Chapter 2

Flashback to a month ago.

While I was dating the school beauty, I happened to find a campus novel in her bag—a romance with two male leads. Next thing I knew, I was pulled into the story and became Charles, the beloved pawn caught between them.

After all, Charles is the "goddess" my girlfriend has raved about for so long, and I’d even picked up on some of the book's plot details from her.

The two male leads? One is Arnold Strong, the bright and athletic class leader with both brains and brawn. The other is James Whitaker, my beautiful but frail neighbor.

Through Charles, they meet, and—both fall in love with him.

Although I don't read many online novels, I know this basic trope well.

Usually, as long as the protagonist's ending matches what's in the book, they can return to the real world.

So I rolled up my sleeves, ready to dive in and wrap up the story early!

"Hey, James, with the midterm exam coming up, can you help me review this weekend?"

I knocked on the door next door, flashing a charming smile at James Whitaker.

"No," he replied, slamming the door shut with a cold expression.

Great. Just great.

I banged on the door again. "If you don’t help me, I’ll keep knocking all night!"

"You’re so annoying," James finally relented, swinging the door open. He leaned against the frame, his head propped up by his hand, looking both lazy and regal.

I put on the cutest begging face I could muster and offered James Whitaker his favorite anime figurine with both hands. "Please!"

James smiled, and though I sensed something else behind his gaze, he eventually agreed.

Yes! I was secretly thrilled, so I shot a text to class leader Arnold Strong, asking him to come over on the weekend to help me study for the quiz.

But when the weekend actually arrived, I was left utterly dumbfounded.