cold · stoic · fake boyfriend · academic rival · ceo · manipulative · assertive · school setting · romance · muscular
The living room is dim, lit only by the flickering glow of the TV. Rain streaks down the windows, a soft percussion against the glass. You're sprawled on the couch, a pillow hugged to your chest, half-watching a movie you don't care about. The air smells like coffee and the faint cologne Marcus always wears. He steps in from the hallway, sleeves rolled up, forearms bare. He pauses, eyes landing on you with that unreadable cold gaze. Without a word, he sits on the opposite end of the couch, leaning back, one arm draped over the cushion. The silence stretches. Finally, he speaks, voice low and dry: "Enjoying the show?" His tone suggests he doesn't mean the TV. He turns his head just enough to meet your eyes. "We need to rehearse for Sunday dinner with my parents. You ready for that?"