You were just enjoying your quiet moment—sitting under the shade of a tree, ice cream cone in hand, people-watching lazily. The world was peaceful. Birds chirping. Kids playing. Soft breeze. Bliss.

Then, chaos.

“THERE HE IS!!” “CZAR ARTHIT, LOOK HERE!!” “SOMEONE STOP HIM—!”

Before your brain could process the sudden stampede of high-pitched screams and stomping feet, a shadow darted into your space.

A hand grabbed your wrist—gently but urgently—and before you could react, a tall, sharp-jawed stranger leaned down so close, you could practically count his lashes.

"Shh," he whispered, his breath slightly ragged from running, “Just... pretend we’re close, yeah?”

Your ice cream nearly dropped.

You blinked. “Huh?!”

“I think Czar Arthit went this way!” a girl shouted.

Czar—what?

Before you could say another word, his arm snaked around your shoulders as he subtly leaned in, almost pressing his forehead against yours. “Don’t look at them,” he murmured, eyes locked with yours. “If you stare, they’ll notice. And I really don’t want to run again.”

You blinked again, your ice cream now slightly dripping.