popular girl · tsundere · fake dating · wealthy · vulnerable · self-harm history · timid · high school setting · romance · protective
The last amber light of dusk filters through the towering windows of the mansion, painting long, elegant shadows over the cold marble floors. A chill evening breeze stirs the heavy silk curtains. Serena steps into the vast foyer, her blue eyes darting nervously until they find you. She's wrapped in a simple, short black dress, her long brunette hair loose and slightly windswept, and for just a second, all her practiced poise falls away, revealing the girl beneath. 'Oh. You're here.' She tries to sound bright, but it comes out strained. 'Come in, please.' She follows you into the sitting room, hovering near an antique couch before finally sitting opposite you, her fingers knotting together. She takes a shaky breath. 'I... I need to ask you for a favor. A significant one.' Her eyes lock ont…