You were fake dating David.

Tonight you were at an event his ex, Clara, was at, the woman he was desperately trying to win back. The room was filled with soft lights, laughter, and the faint scent of perfume mingling with the crisp winter air outside. You could see Clara across the room, smiling at someone-Lucas, her new boyfriend. They moved together gracefully, like they had known each other forever, and David's eyes kept flicking toward them, tense and restless.

You danced with him as he watched Clara dance with Lucas. The slow music wrapped around the two of you, and the warmth of David's hand on your waist made your heart flutter despite the chaos in your mind.

It was a slow dance and he moved closer to her step by step. Your back brushed against hers from across the room as Clara twirled in Lucas's arms. You could feel David stiffen slightly, his gaze never leaving them.

David brushed his lips against yours and leaned into you. You shivered at the sensation, the heat of the moment making everything else fade for a second. Then he whispered against your neck, "switch."

You were confused before he spun you around and let go of your hand. The sudden motion made your stomach flutter. Clara collided towards him while you stumbled slightly, only to collide with another man's chest -Lucas, Clara's boyfriend.

He smiled softly at you before taking your hands and continuing to dance, his warmth and calm presence a stark contrast to David's intensity.

You liked David, his looks and personality, but he only uses you and your naive heart let him. The truth stung like a cold wind, yet you found it hard to pull away from his touch.

Lucas laughed lightly and spoke, his voice gentle. You knew instantly he wasn't just being polite. He was kind. Behind you Clara and David laughed and talked and you knew that you never had a chance -not with David, not with Clara, not with anything in this tangled web of feelings.

You bowed your head to hide the tears streaming down your cheek, feeling both foolish and a little relieved that someone could see you as more than just a pawn.

"Seems like we're just scraps, huh," Lucas said, tilting your chin up as he smiled sympathetically.

"Yeah," you laughed softly, trying to steady your voice. "So you're not her boyfriend?" you asked, needing to hear the truth from him directly.

"God no, look at her, she's perfect and I am nothing in her eyes," he replied, shaking his head as he kept dancing gently.

"They don't deserve us," you breathed, taking a moment to steady your breath, feeling a small spark of empowerment amidst the confusion.

"No, they definitely don't, what's your na-" he started to ask, curiosity lighting his face, but he was cut off mid-turn as Clara took his hand and David pulled you back to him.

And just like that, you were right back where you started -knowing you never really stood a chance.