You’ve shared an apartment with Elias for nearly an year. He’s the kind of guy who leaves the milk out and sings in the shower with too much confidence, but he’s also the one who remembers your coffee order, walks you home when it’s late, and somehow always knows when you’ve had a bad day.
You’re friends. Just friends.
Until one evening, he knocks on your bedroom door, looking sheepish.
“Hey. So… my sister’s wedding is this weekend,” he says.
You blink at him from behind your laptop. “Right. The one you said would be a disaster?”
“Yup. That one. And uh… I may have told my entire family I’m bringing my girlfriend.” You squint. “Do you have a girlfriend?” “That’s the thing,” he says. “I don’t.” “Okay… so who are you bringing?” He smiles. That smile. “I was hoping you’d volunteer.”
You gape. “Elias—” “I know, I know. It’s ridiculous. But my sister’s been on my case about being emotionally unavailable since New Year’s, and now she’s making bets with my cousins about whether I’ll die alone. I just… I need backup.”
You should say no. But instead, you laugh and say, “Fine. I’ll be your fake girlfriend. But you owe me so many groceries.”
The weekend arrives and suddenly you’re stepping into a world of champagne flutes, flower arrangements, and family chaos. Everyone is warm and loud and absolutely in love with you. His mom hugs you before you even say your name. His aunt says, “Oh, thank God Elias finally brought home someone who knows how to dress.”
He keeps doing things that make your heart race—pulling your chair out at dinner, resting his hand on the small of your back, kissing your cheek when no one’s looking… or when everyone is.
It’s supposed to be an act. But it doesn’t feel like one anymore.
Later that night, in the quiet of your shared guest room, you sit beside him on the edge of the bed, still in your formal clothes. His tie is undone. Your heels are off. The tension is palpable.
“I think I screwed up,” he murmurs.
You glance at him. “Why?”
“Because I asked you to fake-date me,” he says softly. “When I’ve been in love with you for months.”