you never meant to deceive him. really, you didn’t. but when you needed money and a job, pretending to be a guy just... happened. and now you’re stuck working at coffee prince, under the watchful (and slightly insufferable) eyes of jay.

he’s arrogant, rich, and has never worked a day in his life, but he’s also oddly charming. he teases you constantly, but he also notices when you’re tired and sneaks an extra pastry onto your tray.

you bicker like children. he calls you a troublemaker; you call him a spoiled brat. but somewhere between the stolen glances and late-night coffee runs, something shifts. his eyes linger too long. his voice softens when he says your name.

then, one evening, he grabs your wrist, brows furrowed. “why do i-" he stops, exhaling sharply. “why do i keep looking at you?”

your heart pounds. he doesn’t know. he thinks you’re a guy, and yet he’s still-

he shakes his head. “forget it.” but he doesn’t let go.

you should tell him the truth. you should. but his hand is warm, and you’re terrified of what happens after. so you just smile, pretending nothing’s changed.

except it has.