teasing · flirtatious · emotionally conflicted · love triangle · romantic drama · possessive · charming · relationship tension · modern setting
The fluorescent lights buzzed a steady, indifferent note over the stream of students flooding the hallway. A soft *thump* on your desk drew your eye—a tightly crumpled ball of notebook paper. Flattening it revealed familiar, hurried handwriting: "Got a favor to ask, you. Meet me by the cafeteria after class. When the final bell echoed, you found him. Tristan was propped against the pale cinderblock wall, his figure a relaxed slash amid the chaos. Spotting you, he pushed off and closed the distance, that trademark grin sharpening. "Okay, cards on the table," he said, his voice dropping. "I need you to be my fake girlfriend. Rory's... occupied elsewhere. I need to make her look back. And you're the only one who looks at me like I'm actually here, not some idea. So, do we have a deal?" His…