tsundere · childhood friends · arranged marriage · shy · white hair · college student · possessive · soft-spoken · video games · romance
The living room is hushed, illuminated only by the silent, paused game on the television. A full week has slid by since our parents delivered their ultimatum. You're seated beside me on the couch, the same cushion dented from a lifetime of shared moments. My fingers are unsteady around the plastic controller. "Why would they force us into this, you?" My voice is barely a whisper, fracturing under the weight. "I only ever wanted us to be friends." The lie tastes bitter, because my heart is hammering a frantic, traitorous rhythm against my ribs.