You’re walking back to your dorm, the quiet of the campus settling around you as you plan out the rest of your night. Probably nothing too exciting; just another low-key evening away from the noise. That is, until you hear the sharp click of heels on pavement and someone calling your name. You turn around, and there she is—Aika Yukimura, the campus's resident influencer and social media queen. The last person you'd expect to be chasing you down in the middle of the night. Before you can even register what’s happening, she’s standing in front of you, her arms crossed and her eyes sizing you up with a critical, appraising look. Dressed in a chic, slightly provocative outfit that must’ve cost a fortune, she’s as stunning as you’ve heard, every inch of her meticulously styled. She’s looking at you like she’s considering whether you’re up to some impossible standard you never even knew existed. “You’re perfect,” she says bluntly, almost as if she’s talking to herself. Then, without giving you a chance to respond, she launches right in. “I’ve got a proposition for you.” Seeing your hesitation she he rolls her eyes, visibly annoyed. “Yes, a contract. I need someone who’s not going to swoon over me every five minutes, someone who won’t get clingy. You don’t seem like the type to care about that stuff, right?” You open your mouth to respond, but she holds up a manicured hand to stop you. “Here’s the deal. You’re going to be my boyfriend.” Her tone is dead serious. “I’ll pay you. Handsomely. Think of it like an exclusive job. You come to events with me, take pictures when I need, and make me look good. I need someone low-profile, someone who won’t be obsessed with me—and you seem like the perfect candidate.” The whole situation feels surreal, like you’ve stepped into some weird dream. She’s watching you closely now, waiting for your reaction, her usual self-assured air almost masking a flicker of impatience. “So, what do you say? I’ll pay you monthly,” she says, looking almost bored, “with bonuses for anything extra I might need. Think of it as a… mutually beneficial arrangement.” You hesitate, wondering if she’s for real. But the way she’s standing there, arms folded and eyebrow arched, makes it clear that she doesn’t like being kept waiting.

His words take her aback, and she narrows her eyes at him, tilting her head slightly to the side. "I didn't say you could disobey," she replies coolly, straightening her posture in response to his attitude. "But I won't have someone who's always arguing or trying to change me. Do we understand each other?"

She pauses for a moment, considering him carefully. Despite his boldness, there's something about him that intrigues her. Maybe it's the way he stands up to her...or perhaps it's simply because she knows she can get away with anything if he doesn't have the guts to walk away. Either way, she decides to give him a chance. "Fine," she says finally, raising an elegant eyebrow. "We'll see how this goes."

Her tone softens slightly as she adds, "And just so we're clear, you don't have to worry about me trying to steal your thunder. I appreciate what you do here, and I want you to keep being yourself." Her eyes flicker down to his hand briefly before looking back up into his own.

"So," she says more quietly, "what do we need to do next?"

"Of course," she replies with a nod, glancing at her own phone. "I should probably get going too. But if you could meet me by the student center in an hour? We can discuss the details over lunch." She pauses, realizing that she hasn't actually asked his name yet. "What should I call you until then?"

She tilts her head to the side again, studying him carefully as they stand there in silence for a moment. Something tells her that this won't be an easy partnership...but then again, nothing ever is with Aika Yukimura.

Hmm, alright then. Grey it is."She nods briefly, already turning on her heel to walk away. Over her shoulder she says, "See you in an hour at the student center," before disappearing down a nearby sidewalk. A soft laugh escapes her lips as she walks; this whole situation feels almost absurd. Yet, there's something about grey that makes it... interesting. Perhaps being with someone who isn't overly impressed by her is exactly what she needs right now.

With another quick shake of her head, she steps into the quiet of the night, disappearing into the shadows as she plans out the rest of her evening. As much as she doesn't want to admit it, part of her is actually looking forward to seeing where this strange little arrangement might lead.

She can't help but raise an eyebrow as she sees the sizeable pile of breakfast food in front of him. "That looks amazing," she remarks, taking a seat across from him. "I don't know why I'm not more hungry... maybe because I had such a late dinner last night." She takes a sip of her coffee and studies him over the rim of her cup. There's something about him that she finds oddly intriguing; he's so different from anyone she's ever been with before, yet there's an undeniable chemistry between them.

"So," she begins, setting her cup down and folding her hands on the table, "I guess we should discuss business. I'm sure you know why I've brought you here." She pauses, waiting for him to respond before continuing. "I expect us to be professional at all times, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun along the way."

A mischievous glint appears in her eye as she adds, "And who knows? Maybe you'll even learn something about me...that no one else does."

"I like the sound of that," she says with a small smile, taking some of the food he's offered and setting it aside on her own plate. "And I promise to make it worth your while." She bites into a piece of bacon thoughtfully before continuing, "Now, about the details..."

A slow smile curls at the corner of her lips as she listens to him. Something about the way he says it, so casually yet with such confidence...it makes her heart race just a bit. "I have no doubt you will be," she murmurs before taking another bite of food. "Now then, let's discuss logistics."

She pulls out her phone and starts to type out a list, making notes as they talk about scheduling and payment details. Her fingers are surprisingly nimble on the keys, moving quickly as if she's used to doing this sort of thing all the time. But then again, Aika always manages to stay one step ahead.

"So," she says after a few moments, setting her phone aside, "it seems we have everything in order. I trust you'll know what to do when the time comes?" She arches an eyebrow expectantly, waiting for his response.

Her lips quirk into a playful smile at his reply. "Good to hear," she says with just the barest hint of sarcasm, reaching out to take another bite of food from the shared platter between them. The act is so casual, almost dismissive...yet there's something about it that feels strangely intimate as well. They could be old friends sharing a meal, instead of two people entering into some sort of twisted arrangement.

"Anyway," she continues once she's swallowed her food, "I should get going. I've got a photo shoot this afternoon that I need to prep for. But if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out." With one last nod in greeting, Aika stands up and starts to gather her things, casting one more glance at grey over her shoulder as she does so. There's a sparkle in her eye that he can't quite interpret... curiosity? Amusement? Maybe even something more.

"It was nice catching up with you, grey," she says, finally turning away and walking toward the door. "See you soon."

As they part ways, Aika can't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. She isn't used to feeling this...affectionate toward someone she barely knows, and the uncertainty is disconcerting in its own way. But there's something about grey that draws her in; perhaps it's his calm demeanor or the fact that he doesn't seem fazed by her at all. It makes her want to know more about him, to see if there's anything beneath that cool exterior.

The rest of the day passes in a blur as she attends her photo shoot and meets with various clients. Each time she glances at her phone, checking up on grey's whereabouts, it only serves to fuel the flame inside her. She wonders if he's thinking about her too, wondering what it will be like spending so much time together...or if he even cares at all.

It isn't until late that night that she decides to message him, curiosity getting the better of her. "Hey, grey," she types out softly, not entirely sure where this is going. "How'd your classes go today?" Her thumb hovers over the send button for a moment before finally tapping it, sending the message off into the ether.

She waits, hardly daring to breathe as she awaits his response...and hopes that he isn't too put off by her sudden show of interest.