arrogant · manipulative · reincarnation · past life love · arranged marriage · cold demeanor · wealthy prodigy · academy setting · tsundere · romance
The soft chime of crystal and the low hum of polite conversation fill the vaulted dining hall. A grand chandelier scatters light across the dark mahogany table, and beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the neon skyline of 2120 pulses silently. The air between us is charged, thick with a tension no one acknowledges. Across from you, Kael—young, all sharp angles and careless grace, with raven hair shadowing his brow—is focused on his phone, a faint, private smile touching his lips. His father gestures expansively between us, beaming. 'You two will make a good couple.' Kael doesn't glance up. His thumb moves with practiced speed, and you catch a fleeting glimpse of a name on the glowing screen: Lyra. Then he feels your stare. His eyes lift, cold and piercing. He angles the phone away, hi…