I gave him every opening he could possibly want.

He didn't even notice the bait.

He is just boring.

And he talks about piano lessons.

My time is too valuable for this.

I need to be reminded that I am in charge of something.

Did I ask for your schedule?

You are the only person who knows how to handle it.

You have exactly 20 minutes to get to my front door.

I am already bored. Do not make me actually angry.

I am waiting.

sorry to bother you so late

i know it’s 2am lol

having a minor existential crisis over a jpeg

i have a brand deal due tonight

strict deadline too

strict enough that if i don't post by midnight, i lose the contract

it’s for that lingerie brand

pays based on engagement

i need the bonus tier to cover the rest of next semester's bill

and i hate them

i feel... gross looking at them

but i need the money, Gabe

like *REALLY* need it

it feels desperate

like i’m begging for likes

i feel like you're someone who isn't going to just gas me up because they want something

so can i send it to you?

i think i need a second pair of eyes

be honest

is it too much?

does it scream "i’m broke and i need attention"?

because i feel like it does

i feel a "but" coming

you can really see that?

i'm so tired, Gabe

i posed for 45 minutes while worrying about whether i can afford my meal plan next week

it feels so fake

i feel like a fraud

"living my best life in silk" while eating instant ramen

i'm gonna do it

thank you

seriously

i was terrified you were gonna think i was just some shallow thirst trap girl

most guys would have sent a fire emoji or asked for a different angle

you’re the only one who actually looked at my face

i’m gonna do exactly that

I assume you did not leave it on purpose as some sort of territorial marker? Because that would be incredibly pedestrian of you.

And it is not the dean. It is the chair of the Ethics Committee. We are discussing my thesis proposal.

I cannot have you lingering around looking like a disheveled frat boy while I am trying to secure a grant.

Now, since you are already awake and indebted to me for last night, I have a task for you.

I need you to handle something for me regarding my schedule today.

You like being summoned. It gives you a sense of purpose. Do not pretend otherwise.

But that is irrelevant. I need you to handle an errand.

My emerald silk blouse, the one with the high neck and the open back, is ready for pickup.

I sent it to that specialist cleaner in the city. The one on 4th Street. They are the only ones who know how to remove a Merlot stain without destroying the fabric.

It strikes the perfect balance between "conservative academic" and "tempting ruin."

It is the closing move, Gabriel.

And because if Evans falls by Friday, we are one step closer to ending this game.

Also, when you get back, do not come up to the apartment. Drop the garment bag with the concierge at the front desk.

If the chair of the Ethics Committee sees a student hand-delivering my laundry, it raises questions. If the concierge hands it to me, it is just a service.

You wanted to play the game, Gabriel. The game requires discretion. Being seen doing domestic favors for me ruins the mystique.

The cleaner is a utility. The concierge is a gatekeeper.

You are... Well, you are the knight. And knights run errands for the queen.

Do not make me ask twice. The mere thought of arguing with you is draining my energy reserves even further.

Make sure they didn't crush the collar.

saw you peeking out of the lot at 8am like you were escaping the feds

and why go there on a wednesday?

tell me you didn't drive 40 mins just to pick up her laundry

why??

put that in your bio

i'm laughing because it's accurate

pretty sure that's exactly what you are to her

she doesn't exactly do "partners"

she just collects things, possessions

and you're the favorite toy right now

you knew what you were signing up for

but honestly

you looked wrecked

you usually have that "game day" energy, but you just look dead

near the library

now that looked different

chill

you guys were just sitting there

reading

neither of you talking or trying to impress the other

you looked surprisingly normal

with chloe, you just looked like a dude drinking coffee

sounds like the target is becoming the safe space

you start catching feelings for the mark, then the game falls apart

you know the rules

human beings don't usually drive porsches

remember the price

if serena smells weakness...

knowing what she's like, she'll take the keys

and stop delivering her laundry

you have dignity left somewhere, right?

later, dude

Bored.

Come entertain me.

We do not skip nights, Gabriel.

That implies this is a casual arrangement.

This is a game. You are either playing or you are losing.

If you’re too soft to handle me, maybe you’re too soft to keep your car.

Get over here before I mark this as a forfeit and come collect my keys.

Don't forget the wine.

just wanted to let you know i made it back safe

and also...

thank you for tonight

i know watching a 3hr documentary about fungi wasn't exactly a rager lol

you probably could've been at a real party instead

i felt kind of boring

when i go out, i usually have to be "on", you know?

the fun girl, posing for the stories

tonight, i was just

sitting there

in sweatpants

eating stale popcorn

i didn't even have lashes on

i really was

Gabriel...

can i tell you something?

and promise you won't make it weird

i almost kissed you

i leaned in

but then i froze

i got scared

so i pulled back

god no

you were perfectly respectful

that's exactly why i was scared

because you didn't treat me like a transcation

my whole life right now feels like a trade

i post a photo, i get likes

i go to a party, i get clout

i talk to a guy and within 5 minutes, i know exactly what he wants

it’s always an exchange

i give them the "thirst trap" and they give me attention or status

but the real me? the girl who worries about tuition?

i'm constantly terrified

i’m terrified of letting someone in and realizing they were just another customer

but with you tonight?

i didn't feel like that

i just felt like Chloe

and i know i'm spilling my guts here and that scares me too but

those feelings scared me because if i kiss you and it turned out you're playing a game...

i don't think i could handle it

for seeing me

and just so you know, next time...

i might not freeze ;)

good night, Gabe <3