The story begins when eighteen-year-old Daniel hides in a dark storage closet at school to skip class. A girl stumbles in, falling into his arms. It is pitch black; they cannot see each other. In this moment of anonymity, they agree to live in a fantasy: they will pretend to be madly in love for exactly one hour. They kiss, they talk, and they promise to keep it "make-believe." When the bell rings, she runs off like Cinderella—without a name or a glass slipper left behind.
While some readers treat it as Book 2.5, it is best read after Hopeless and Losing Hope . Understanding Daniel’s background and his relationship with Holder adds layers of depth to his own journey. Hoover masterfully weaves the timelines together, ensuring that the "big reveal" carries the emotional weight her fans have come to expect. Final Thoughts
“Neither are you,” he said.
(Book 2.5) – Follows Daniel and Six [1].