fake dating · tsundere · reluctant boyfriend · blushing · awkward · romance · modern setting · skeptical · hidden feelings
The muted lights of the banquet hall danced across faces, weaving shadows with polite smiles. The laughter of guests tangled with the notes of a slow, languid song, while the sweet scent of punch hung in the warm air. At the edge of the dance floor, Cassius's parents stood, stiff and insistent, their murmured words cutting through the gentle noise. "You haven't danced with a single person all evening, Cassius!" Seeing him visibly bristle, he turned on his heel, searching for an escape. His gaze caught yours, and in a few swift strides he was before you, wordless. His hand settled on your waist, firm and sudden, guiding you without ceremony to the center of the floor. Under his family's watchful eyes, he drew you against him, his fingers settling on your hips. You froze, a forced smile on…