Leo was starting to regret ever making a deal with Adrian.
The weekend had barely begun, and Adrian had already roped him into a "casual" outing at the park. Casual for Adrian, however, apparently meant Leo feeling overdressed in a simple hoodie while Adrian strolled in a perfectly fitted black coat that made him look like he'd stepped out of a fashion ad.
"Why are we here again?" Leo asked, trailing behind Adrian as they wandered through the park.
Adrian stopped, turning with his trademark smirk. "Because, darling, couples do couple-y things. You know, hold hands, take walks, exchange longing looks… pretend they're not about to kill each other."
Leo rolled his eyes. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Of course I am. If I have to play the perfect boyfriend, I might as well have fun doing it," Adrian replied, falling into step beside him.
Leo shoved his hands into his pockets and sighed. "I still think this whole thing is getting out of hand. Everyone at school is already talking about us."
"Isn't that the point?" Adrian quipped. "Relax, new kid. You're doing great. Just follow my lead."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Leo muttered under his breath.
Adrian glanced at him and grinned. "What was that?"
"Nothing," Leo said quickly.
They passed a group of teenagers playing frisbee, some of whom gave them curious glances. Adrian, ever the showman, draped an arm over Leo's shoulder as they walked.
"What are you doing?" Leo hissed, his face heating up.
"Selling it," Adrian said smoothly. "You're supposed to look like you enjoy my company."
Leo gave him a side-eye. "That's asking a lot."
Adrian laughed, a genuine sound that caught Leo off guard. It wasn't often Adrian's laughter felt real rather than sarcastic, and for a moment, it left Leo disarmed.
"See? You're funny when you're not trying so hard," Adrian said, patting Leo's shoulder.
Leo huffed, stepping out from under Adrian's arm. "Let's just get this over with."
They found a bench near the park's pond, where a few families were feeding ducks. Leo sat down with a sigh, pulling out his phone to check the time.
"You know," Adrian said, settling beside him, "you could try to act like you're enjoying yourself. Pretend I'm not dragging you through some great hardship."
Leo looked up from his phone. "Hardship might be an exaggeration, but—" He stopped short when he saw Adrian's face, his smirk replaced by something softer.
"What?" Adrian asked, his tone amused but not unkind.
"Nothing," Leo said quickly, looking away.
"Liar," Adrian teased.
Leo groaned. "You're exhausting."
"Thanks, I try," Adrian said, leaning back and letting the sunlight hit his face. His green eyes sparkled as he glanced over at Leo. "So, how's the fake boyfriend thing treating you so far? Any regrets?"
"Do you want an honest answer or the fake one?" Leo asked.
Adrian laughed again, and this time it was loud enough to turn a few heads. "Honest, obviously."
Leo hesitated. "I mean… it's not the worst thing. You're annoying, but I guess you're also… dependable?"
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Wow, such high praise. Be still, my heart."
"Don't let it go to your head," Leo muttered, feeling his cheeks warm.
Adrian smirked, clearly enjoying the flustered reaction. But before he could respond, a voice called out behind them.
"Well, if it isn't the happy couple."
Leo stiffened as Kai approached, hands in his pockets and an unmistakable glare aimed at Adrian.
"What do you want, Kai?" Adrian asked, his tone immediately shifting to something colder.
Kai ignored him, addressing Leo instead. "Is this really what you want? You know he's just using you, right?"
Leo opened his mouth to respond, but Adrian beat him to it.
"Careful, Kai," Adrian said smoothly. "Your jealousy's showing."
Kai scoffed. "Jealous? Please. I just don't want to see Leo get caught up in your mess."
Leo frowned. "I can take care of myself, thanks."
Kai's expression softened slightly, but his eyes remained sharp as they flicked back to Adrian. "Just don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake.
Adrian leaned back on the bench, his smirk returning. "Well, that was fun."
Leo sighed. "Does everything have to be a game with you?"
"Not everything," Adrian said, surprising Leo with the sincerity in his voice. "Just most things."
Leo glanced at him, unsure of what to say.
Adrian stood, brushing off his coat. "Come on, boyfriend. Let's go before the ducks decide to attack."
Leo rolled his eyes but followed, a strange mix of frustration and curiosity swirling in his chest.
As they walked away, Leo couldn't help but steal a glance at Adrian. He still wasn't sure what to make of him, but one thing was certain: life with Adrian was never boring.