The Campus Heartthrob’s Confession: I’m His “New Car”

Id finally decided to say yes. After three years of being pursued by Leo, the most popular guy on campus, tonight was the night.
Hed asked me to meet him at the campuss Lovers Lane, a secluded grove of trees, promising a surprise.
Right before I left, I was scrolling through my phone and stumbled upon a livestream. A car auction.
Pristine, one-owner vehicle, never been on the road. Check out these headlights. Available for pickup tonight! the hosts voice purred with a suggestive undertone. Shes bright and white, a real beauty. Connoisseurs, you know what to do!
The moment he finished, a photo flashed on the screen.
It was blurry, but even so, the ridiculously full curves were visually arresting. What made my heart stop, though, was the profile. It bore a striking resemblance to my own.
The chat exploded. The car, listed at fifty thousand dollars, sold out in a second.
The winning bidder, some rich guy, typed excitedly, Cant wait! Where do I pick her up?
The host giggled. Be patient, honey. Nine p.m. Lovers Lane. In-person inspection. First come, first served.
My heart skipped a beat. Lovers Lane?
Just then, my phone chimed.
A message from Leo: Babe, are you almost here?
1
Leos message made my heart skip a beat.
I frantically exited the livestream, but the image of that profile picture was seared into my brain.
Trying to stay calm, I typed out a reply.
My stomachs suddenly killing me. I dont think I can make it tonight.
I sent the message and stared at the screen, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs.
Leos reply was almost instantaneous.
Whats wrong? Did you eat something bad?
Normally, thats what he would have asked. He was always so solicitous, so caring.
But tonight, his response was different.
The surprise cant wait. You need to get here. Im waiting.
I stared at the words, a chill creeping up my spine.
This wasnt like him. After chasing me for three years, hed always treated me like I was made of glass. If I even hinted at feeling unwell, hed drop everything to come to me.
Tonight, all I got was an impatient demand.
The suspicion in my gut grew heavier.
I dug my heels in. Im serious, I can barely get out of bed.
Why dont you bring the surprise to my dorm? I added, testing him.
This time, his reply took much longer.
No. It has to be at Lovers Lane.
Hurry up. Dont drag your feet.
His tone had turned sharp, almost hostile.
I gripped my phone, my palm slick with sweat.
Just then, my roommate, Lily, walked over.
Chloe, youre so pale. Are you okay? she asked, her face a mask of concern.
My family was wealthy, and I was always generous with her. The latest phones, designer bagsif I had one, she had one. Shed always been a good friend to me, like a sister.
I told her about the livestream, framing it as a bizarre coincidence. My voice was hesitant; the whole thing sounded absurd even to my own ears.
Lily, do you think it could be some kind of prank?
Lily immediately shot down the idea. Chloe, youre just being paranoid. People are always trying to go viral online. Someone probably saw how pretty you are and is just trying to copy you.
Her words made a strange kind of sense.
I mean, think about it. Who would be bored enough to orchestrate a prank that just happens to match the exact time and place Leo asked you to meet him? The world isnt that small.
As she spoke, she picked up a glass of papaya milk from my desk and handed it to me.
See? Youre getting all worked up over nothing. You need to relax.
Leo bought this for you. He said you were craving it. Drink it and get some sleep.
The papaya milk was from my favorite brand, the packaging familiar.
But looking at it, my appetite vanished.
The livestreamers crude slangbright and whiteand this glass of papaya milk formed a grotesque connection in my mind.
I pushed her hand away. I dont want anything cold right now. I think Ill get some hot water.
Ill get it for you, Lily offered eagerly.
No, its fine. Ill go myself.
I stood up and grabbed my kettle. As I turned to leave, I caught Lilys reflection in the full-length mirror by the door.
She had snatched up her phone, her expression tense. Her thumbs were flying across the screen, typing at a furious pace. It was a stark contrast to her usual languid texting style.
My heart sank.
Back in my bed, I pretended to sleep, my phone on silent, the screen dimmed to its lowest setting.
I joined the fan group of the rich guy from the auction.
He was in the middle of a tirade.
What the hell is going on?
The seller says my fifty-grand deposit doesnt mean anything. The car broke down. Cant pick it up tonight!
Sympathetic messages immediately followed.
Patience, my friend. A classic like that is worth the wait.
Yeah, man, whats one more day for a ride like that?
The rich guy wasnt having it.
Ive got my pants down, and youre telling me this now?
The seller said tomorrow. If I dont get her tomorrow, Im gonna kill him!
I stared at the words broke down, my body frozen.
I had just told Leo my stomach hurt, that I couldnt get out of bed.
And just like that, the fifty-thousand-dollar new car had broken down.
2
I didnt sleep a wink.
The words deposit and broke down echoed in my mind all night.
This was no coincidence.
The next morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, my phone rang.
It was Leo.
I ignored it.
A moment later, Lilys call came through.
Chloe, are you awake? Leos downstairs. He brought you breakfast. Her voice was cheerful, perfectly normal.
I hung up without a word.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
Lily opened it to reveal Leo, holding a bag of food, an apologetic look on his face.
Somehow, the dorm mother had let him up.
Babe, Im so sorry. He came in, set the breakfast on my desk, and walked over to my bed. I was just so excited about the surprise last night, I wasnt thinking about your feelings. Please dont be mad at me.
His voice was gentle, his eyes sincere. He was a flawless actor.
If it hadnt been for the livestream, I would have melted, would have thrown myself into his arms.
Now, all I felt was a wave of nausea.
Lily chimed in. Its true, Chloe. You have no idea how many all-nighters Leo pulled to get this surprise ready for you. He was just anxious last night. You cant blame him for that. She nudged my arm. Come on, get up and eat. Its your favorite, crab roe buns.
I watched their perfectly choreographed performance, a chilling coldness spreading through my chest.
I pretended to be appeased. Im not mad. I sat up and took the bun Leo offered me. I really wasnt feeling well last night.
A smile instantly lit up his face. I knew my girl was the most understanding. He reached out to stroke my hair.
I flinched away instinctively. I have to go to the library. I need to study for finals.
Leos smile faltered.
Lily quickly jumped in. Right, right! Studying is the most important thing. Well leave you to it.
I avoided them both and left for the library alone.
I didnt use my phone. Instead, I took out my tablet and logged into a niche forum I rarely used.
In a discussion thread about last nights livestream, I found new screenshots.
It was the rich guy again, bragging in his fan group.
The seller sent me another picture to prove shes brand new. Check this out, boys. Perfect condition!
The picture was of a sliver of pale skin on a lower back. Just above the dimple of the waist was a tiny, crimson birthmark.
The world tilted on its axis. My blood turned to ice.
The location, the shape of that birthmarkit was identical to mine.
Only two people knew about it.
Lily, who I never bothered to be modest around when we were changing in our dorm room.
And Leo, who had once accidentally walked in on me changing. Hed turned beet red and apologized profusely, swearing it was an accident.
Looking back, it was all an act.
The fact of their betrayal was now undeniable. I was a product on their shelf, with a price tag attached.
3
A tremor of fear ran through me.
I had been living with two people who were planning to destroy me.
I replayed the past few years in my mind.
Lily, casually asking about my familys business, my parents assets.
Leo, playing the part of a hardworking, impoverished student, designed to evoke my sympathy and a desire to protect him. The expensive gifts Id given him, which hed always protested against before gratefully accepting.
Their goal, from the very beginning, had been to sell me.
I had no concrete proof. Going to the police now would only tip them off. I had to save myself.
So, I returned to the dorm and acted as if nothing was wrong.
Lily was lounging on her bed, wearing an expensive face mask Id bought her. Oh, youre back, she said, her tone casual. Did you know Leos been working multiple jobs to save up for your gift?
She was trying to make me feel guilty, to lower my guard.
Oh, I said, my voice flat. I opened my closet and started packing a suitcase.
Lily sat bolt upright, the mask crinkling on her face. What are you doing?
I tossed a few items into the suitcase. Im tired of the dorms. Im going to get my own place.
A flicker of panic crossed her eyes. She scrambled off her bed and rushed to my side. But thats so expensive! And its not safe. Hey, I just rented a place near campus. Why dont you move in with me? We can keep each other company.
Her invitation was effusive, but her eyes held a nervous glint.
Her hypocrisy was almost laughable. She was afraid Id slip through her fingers, trying to keep me close.
I paused. Where is it?
Its at the Green River apartments, right by the school.
I considered her offer. Ill think about it. I stopped packing.
That night, the car auction livestream was back on.
Sorry to keep you waiting, gentlemen, the same host purred. We had a little mechanical issue yesterday, but shes all tuned up and ready to go. Tomorrow, our top bidder will finally get his hands on the wheel. I guarantee shes got plenty of horsepower, and those headlights are brighter than ever.
The chat was a frenzy of excitement.
The rich guy replied from the bottom of the screen.
Youd better be right. Otherwise, Ill have to hire some people to loosen a few screws.
The threat was unmistakable.
I stared at the screen, my grip on my phone tightening.
They were going to make their move tomorrow.

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