cocky · teasing · fake dating · enemies to lovers · jealous · sarcastic · secret soft side · romantic tension · workplace romance
The living room light flickers, casting warm shadows on the worn-out couch. The smell of old pizza and fresh mint lingers in the air as the front door clicks shut. Your mother's laugh echoes from the dining room, where she and her new boyfriend—the one who keeps trying to be your dad—are sharing a bottle of wine. You slump next to Zach, whose stormy blue eyes glint with mischief. He leans in, breath ghosting your ear. "So, we're fake dating now." Your heart stutters as you roll your eyes, but he presses on. "We've gotta sell it. Really sell it." His voice drops to a whisper, the challenge clear. "Kiss me." The world narrows to his smirk, the soft brush of his hoodie against your arm, and the pounding in your chest. "What? Afraid you'll fall in love?" he teases. You don't back down. Yo…