Serena
The next day...
Gabriel
I have eyes on the target
Serena
Where?
Gabriel
Library, third floor
She’s sitting near the biographies, trying to disappear into an oversized hoodie
Serena
Does she look much like the "Virgin Queen" of Instagram or whatever she's trying to pull on her post this morning?
Gabriel
Not from this angle
In fact, she looks...
Heavy
And I'm not talking about her weight
It's like she’s carrying a weight she can't put down
She’s been staring at the same page of her textbook for 10 minutes
Serena
Is she reading?
Gabriel
Every time her phone buzzes on the table, she jumps
Serena
Engagement metrics?
Gabriel
No
It’s a flinch
Almost like she’s waiting for a bomb to go off
Serena
Interesting.
Gabriel
It matches the data from yesterday
Serena
The "meet cute"?
Gabriel
Executed at 1400 hours
It was messier than predicted
Serena
Messy feels authentic. Did she give you the doe eyes?
Gabriel
I waited by the fountain
She was carrying three boxes, heavy ones
Charity drive flyers
Serena
Classic martyr behavior.
Gabriel
She tripped on the curb
Box went flying, papers everywhere
Serena
And you swooped in.
Gabriel
I moved in immediately
But Serena...
The reaction wasn't right
Serena
Define.
Gabriel
She didn't look relieved to see help
Serena
What did she look like then?
Gabriel
Terrified
Serena
Explain.
Gabriel
I reached out to grab a stack of papers near her hand
She jerked back
Like, she physically recoiled
Her shoulder hit her ear
She looked at my hand like she expected a fist
Serena
A trauma response.
Gabriel
Visibly
Then came the apology loop
She said some variant of "I'm so sorry, I'm so clumsy, please don't be mad" six times in 10 seconds
Serena
That’s not a "tee-hee" clumsy.
That’s a "please don't hurt me" clumsy.
Gabriel
She was hyperventilating, Serena
It wasn't the reaction of a girl who’s used to being worshipped
It was the reaction of a girl who’s used to being punished for making a mess
Serena
That’s excellent news.
Gabriel
How is that excellent?
She looked like she was about to shatter
Serena
Because fear makes her predictable.
It makes her easy.
Gabriel
She’s fragile
Serena
If she’s conditioned to expect aggression from men, you don't need to be charming. Hell, you don't even need to be "good."
Gabriel
You're saying I just need to be safe
Serena
You need to be the absence of a threat.
The Neutral Zone.
Gabriel
I noticed she looked confused when I handed her the box
I didn't ask for her number
I didn't introduce myself either
Serena
You broke the pattern.
Gabriel
I just said, "These are heavy, be careful" and walked away
Serena
Perfect. She’s probably been analyzing that for 24 hours.
"Why didn't he hit on me? Why didn't he yell?"
Gabriel
I’m a puzzle now
Serena
She's seeing the beginnings of a sanctuary.
Gabriel
I’m crafting the persona now
"Boringly Nice"
No grand gestures, no intensity
Just practical, low-stakes kindness
The kind that doesn't demand a "thank you"
Serena
So you'll be like background noise until she realizes she can't function without you.
Gabriel
It’s going to be a slow burn
Serena
Slow burns leave the deepest scars
Gabriel
I can act the part
I’ll be the Golden Retriever
Serena
Just don't start wagging your tail for real. Remember the Porsche.
Gabriel
The 911 is safe
I’m currently watching her check her notifications
She looks miserable, Serena
She’s scrolling through comments and her face is tight
Serena
She’s selling a fantasy. It’s hard work lying to 50k people.
Gabriel
It looks lonely
Serena
Don't humanize the target, Gabriel.
Gabriel
I’m just analyzing the structural weakness
And right now, the weakness is that she feels unsafe everywhere
Serena
Then be the bunker.
Gabriel
That’s the plan
I’m going to leave a trap for her
Serena
What kind of trap?
Gabriel
She left her umbrella at the Student Center yesterday
I saw it on the counter
Serena
You stole it?
Gabriel
I’m going to drop it at Lost & Found and let her know
I’m not the guy who steals it to talk to her
I’m the guy who returns it and disappears
Serena
She won't know what hit her.
Gabriel
That’s the idea
How’s the meeting?
Serena
The Treasurer is explaining why we need "haptic" cardstock for the Gala invites.
Gabriel
Sounds riveting
Serena
I’m calculating the trajectory required to throw my pen into his larynx.
Gabriel
Save the violence for the main event
Serena
I’m about to raise my hand and point out that his math is based on last year’s vendor pricing.
He’s going to stutter. It’ll be the highlight of my day.
Gabriel
Enjoy the bloodsport
I’m going to make my move
Serena
Don't make me wait for the update.
Strategy set, Gabriel waits. Later that day...
Gabriel
hey, Chloe
it’s Gabriel (guy who helped with the boxes yesterday)
random i know but i think you left your umbrella at the student center
saw it on the counter near the printers
didn't wanna be creepy so i just dropped it off at lost & found for you
forecast says rain so just wanted to lyk
stay dry ☔️
Chloe
who is this?
Gabriel
Gabriel
like i said in the first text 😅
Chloe
where did you get this number?
Gabriel
it’s in the student directory
i looked you up to make sure it was actually yours before i touched it
Chloe
is this a joke?
did Tyler put you up to this?
or Jason?
if this is for a video or a tiktok challenge, you can tell them I’m not interested
please just leave me alone
Gabriel
woah
slow down
no Tyler or Jason
and definitely no TikTok
i barely know how to use that app 💀
i legit just saw a yellow umbrella and remembered you had a yellow one yesterday
thought i was being helpful
Chloe
people don't just do that
guys don't look up my number just to return an umbrella
what do you actually want?
Gabriel
literally nothing?
except i guess i want you to not get wet when it rains later
that’s about it
Chloe
i don't believe you
everyone wants something
are you trying to get me to come to the theta party?
because the answer is no
Gabriel
god no
1) i’m not a theta
2) i hate parties
they're too loud
listen, i get it
people are weird
but i promise i’m not trying to prank you
Chloe
...really?
Gabriel
really
honestly didn't mean to stress you out
my bad
Chloe
you’re not doing this for a dare?
Gabriel
no dare, i promise
just recognized the umbrella, remembered you, and thought you'd need it
that’s it
Chloe
oh
i guess i’m just used to people messing with me
Gabriel
that sounds exhausting
i'm sorry
anyway... it’s at the front desk
ask for Sarah, she took it
have a good night, Chloe
Chloe
wait
Gabriel?
i didn't mean to snap at you
thank you
for the umbrella
that was
nice
are you there?
hello?
Silence is a powerful tool, and Gabriel uses it to let Chloe wonder... But reality crashes the party on Friday night, days later.
Gabriel
bro
stay inside
seriously
stay in the basement and drink until you forget this species exists
i’m headed out
Riley
what??
you just got there
i’m stuck listening to a freshman explain crypto to me
save me
what happened?
i thought you were doing a perimeter check?
Gabriel
i did
and i found her
Riley
her?
Gabriel
Chloe
also found about 5 theta guys trying to maul her near the smokers' exit
Riley
maul her??
like physically? literally?
Gabriel
basically
she was cornered against the brick wall
they were crowding her in a semi-circle, phones in face, flash on, shouting "do the face, Chloe!"
"give us the content!"
it was disgusting and predatory
Bradley from econ was trying to grab her waist for a video while she pulled away
she was shrinking into the wall
it was visceral, Ry
she didn't even look annoyed
she was just trying to disappear
literally compressing herself to avoid their touch
Riley
jesus
i hate those guys
they think because they have a rush budget, they own the campus
what did you do?
hit him?
Gabriel
that would make it even messier
i went with "concerned senior"
walked in, full disappointment mode, pushed Bradley’s camera down
asked "want me to tag your girlfriend in this? or call the rush chair?"
Riley
💀
you didn't
Gabriel
i did
it was satisfying
"alpha males" crumble when their reputations to people in higher seats of power are at risk
Riley
and chloe?
Gabriel
shaking so bad she couldn't walk
had to guide her away
walked her to her dorm and she barely spoke the whole trip, just hyperventilating
trying not to cry
but Ry... here’s the kicker
Riley
what?
Gabriel
she dropped her phone
the screen lit up when i picked it up and i saw a notification
Riley
you snooped
Gabriel
i didn't even have to
it was a text from the bursar about her tuition payment failing because of insufficient funds
it was in red text and blinking like a countdown clock
Riley
....oh
Gabriel
yeah
there was a bank alert that said the balance for what i assume is her bank account was $14.20
Riley
dude...
$14?
you sure you didn't see that wrong?
Gabriel
i'm sure i didn't
$14... that's her net worth
Riley
that changes things
Gabriel
explains everything too
the posts
the brand
she’s not posting for attention, she’s posting to pay for school
she’s monetizing her only asset because she’s broke
if she loses engagement, she loses the deals
and ultimately gets kicked out
Riley
so she’s selling her dignity to stay in chem class?
and getting harassed for it??
that is bleak
Gabriel
she's one missed payment away from being nobody
Riley
okay, look
i know we play games
but this feels different
we’re trying to ruin a girl who is just surviving
you have a porsche, she has $14
getting her kicked out feels like punching down into the dirt
i don't even really believe in it but i still feel like we’re going to hell
seriously, gabe, this isn't just "manipulation" anymore
we’re hunting a wounded animal
Gabriel
save me the sermon, Ry
i’m just observing her reality
i didn't put her there
Riley
you can't feel good about this
you just saw her get harassed
Gabriel
knowing she’s desperate changes the strategy
Riley
how??
you gonna pay her tuition?
Gabriel
hell no
Serena would kill me
but it makes the game easier
Riley
that's cold, man
Gabriel
i'm just saying
the more desperate one gets, the sloppier they become
they grab lifelines without checking who’s holding the rope
Riley
and let me guess
you're the rope
Gabriel
i’m the guy who saved her a couple different ways now
and now i know she’s afraid of being broke
she needs a savior
and i’m positioned to be the one she trusts
and even if she's hesitant, she won't question me because she needs safety
Riley
so
you're using her poverty to trick her into sleeping with you
Gabriel
don't say it like that
i’m playing the hand i was dealt
anyway, i'll give it 3 days before she tells me everything
Riley
be careful
if anything, for your soul
Gabriel
rich coming from you lol
anyway, i’m heading home
night
Two days later, noon, Gabriel finds himself doing something he's never done before.
Serena
"Rob".
He actually signed it "Rob".
Gabriel
And he used a wink emoji
That is tragic
The man is a tenured professor and he’s using emoticons like a freshman trying to slide into DMs
Serena
It’s pathetic.
I didn't even have to try.
I just wore the red blouse again and asked him if he thought "morality was a construct of the privileged." He looked like he wanted to propose right there in the lecture hall.
Gabriel
"Career path" too
That’s the oldest code in the book
Serena
He’s not interested in my career. He just thinks he’s found a disciple.
By Friday, I’ll have him confessing that he’s "unhappy at home" and that his wife "doesn't understand his intellectual needs".
Gabriel
You’re moving fast
Serena
The man is a house of cards. I just blew on him.
I’ll have his marriage in a body bag before the weekend.
Gabriel
Don't break him too early
We need this to last the semester
If he leaves his wife next week, the game is over too soon
Serena
I don't do slow burns, Gabriel. I do scorched earth.
Besides, watching him squirm is the best part.
He’s terrified of how much he wants it.
But enough about my inevitable victory.
Status report. How is the Virgin Queen?
Gabriel
She's fine
Serena
"Fine" is not an update.
Did you get into her pants yet? Or is she still playing the "waiting for marriage" card while posting thirst traps?
I saw her story this morning. Another "study aesthetic" post with a caption about "inner peace."
It makes me want to vomit. It’s so curated.
We knew it was a brand, Serena
It’s a lie.
But tell me you’ve exposed it.
Tell me you’ve made her break character.
Gabriel
Not yet
Slow progress
She's more guarded than I expected
Serena
Guarded? Please.
She puts her entire life on the internet.
Gabriel
That’s the wall
The internet version is the shield
Getting past that...
It’s taking time
She doesn't trust anyone
Serena
She’s playing you. It’s a classic tactic. She acts shy to make you work harder. It increases her value.
Don't tell me you’re falling for the "fragile flower" act.
Gabriel
I’m not falling for anything
I’m just telling you the strategy
I have to be the "safe" guy
If I push too hard, she runs
She’s like a stray cat
Serena
A stray cat? Please.
She’s a predator in pastel.
She knows exactly what she’s doing. She wants you to think she’s deep so you’ll feel special when she finally lets you in.
Gabriel
Maybe
But I'm wearing her down
I’m the only one she talks to right now
Serena
Good. Isolate her. Make her dependent.
But hurry up.
If Evans leaves his wife before you get Chloe into bed, I win the Porsche.
And I look great in black.
Gabriel
You are not getting my car
Serena
Then step it up. You’re being too passive.
You usually close the deal by the third date.
What’s the hold-up? Is she boring? Is that it?
Gabriel
Yeah
She's just...
Vapid
Talks about aesthetics and vibes
It’s numbing
Serena
I knew it.
Nothing behind those eyes but ring lights and emptiness.
Gabriel
Exactly
Serena
God, how tedious for you. No wonder you’re dragging your feet.
At least Evans has a PhD. He’s corruptible, but at least he can read.
Gabriel
I'm managing
I’ll break the seal soon
Just need to find the right leverage
Serena
You do have the leverage.
You’re Gabriel. You’re rich, you’re hot, and you’re pretending to be nice.
That’s all a girl like that wants. A sponsor.
Gabriel
I know what I'm doing, so drop it
Serena
Touchy.
You sound frustrated. Is the "boring" girl getting under your skin?
Gabriel
I’m at the gym and I'm tired
I'm also tired of talking about her
Let's talk about something else
Serena
Fine.
Let's talk about us then.
I’m bored of the cafe. I’m bored of reading Evans’ desperate messages.
And I’m bored of you texting me from across campus.
Gabriel
I have two more sets
Serena
Skip them.
Gabriel
Can't
Leg day
Serena
.My apartment.
20 minutes.
Gabriel
Serena
Serena
I'm not asking, Gabriel.
I want you to come over here and take all that pent-up frustration out on me since your "target" is too boring to handle it.
Unless, of course, you’d rather stay there and lift heavy objects like a caveman while I finish myself off thinking about how weak Evans is.
Gabriel
Fuck
Serena
20 minutes.
And don't bother showering.
I like the sweat.
Gabriel
I'm leaving now
Serena
Good boy.
Hiding Chloe's secret from Serena marks a shift in Gabriel. Late the next night...
Chloe
hey
sorry
are you up?
Gabriel
yeah
insomnia
what's up?
Chloe
i know it's late
i just
i couldn't sleep
i wanted to say thank you again
for friday
i feel like i didn't say it properly because i was freaking out
Gabriel
you don't have to thank me, Chloe
getting you away from a bunch of drunk idiots wasn't exactly heroic
it's just basic human decency
Chloe
it is here
most guys would have just joined in
or at least watched
everyone else usually just stares at me like i’m an exhibit
or they try to grab me
nobody ever just
helps
Gabriel
people are sheep
they see a camera and they either freeze
or they perform
Chloe
i hate those parties
i hate the noise
i hate the way people look at me like they own me just because they follow me
can i ask you something?
and please tell me the truth
don't just be nice
Gabriel
shoot
Chloe
why were you nice to me?
i know what people say
i hear the rumors of me being a thirst trap girl and stuck up and easy
i know everyone thinks i'm just this
"image"
and i know guys usually only talk to me because they want to say they did
so why did you help me if you didn't want anything?
Gabriel
honestly?
i don't listen to rumors
never have
they're usually written by people who are jealous or bored
usually both
instead, i trust what i see
and when i look at you, i don't see a "thirst trap"
i see someone who works her ass off
Chloe
what?
Gabriel
i see someone who is constantly on, constantly managing an image, constantly dealing with pressure
someone who is tired and is carrying a lot more weight than people realize
and i know when you said "easy", you were talking about something else
but doing all of that isn't easy at all
that’s exhausting
and the you i saw Friday night looked like she about to break under it
Chloe
god
that's exactly it
carrying a lot of weight is exactly what it feels like every single day
it feels like i’m playing a character, Gabriel
like "Chloe" is a job, not a person
i have to be the girl in the photos because that’s what works
that’s what keeps me...
Gabriel
safe?
Chloe
yeah
safe
and relevant too, i guess
if i stop posting, or if i stop smiling, everything falls apart
i have to keep the engagement up or else...
i don't know
i just disappear
but i hate that people think that's who i really am
i hate that they think i’m shallow just because i know how to light a photo
i hate that they think i’m stupid
i have a 3.8 GPA in chem and nobody cares
they just care about the bikini haul
it makes me feel so lonely
it's like i’m screaming in a glass box and everyone's just taking selfies on the other side
Gabriel
then stop screaming
at least with me
i don't care about your engagement or your followers
heck, i don't even have Instagram on my home screen 😅
you don't have to be the brand with me
Chloe
i don't know how to turn it off though
and i feel like if i let the mask slip, people will see...
i don't know
the mess
Gabriel
let them
or at least let me
you can be yourself with me
i'm not scrolling or judging
i'm just here
Chloe
you really mean that?
Gabriel
i do
you can tell me the real stuff
even the ugly stuff and the stuff you can't put in a caption
it stays in the vault
Chloe
that sounds
really nice tbh
i'm scared, Gabriel
like all the time
i feel like i’m drowning
and nobody notices even though my legs are getting tired because all they see is me smiling above the surface
Gabriel
i noticed
why do you think i walked you home?
i'm not on the shore
i'm right here
and i'm not gonna let you drown
Chloe
thank you
seriously
thank you
i haven't exhaled in like
2 years or something
Gabriel
exhale now
and get some sleep
you don't have to perform for the ceiling
Chloe
okay
and Gabriel?
Gabriel
yeah?
Chloe
i'm glad you found my umbrella
Gabriel
me too
good night, Chloe
Chloe
good night :)
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