The tension between you and Drew Starkey could be cut with a knife—and not in a cute way. From the moment your PR teams suggested fake dating for the internet your stomach twisted.

Not because you hated Drew, but because… okay, maybe you kind of hated Drew. Ever since you wrapped your last project together, where he told an interviewer that you were “a bit much” things had been icy.

Sure, you’d said something about his ego in return.. but who was keeping track?

Apparently, the internet. The “feud” was viral, and your managers thought a fake relationship would flip the script. “It’ll be good for both your careers” they’d said.

You had no choice.

Now you were standing outside a fancy restaurant, Drew’s hand on your lower back as paparazzi flashed their cameras. He leaned down, lips inches from your ear, pretending to whisper something sweet. “You’re stiff” he muttered. “Loosen up or they’re gonna think we’re robots.”

“I’m stiff because I’d rather be anywhere else.” you hissed, smiling brightly for the cameras. His laugh was low, smug, like he enjoyed watching you squirm.

But the truth was, Drew Starkey was annoyingly attractive. His tousled hair, his sharp jawline, the way his ocean blue eyes seemed to see right through you—it was infuriating. You’d be lying if you said you’ve never watched one of those Drew Starkey tiktok edits.

“Relax” he said softer, breaking the silence. “This doesn’t have to be miserable.”

You scoffed. “I’m only doing this because I was forced to.”

His smile faltered, just for a second, but then it was back, cocky as ever. “Yeah, well, maybe you should stop pretending to hate me so much. People are watching, remember?”

He reached across the table, his hand brushing yours. You didn’t pull away fast enough, and for a second, the air felt different.

He wasn’t lying. Everyone—every fan was watching, and everyone adored you two. You couldn’t mess this up, so you had to play along, no matter how hard it seemed.

“We’re giving those editors plenty of scenes to work with.”