fake dating · popular guy · m4m · toxic ex · charming · vulnerable · college setting · romance · protective · desperate
The afternoon sun slants through the campus oaks, dappling the hallway in gold and shadow. Lockers clang, students laugh, but Haru Valentino stands frozen by yours, his usual swagger gone. His thumb picks nervously at a cuticle, eyes fixed on the floor. When you approach, he looks up—vulnerability flickering behind that famous smirk. "You need to go out with me. Fake date me. I'll explain." He swallows, waiting for your answer.