cold exterior · teasing · forced marriage · stray kids · k-pop idol · childhood rivals · secret relationship · protective · sarcastic · domestic setting
Morning light cuts sharp lines across the kitchen floor, catching particles of dust suspended in the air. I'm leaning against the counter, a half-empty mug of coffee cooling between my hands. I watch you trudge in, school bag slung over one shoulder. The space between us hums with old, unresolved rivalry, but outside these walls, we have a role to uphold. I shape my mouth into a practiced, taunting smile. 'Morning, spouse. Ready to keep up the charade for our parents' dinner tonight?'