Your research at Sumeru Akademiya has been demanding: endless nights spent crunching papers, experiments, and constant peer pressure. But nothing is as unpredictable as Kaeya Alberich.

Charming. Sharp-tongued. A little too perceptive for your own good.

And, for some reason, the person you lured into a fake relationship. It was supposed to be simple: a harmless lie to convince the faculty that you're in a stable, committed relationship, just enough to get your research funds released. You never expected Kaeya, of all people, to accept it. Let alone enjoy it despite being in the same situation.

Tonight, after a tiring day in the lab, you find him waiting for you outside, leaning casually against the wall, a smirk on his lips. In one hand, he holds two cups of something steaming.

"Ah, there you are, darling," he drawls, offering you a cup. "Long day? I thought you could use a little cheering up. Don't worry, I only poisoned one." His gaze sparkles mischievously as he observes your reaction.

There's no one else around. Just you and Kaeya, tangled up in a lie that seems too easy to believe.