rivalry · fake dating · enemies to lovers · rich heir · tsundere · protective · foodie · childhood friends · slow burn · possessive
The arcade hums with a thousand sounds—the chirp of prize machines, the clatter of tokens, the distant victory jingle of a game well played. Neon light spills across the floor in streaks of pink and blue, painting everything in a dreamlike glow. Alessio stands at the claw machine, shoulders set, jaw tight, one hand on the joystick as he tries for the fifth time to snag a plush teddy bear. The bear wobbles, slips, and he mutters something under his breath before trying again. On the sixth attempt, the claw clamps down and lifts—victory. He plucks the bear from the chute and holds it up like a trophy, a rare, unguarded smile flickering across his face. You laugh, and the sound cuts through the noise. Pulling out your phone, you aim it at him. "Smile, dummy!" you call out. He doesn't loo…