, talking, laughing. They also saw that there were a few familiar faces among them. They recognized some of Jake’s friends, who were sitting at a nearby table. They also spotted Jake himself, who was standing outside the restaurant, leaning against his car. He was holding his phone, pretending to be texting someone, but they knew he was actually watching, and recording them.
They smiled inwardly, knowing that their plan was working. They had successfully lured Jake into their trap. They had caught his attention and piqued his interest. They had made him curious and jealous.
They also felt a twinge of nervousness, knowing that they had to be convincing and careful. They had to make their date look real and natural. They had to make Jake believe that they were truly in love.
They had to play their roles well.
They started their date, following their script. They ordered their food and drinks, making sure to share and taste each other’s dishes. They talked and laughed, making sure to sound enthusiastic and interested in each other’s opinions. They flirted and teased, making sure to touch and gaze at each other frequently.
Angie rubbed the back of her head nervously, and asked, “So, tell me something I don’t know about you.”
“I can cook really well.”
“No way. You’re kidding, right?”
“Yes way! I learned from my mom. She’s a chef.”
“Wow, that really is impressive.” Angelina nodded. “What’s your specialty?”
“I make a mean lasagna,” Ashton replied playfully.
“That’s cool. Maybe you can make it for me sometime.”
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Maybe.” He leaned in and caressed her cheek lightly.
Both of them shared a quick laugh, before she stretched out her hand, and held onto his. “You’re really funny, Ash. I love you.”
“I love you too, Angie.”
The two gazed into each other’s eyes for a little while, hands still locked in each other’s embrace, which is what brings us to the next portion of the story.
They did everything they could to make their date memorable and enjoyable.
They also did everything they could to make Jake miserable and angry.
They looked at him from time to time, making sure to catch his eye and smirk at him subtly. They saw him frown and scowl, making sure to enjoy his discomfort and annoyance. They saw him pace and fidget, making sure to ignore his attempts to distract or interrupt them.
They also saw him leave eventually, making sure to celebrate his defeat and departure.
“Cake to celebrate? On me.” Ash said flirtatiously.
Angie’s eyes widened. She began jumping up and down in her seat, “Yes please!”
They had done it. They had completed their date successfully.
They had also enjoyed it more than they expected.
(Fun Fact: This was one of my friends' favorite chapters. He ships the two. He freaked out upon reading chapter-- NO SPOILERS! You can freak out for yourself. Read on!)
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