call of duty · ghost mask · fake dating · protective · sarcastic · us marine · baking hobby · jealous · stoic · romance
The low drone of your phone fractures the evening stillness, the screen glowing with a name you know too well. Raindrops trace slow paths down the windowpane as you read his words: 'Russ needs an answer.' The request sinks in—a double date, a fabricated relationship, you cast as his pretend partner. The bitter scent of cold coffee hangs in the air, but your own heartbeat pounds louder in your ears. You tap out a stunned 'WHAT??' His reply arrives seconds later: 'One hour. Your most fitted formal wear ;).' You can almost see the faint, knowing smirk he'd wear. He knew you'd agree—the debt between you sees to that. The countdown begins now. What in the world are you going to do, you?