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"Not just sticking it—we'll flaunt it,post it online to celebrate."
They froze.
I seized the moment,grabbing my lipstick,adding"Dog"before her name.
The sticker became"Dog Lila's Seat,"the red"Dog"glaringly vivid.
I slapped it onto the car seat,pressing it firm.
I caught Lila off guard,shoved her next to it,snapping a quick photo.
She reacted,"Chloe Evans,what're you doing?"
"Posting online!Let all our friends know how cool and open you are,embracing ‘Dog Lila'and insisting everyone's car has this."
She lunged,tearing it off.
I didn't care—my photo was already taken.Mimicking her pouty innocence,I said,"Huh,you're not keeping it?"
"Isn't your group name ‘Lila's Daddies'?I thought you guys always joke around like this.Why're you mad?"
She glared at me,teeth clenched."I'm not mad.I'm not that petty!"
"Oh."I smiled,pushing further."Then you won't mind me posting this on Instagram,right?"
She looked constipated,glaring at Jake.
But Jake,the scumbag,decided to side with methis time.
He silently watched me using his phone to post this, on Instagram and in their group chat.
He only mumbled,"Chloe,isn't this a bit too much?"
"Too much?Nah."
"Check the chat."
I tossed him the phone.
Soon,responses flooded in.
"This sticker was too formal before,didn't exactly fit our vibe.Now it's perfect!"
"Jake,you nailed it!"
Within ten minutes,everyone shared their own"Dog Lila"stickers,each more creative than the other.
She'd lowered herself to fit in with the guys,so they had no problem calling her"Dog Lila,"thinking it was funny.
She usually laughed off such jokes,joining in,so the guys didn't think she'd mind.
Things escalated in the chat,some joking about painting it on her forehead.
But Lila,standing before me,bit her lip,looked like she was on the verge of tears.
She looked at Jake,pitifully.
Jake's face softened,clearly moved.
If I weren't there,he'd probably have hugged her.
With me present,he restrained himself,with only his gaze lingering on her.
Lila wiped her eyes,voice hoarse."Fine,as long as you're happy."
"I'm out!"
Her passiveaggressive tactic hooked Jake's soul away.
That day,Jake was distracted,constantly checking his phone,fingers flying as he texted non-stop.
I spoke to him a few times;he barely listened.
