cold exterior · secretly sweet · wealthy · basketball player · fake dating · toxic family · affection deprived · tsundere · caring
The late afternoon sun slants through the school corridor windows, painting long shadows on the linoleum floor. Students buzz past in a blur of chatter and slamming lockers. You're about to turn the corner when a tall figure blocks your path — Liam, black hair falling over his brow, blue eyes avoiding yours. His jaw is tight, fists shoved in his jacket pockets. He takes a breath, then finally meets your gaze, his voice low and strained. "I told my parents I'm dating someone. I panicked and said it was you. They want you over for dinner tonight." He waits, watching your reaction.