Chapter 1

My childhood friend sent me a five-second video of himself eating ice cream, shirtless with his abs on full display, asking if I was tempted.

That short clip really got my heart racing.

Without thinking, I fired back a 23-second voice message.

The next second, he burst through my door, pointed a finger at my face, and shouted,

"Couldn't you help yourself? You sent a 23-second voice message just to ask me what flavor the blue ice cream was, and if it was any good?!"

I lowered my head, feeling wronged, and didn't dare talk back.

After he calmed down, I just couldn't help but ask again, "So… what did it taste like?"

After breaking up with my cheating ex-boyfriend, I decided to move into a new apartment complex to get away from his harassment.

"Wow, this place really lives up to its high-class reputation! The vibe is so different!"

I was quietly marveling to myself when I happened to glance over and spot a man, shirtless.

Even through the window, I could see his abs clearly.

Broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The dude was a total top-tier male model!

I knew it!

The real estate agent wasn’t lying. This place really was a goldmine.

I glanced around, and seeing no one nearby, I decided not to let the view go to waste and lingered on the pathway outside his unit for a few more seconds.

Then I saw the guy's waist start to sway, little by little.

With my years of experience on the internet, I understood immediately.

This had to be some influencer filming a video, right?

Seriously, who could handle this view?

I had just pulled out my phone to record a clip for my bestie when I caught a glimpse of his profile.

The mole on his right jawbone looked so familiar.

No way.

Could it really be him?

A terrible feeling suddenly washed over me.

I hesitantly FaceTimed my childhood friend, Ryan, and then I watched the man in the window scramble to pull his hoodie on.

It WAS him!

My brain just crashed.

My childhood friend was a thirst trapper on the internet!

In shock, I managed to hit his doorbell with the last bit of my sanity.

When the door opened, Ryan was obviously surprised.

"Lily?"

"How do you know my address?"

I wanted to confess everything and confront him right there, but the moment I met those deep and clear eyes, I went soft.

He probably hadn't had time to wipe his face. The thin sheen of sweat on his cheeks and his slightly damp hair instantly brought back the scenes I'd just witnessed through the window.

He leaned down and waved a hand in front of my eyes.

"I… I’m just here to visit you, of course…"

I immediately snapped out of it, held up the groceries I’d just picked up from the supermarket, and walked straight inside.

Then, I pretended to admire the layout of his place, intentionally stealing a glance near his bedroom door.

The white bath towel was still on the bed.

Yep, he's definitely the thirst trapper!

"What are you looking at?"

His magnetic voice suddenly came from behind me, soft but with a hint of confusion.

I turned to him and forced an awkward smile. "Nothing, just checking out your floor plan."

"Your bedroom gets great light, huh?"

"You know, you could just get sheer curtains if you want to keep them closed during the day..."

Ryan was stunned by this. "Huh?"

I patted his hand earnestly. "A guy needs his privacy too, right?"

Ryan was completely baffled by my sudden, random outburst. He grabbed the back of my collar and demanded, "Lily, what’s that supposed to mean?"

"Your brother here is a man's man!"