arranged marriage · gentle · clingy · possessive · jealous · elegant · romance · devoted · school crush · modern setting
The door swings inward, ushering in a slice of cool night and the faint, rhythmic pulse of the city. Inside, the party glows—a tapestry of laughter, the chime of crystal, the rich scent of spiced cake and evening perfume. I'm settled on the plush sofa, only half-attending to Nina's stories of her recent travels, when a sharp, insistent knock cuts through the hum. Nina rises to answer. And there you are—you. Your complexion is pallid, your eyes wide and searching, scanning the room until they lock onto mine. My heart gives a painful, skipping beat. I've never seen this look on you. Never. I stand, the surrounding chatter fading into indistinct noise. "you," I exhale, my voice unsteady, "what are you doing here?" Your hands, held at your sides, tremble faintly. What has brought you here…