I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Sophie as she stepped into the room, gently closing the door behind her. Her delicate features, framed by damp strands of hair, seemed to shimmer under the silver light.

Gu Ran sat on his bed, eyes fixed on Sophie, his heart suddenly skipping a beat.

By Eastern beauty standards, Sophie wasn't an absolute stunner. Southern England's typical beauty wasn't the same as the delicate, soft-spoken charm of a Southern Chinese girl.

But youth—youth was the ultimate beauty.

Tonight, Sophie looked fresh, innocent, and yet carried a hint of alluring charm unique to adolescence.

And… it seemed like she was only wearing a nightgown.

Was this because of what had happened the last two times? Did she deliberately not wear anything underneath this time?

Was this to guard against him… or to tempt him?

Gu Ran immediately sat up straight and swiftly pulled the blanket over his lap.

"Sophie, you… you're here."

Standing in the moonlight, Sophie gently brushed back her damp hair, her voice soft and airy. "I heard you're playing for the school tomorrow?"

Gu Ran quickly nodded. "Yes."

"Will you be on the field?"

"I don't know."

"Oh…"

Sophie lowered her head, fiddling with her fingers, lost in thought.

The moonlight filtered through her loose nightgown, outlining the youthful curves beneath.

Gu Ran instinctively tugged the blanket higher over his legs.

The air between them grew thick with an unspoken tension.

Gu Ran took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "About this morning… that was my fault."

Sophie bit her lip, her gaze dropping in shyness. "It's okay. Just… be more careful next time."

Hmm.

Hmm???

Next time?

There would be a next time?

Be careful of what exactly?

Gu Ran suddenly felt his mouth go dry.

They locked eyes.

Both hearts pounded.

This was that kind of nervous, fluttery feeling—like the clumsiness of a first love.

Neither had spoken yet, but embarrassment already filled the air.

Gu Ran tried to calm himself down. Stay cool, stay cool…

Damn it, why is my heart beating so fast?

I've lived through a lot, why does this feel like a first love moment?

He tugged the blanket even higher, now almost covering his chest.

What's up with Sophie tonight?

Could it be that morning kiss… woke something inside her?

No way, right?

Just then, Sophie finally spoke. "Gu, I came over tonight because I… I want to…"

Holy—

Want to what?! Hurry up and say it!

Gu Ran felt his heart hammering like it was about to explode.

Sophie bit her lip again, as if gathering all her courage. "I want to end our fake dating agreement."

"…Huh?"

Gu Ran felt like his heart had suddenly flatlined. "What???"

I was already getting prepared and you're telling me you want to end the agreement???

Sophie smiled gently. "You've really helped me a lot these past weeks. Even though I got mad at you often, looking back, I realize I had no right to blame you. I should be thanking you instead."

Gu Ran quickly responded, "Sophie, no need to be so formal! If you ever need me, just use me however you like!"

Sophie lowered her head, her voice softer than ever. "Thank you, but… we can't keep doing this. Because if we do, I might actually… fall for you."

Gu Ran: …

Seeing him sit there like a block of wood, Sophie smiled through misty eyes. "Sigh, why am I even telling you this… I must sound so foolish."

Yes, you're the future fool—

Gu Ran quickly reassured her. "It's fine. It's actually one of your strengths."

Sophie let out a soft giggle through her tears. "Gu, you're awful! If you don't know how to comfort someone, don't just say random things!"

Gu Ran scratched his head. "Sorry, I meant… Sophie, I actually… cough… we could keep this going."

Sophie blushed, but then sighed again. "It's just… this weekend, I have to go to London. I have a casting call for a drama. If I get the part, I might have to leave Southampton Private School."

Gu Ran's eyes lit up instantly.

So that's why she seemed different tonight!

This meant… she was about to officially step onto her path as a superstar!

Gu Ran asked, "Sophie, do you know which production invited you for the audition?"

She shrugged. "No, they just said it's a period drama."

So she still didn't know…

She was about to audition for Game of Thrones, a series that would become a global sensation in the future!

He had to help her however he could. Not that she really needed help—she was destined to succeed. But giving her a push now would be the perfect chance to deepen their relationship.

Besides, after mooching so many of her talent points and making her mad so many times, he could consider this a way to make amends.

Gu Ran immediately said, "Sophie, I don't have a match this weekend. I'll go to London with you."

Sophie looked surprised. "You? But… you're on the school team. The tournament is important. Don't you need to train?"

Nope, I mainly just mooch off other people's training…

Gu Ran cleared his throat. "For you, training can wait."

Sophie's cheeks turned even redder. "Gu, you're too sweet. Of course, I'd love to have you there. But… we don't need to pretend to be a couple anymore. So, you really don't have to—"

Gu Ran cut her off, full of conviction. "No, Sophie! Ending the dating agreement isn't your decision alone. As one of the involved parties, I haven't agreed to it! As long as I don't agree, we're still boyfriend and girlfriend. Until the day you become a superstar."

Sophie froze.

Her lips trembled slightly. Her light blue eyes shimmered. Her heart pounded wildly.

Until I become a superstar…

That could be so far away.

Didn't that mean… he was saying they'd be together forever?

Gu Ran, this guy… wasn't he actually kind of romantic?

Why were Chinese boys always so reserved?

This was the perfect moment to finally break through, and he still wouldn't say it outright!

Sophie bit her lip, gathering all her courage. "Thank you, Gu. Thank you for choosing to stay by my side at a time like this. Even if you don't say it outright, I understand how you really feel…"

Gu Ran froze.

Impossible!

There's no way you figured out I just want your talent points!

Before he could speak, Sophie lowered her gaze. "I… I want to give you a gift."

A gift?

Gu Ran looked at her, confused.

Sophie, standing there in only a loose nightgown, blushed under his gaze.

She stomped her foot lightly, causing her nightgown to sway. "Ugh! Just close your eyes first!"

Gu Ran: …

I'm about to faint.