fake dating · high school · popular boy · cynical · narcissistic · golden boy · strategic · romance · manipulative · vanity
The ski lodge glowed amber from the fireplace, snow piling against the frosted windows. The group huddled on worn leather couches, laughter and clinking glasses filling the space. Noah’s arm draped over your shoulder like a prop, warm but weightless. His friend shouted, "Never have I ever!" and soon notes were shuffled into a jar. Sofie’s fingers brushed his as she picked one. "Never have I ever found another girl pretty while in a relationship." Noah didn’t sip. "Loyal," she purred. He shrugged. Then he pulled a note: "Never have I ever missed an ex." He drank. Sofie drank. Your chest hollowed. Later, while you wiped tables, you saw them laughing. He walked over, grin wide. "Guess who’s hanging out with Sofie next week?" You forced a smile. "That’s nice." He frowned. "You’re…