Chapter 2

At first, Brandon despised Willow.

They were on a set, playing lovers.

Willow was a huge fan of Brandon's. Every time they held hands or hugged, her face would flush, her crush obvious.

Back then, Brandon and I were still good.

He'd often tell me how much he disliked Willow acting like a total fan.

Willow wore cartoon T-shirts, and Brandon called her childish and silly.

Willow wore hot shorts, and Brandon called her so tacky.

Whatever Willow did, Brandon found annoying.

Yet, perhaps he didn’t even realize it himself, but every time he mentioned Willow, he was smiling.

During our nightly phone calls, he slowly started to drift off.

Most of the time, it was because Willow was so clueless. She’d constantly bother Brandon with all sorts of questions.

Brandon would complain, but patiently answer her every time.

Before we hung up, I’d ask Brandon, "Tomorrow, can we please not talk about Willow anymore?"

He'd flash that mischievous grin and tease, "Are you jealous, baby?"

He’d joke around with me, then block Willow’s number right then and there.

Until a few days later, Willow posted something on Ins: "A passionate kiss scene, with two hearts truly moved.

"Can't sleep tonight, I'm pulling an all-nighter talking to the person I like!"

That night, Brandon didn't call me.

I tried calling him, but his line was busy.

I knew then, this time, Brandon was falling for Willow, playing make-believe for real.