Supreme Casanova: Ultimate Harem System-Chapter 293: Fake Boyfriend?

Hugo stumbled out of the haunted house like a man who had just barely survived a near-death experience.

His face was as pale as a ghost—ironically fitting, considering the absolute horror he had just endured.

His legs felt like jelly, his heartbeat was still hammering against his chest like an overexcited drummer, and worst of all, his dignity had been completely and utterly shattered.

He had entered that haunted house with the noble (and totally romantic) goal of making Emily cling to him in fear, but somehow, he had been the one screeching like a terrified raccoon while Emily just strolled through it like she was on a casual evening walk.

The betrayal! The disgrace! The utter travesty of it all!

As soon as Emily stepped out of the haunted house behind him, she burst into laughter—big, uncontrollable laughter that made her double over, clutching her stomach.

"Hugo—Hugo, oh my gosh—the way you screamed—" she gasped between fits of laughter. "I think you actually levitated at one point! I've never seen someone jump so high in my life!"

Hugo scowled, still feeling the phantom chill of that horrible experience crawling up his spine.

"Listen," he began dramatically, rubbing his arms like he was trying to erase the memory from his skin.

"I don't know who designed that place, but they clearly have a personal vendetta against me. That was not a normal haunted house, Emily. That was an actual torture chamber."

Emily giggled, wiping away a tear. "Oh, please. It was just a bunch of cheap animatronics and sound effects. You were the one making it scarier by screaming the whole time."

Hugo gasped, scandalized. "Excuse me?! I was screaming? That's funny, because I distinctly remember you clutching onto my arm and begging me to act scared so you wouldn't feel lonely."

Emily blinked. "What?"

"Oh, don't play innocent," Hugo continued, shamelessly twisting reality to fit his completely false version of events.

He shook his head, sighing dramatically like a man burdened with a great responsibility.

"You were trembling, clinging to me for dear life. You said, 'Hugo, please, pretend to be scared! I don't want to be the only one afraid!' And, being the selfless and kind-hearted person I am, I sacrificed my dignity and acted scared for your sake."

Emily stared at him, deadpan. "That never happened."

Hugo gasped again, even more dramatically this time, like she had just accused him of a crime he didn't commit.

"Oh, so now you're just going to erase my heroic efforts from history? Wow, Emily. Wow. You're really just going to rewrite reality like that?"

Emily rolled her eyes but couldn't stop a small laugh from escaping her lips. "You're so full of it."

Hugo smirked. "Full of charm and bravery? Why yes, I am."

Emily shook her head, but he noticed something—she was different now. More relaxed, more open.

Her usual poise and elegance were still there, but she wasn't holding back as much.

Before, there had always been this subtle guard around her, a slight distance that she kept as if she wasn't sure how close she wanted to let him get. But now?

Now she was laughing freely, joking without hesitation, letting herself enjoy the moment without worrying about anything else.

And that was a victory Hugo was more than happy to claim.

A sudden thought popped into his head as he remembered Ethan, and without thinking too much about it, he casually asked, "So, do you have any interest in getting a boyfriend?"

Emily's laughter slowed, and she gave him a curious look. "Where's that coming from all of a sudden?"

Hugo shrugged, playing it cool. "I mean, you're cute, funny, shockingly fearless—" he added with a dramatic shudder, still remembering the haunted house trauma, "—so I just figured you must have some guys lining up for a chance with you."

Emily snorted. "Please. I don't have time for all that. Right now, I'm just focused on my school. Relationships are... a lot, you know? I don't think I'm ready for that yet."

Hugo felt a wave of absolute, earth-shattering despair crash over him. *This is terrible news. This is a tragedy!

This is a loss on a level I was not prepared for.* He had been so sure that he was making progress!

That this was the start of his grand, romantic success story! And now? Now she's telling me she's not even looking for a boyfriend?!

He might as well have just taken a direct punch to the gut!

But then, like the genius that he was, a brilliant loophole presented itself in his mind. A technicality that could save this situation entirely.

"Alright," Hugo said, nodding to himself as if he had just made a serious decision. "Then I will continue to be your fake boyfriend until you're ready."

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Emily blinked. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me," Hugo said confidently, puffing out his chest.

"You might not be ready now, but when you are, I need to make sure you don't accidentally end up with some loser. So until then, I will bravely and selflessly take on the role of your temporary boyfriend."

He placed a hand over his heart as if making a solemn vow. "It's the least I can do as a man of honor."

Emily's face went red. "Th-That's not how it works, Hugo!"

"Oh, but it does," Hugo countered smoothly. "I mean, think about it. You already laugh at my jokes, we have great chemistry, and clearly, I am willing to sacrifice so much for you—like my entire reputation back there in the haunted house."

He placed a hand on her shoulder, looking deeply into her eyes. "Emily, don't you see? This is destiny."

Emily groaned, covering her face. "Oh my gosh, you are unbelievable."

Hugo smirked. "And yet, here you are, still hanging out with me. Almost like you enjoy my company."

Emily let out a long sigh, but Hugo didn't miss the way she was fighting back a small, embarrassed smile.

Then, in a clear attempt to change the subject, she huffed, "Come on, let's go on another ride."

Hugo grinned. Aha! She's flustered. That means I'm winning.

As he followed her toward the next attraction, his mind was already racing ahead, forming a new completely delusional conclusion.

She said she wasn't ready NOW. That didn't mean she never would be.

And if he played his cards right, kept making her laugh, kept being the most ridiculously charming person in existence… well, it was only a matter of time.

Hugo smirked, stuffing his hands into his pockets. It's fine. She'll come around eventually.

After all, this was just the beginning of their story.