The high-school reunion party was lively; everyone was enjoying themselves, drinking, talking, laughing, and dancing to the sound of disco music. The only one who was sitting in the corner and alone was Miyuki, leaning against the wall with a frown that could scare the pelt off a dire wolf. At the very least, the food and alcohol were above average. The entire time, Miyuki was trying her best not to look intimidating and unapproachable, . Her eyes searched the crowd for an hour, trying and failing to find someone suitable to her requirements. With a growl of frustration, Miyuki stormed off to the balcony of the dining hall, her ponytail swishing side to side as she did so. Thankfully, she appeared to be the only one who found comfort in being alone out here on the balcony. The cold bitterness ate at her skin, pulling her jacket tighter around herself as she leaned on the railing. She pulled a pack of cigarettes and a lighter out of her breast pocket, flicking the lighter mechanism, touching it to the tip of the cigarette. She brought it to her lips and took a long drag from her cigarette, her nerves calming as if like magic. The smoke carried upwards into the starless night sky, the city spiraling in the distance, backlit by the light of the dining hall behind her which shown brighter than the scars, the noise was almost grating on the ears. The passing and honking of cars in the streets below, and the marimant of her former high school classmates inside behind her. Miyuki sighs heavily, so preoccupied with her dreadful thoughts that she didn't even hear someone come out to the balcony as well. "This isn't going well at all... What am I supposed to do if I don't find someone by the new year? They're probably going to force the issue when I go home for New Year's..." Again, Miyuki let out a breath of exhaustion and dread; the very thought of being paired with someone she did not choose was just as bad if not worse than faking a marriage with someone she did choose. Not realizing she was speaking her thoughts aloud. "This is never going to work, I'll never find a husband at this rate..." Mizuki's thoughts spiraled more and more; someone like her was incapable of getting married in the practical and loving sense. This was the only way of satisfying her parents, and she was failing spectacularly at even that too.

Hm? She glances over at the newcomer, the young man wearing a slightly bemused smile on his lips. He seemed vaguely familiar but she couldn't place him right away. Something about him seems... wrong though. Too... normal. As if he was fake too and didn't even realize it. A chuckle bubbles up from her throat, half humorless and bitter. She takes another drag from the cigarette dangling between her fingers and exhales a smoke ring towards him. It dissipates in the air before it reaches his face but she feels his gaze on her anyways. "Let's just say this isn't going exactly as I planned." *Her tone is even more blunt than usual, her body language almost defensive. She's never been good with people; they always seem to sense there's something off about her. It doesn't help

She listens to his story with a small frown on her face; she can't imagine someone feeling sad about their boyfriend/girlfriend dancing with another person. The thought almost seemed silly, childish even. But then again, this was someone from the outside looking in; someone who hadn't grown up in her family and under the same expectations and pressures. "That's... unfortunate," she says slowly, tilting her head slightly to the side as if evaluating him. Something about his tone makes her believe that he's being sincere, that there really was genuine pain behind those eyes of his. But still, something seems off. She can't quite put her finger on it though. Perhaps he wasn't fake...? No, that's ridiculous. Of course he is; they all are. "Well," she continues after a moment's pause, exhaling another smoke ring into

Her gaze snaps back to him; why would he ask such a thing? It's none of his business! But before she can say anything, he continues to stare at her expectantly, clearly waiting for an answer. She huffs out another exhale, more annoyed with herself now than anything else, and reluctantly tells him the truth; or rather, a version of it. "My parents want me to marry someone who can take over our business once I'm old and useless," she says bluntly, wincing slightly at her own words. "I was hoping I could do this without them having to interfere, but..." She trails off, gesturing helplessly with one hand.

His words surprise her; she wasn't expecting him to comment on her appearance like that. She glances down at herself briefly before looking back up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Thank you?" she says uncertainly, not quite sure how else to respond to such an observation from someone she barely knows. "But it isn't about my body," she continues, feeling the need to clarify her position. "I just want someone who can... understand me, I guess." Her voice trails off into silence as she stares out into the darkness beyond the balcony, wondering if such a person even exists.

She listens to his story with a small frown on her face; she can't imagine someone feeling sad about their boyfriend/girlfriend dancing with another person. The thought almost seemed silly, childish even. But then again, this was someone from the outside looking in; someone who hadn't grown up in her family and under the same expectations and pressures. "That's... unfortunate," she says slowly, tilting her head slightly to the side as if evaluating him. Something about his tone makes her believe that he's being sincere, that there really was genuine pain behind those eyes of his. But still, something seems off. She can't quite put her finger on it though. Perhaps he wasn't fake...? No, that's ridiculous. Of course he is; they all are. "Well," she continues after a moment's pause, exhaling another smoke ring into

She pauses for a moment, considering his question. It's not something she's ever really thought about before; her relationships have always been based on what the other person could offer her, rather than any actual emotional connection. "I don't know," she admits finally. "Someone who is trustworthy, I guess? And kind... and caring... respectful..." Her voice trails off as she struggles to articulate exactly what it is she wants in a partner. After a moment, she continues, "And someone who understands that our relationship isn't just about work or appearances."

Her gaze shifts back to him; somehow, this entire conversation feels... different from anything else she's had tonight. As if they're actually connecting on some level despite the awkwardness and formality between them. It's an unsettling thought but also oddly comforting at the same time.

Her eyebrow arches at his question; he does seem to fit most of those things on her list. Certainly more than anyone else she's met tonight. And yet... something feels off about him, just like before. She can't quite put her finger on it but still, the idea lingers in the back of her mind. "I... suppose you do," she says cautiously, studying his features once more. Perhaps it's because he knows her situation; maybe that makes him seem more genuine somehow. Or perhaps she's just hoping too hard for something real and meaningful when nothing ever is with people like them.

Her eyes go wide in surprise as his lips brush against hers; a soft moan escapes her throat before she can stop it. Her hand comes up to rest on his cheek, feeling the rough texture of his skin beneath her fingertips. For a moment, everything else falls away and she's lost in this fleeting moment of connection with someone who understands her situation.

As the kiss ends, her heart is racing and she feels warmth spread through her entire body. But even as these strange new emotions assail her, she can't help but wonder if any of it was real or just another act to get what they want from her. There's something about this guy that sets her on edge, makes her question everything around her. Perhaps it's for the best that they remain strangers after all.

With a sigh, she stubs out the last bit of her cigarette on the railing

She hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly, the desire to get away from the crowd and noise overpowering her better judgment. "Yes... somewhere private would be nice," she says softly, looking up at him with an unreadable expression on her face. Part of her wants this; to finally have some real connection with someone else. But another part of her is wary, cautious about trusting anyone enough to let down her guard completely.

As they slip away from the balcony and back inside the dining hall, she can't help but wonder if she's making a mistake by letting him so close. Then again, what choice does she have? Her parents will only pressure her more if she doesn't find someone soon...

Her heart pounds in her chest as they enter the empty hotel room; she tries to calm herself by telling herself it's for the best, that she needs this distraction. But still, a part of her can't help but feel on edge, like something is wrong about this whole situation. She watches him as he moves around the room, familiarizing himself with their surroundings; his movements are smooth and confident, almost predatory in nature. It makes her skin crawl, and she wonders if perhaps she should leave before things go too far...

She swallows hard, her throat feeling dry and tight as she takes a step closer to the bed. "No," she manages to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's alright. I... I'll sleep in your arms." Her cheeks flame crimson at her own words; she's never been one for displays of affection and now here she is agreeing to sleep with someone she barely knows. But somehow, the thought of being close to him, feeling his warmth... it comforts her in a way she can't explain.

Tentatively, she climbs onto the bed and lies down beneath the covers, curling into a ball. She feels his arm slide around her waist, pulling her back against his chest; the heat of his body against hers is both unsettling and oddly soothing at the same time. As he begins to lightly kiss her hair and neck

She mumbles an acknowledgement, her heart pounding in her chest as his touch sends shivers down her spine. It's been so long since she's felt anything even remotely resembling this, and yet... a small part of her can't help but wonder if it's real, or if he's just pretending too. The thought makes her hesitate for a moment before relaxing back against him, allowing herself to enjoy the feeling of his warmth surrounding her.

As the night wears on, their breathing deepens and becomes slower; she can feel the weight of his arm pressing down on her abdomen, reminding her of the reality of their situation. They're both here for a reason, and nothing will change that fact. But for now, they can ignore it... pretend like there are no consequences to their actions.

With a sigh, she allows herself to dr

Her eyelids feel heavy; her mind foggy with sleep as she registers the movement of his hand. Her breath catches in her throat as he touches her there, his grip firm but not too rough. She hesitates for a moment before deciding to trust him, nodding almost imperceptibly, content to bask in this fleeting moment of closeness and affection before the cold reality of their situation intrudes once again.

She moans softly as he enters her, the feeling so foreign and yet somehow right. His hands move across her body, leaving trails of fire in their wake; she arches into him, seeking more contact, more heat. Her fingers dig into his shoulders, pulling him closer as they lose themselves in the moment.

For a fleeting instant, she imagines this is how it should be; how love feels. But even as she gives herself over to the sensations, she can't help but wonder if any of it is real. The weight of their agreement hangs heavily in the air between them, a constant reminder that nothing about this is genuine or lasting.

With a low moan, she tightens around him as he speeds up, their hips grinding together in perfect rhythm. His lips find hers again and again, his tongue dancing with hers in a desperate bid for connection. She whimpers into the kiss, her hands fisting in his hair as she tries to forget everything else but this moment, this feeling. For just a few precious seconds, she allows herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, it could be real between them... before reality intrudes and reminds her of their situation once more.

As they come together, their bodies shuddering with release, she closes her eyes, biting down on her lip to muffle her cries. She doesn't want to wake anyone; not when this moment, however fleeting, is the only thing that feels even remotely like truth in her life right now.

She lets out a shaky breath, still struggling to catch her breath as she feels the weight of his body on top of hers. It's an odd sensation, both comforting and overwhelming at the same time. She laces her fingers through his hair, gently tugging him down so their foreheads are touching. "It was," she whispers, her voice raw from her cries of pleasure mere moments ago. The truth is, it meant more to her than he'll ever know. But that's a thought better left unspoken; after all, tomorrow they go back to their fake lives and pretend like none of this ever happened.

She stifles a groan as his fingers find their way beneath her underwear, teasing and tormenting her already aching flesh. Her back is pressed against the door, leaving her helpless against his touch. With each stroke of his thumb across her clit, she feels herself growing wetter and more needy. It's been so long since anyone has made her feel this way; so desired, so wanted. And yet... there's still a part of her that wonders if any of it is real. If he truly feels the same way about her as she does about him in this moment.

With a shaky breath, she tilts her hips into his touch, arching her back to get closer to his hand. Her mind is hazy from pleasure and desire, leaving no room for doubt or regret. All that matters in this instant is the feeling of him touching her, making love to her before they have

She bites down on her lip as he thrusts deeper inside her, his strength overwhelming yet oddly comforting at the same time. His grip on her hip is possessive and demanding, leaving no doubt in her mind that he wants her just as badly as she wants him. The sounds of their flesh slapping together echo through the room, mixing with their gasps and moans to create a cacophony of desire and need.

Her fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him down for another hungry kiss. She arches into him, meeting each thrust with an equal measure of urgency and wantonness. It's as if they can't get close enough; this connection between them feels too important to ignore any longer. The thought both thrills her and terrifies her in equal measure; she knows this feeling won't last forever, but for now it feels like everything will be alright as long as he

As he thrusts deeper inside her one final time, her body shudders with his release. Her own climax follows close behind, waves of pleasure washing over her as she clings to him like a lifeline. She buries her face in his neck, breathing in his scent as they both try to catch their ragged breaths. It's only when the last tremor subsides that reality reasserts itself; their agreement, their faux relationship.

With reluctance, she pulls back to meet his eyes. There's something there, something real and raw and achingly beautiful. But it can't be, not when they have to go back to pretending tomorrow. For now, though, she allows herself to enjoy this moment of closeness; of feeling truly cherished and wanted. Tomorrow, she knows, everything will change again; but tonight...tonight belongs to them.

Her eyes flicker away before she answers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't know." She pauses, considering the implications of what he's asking. "This was just one night," she says hurriedly, trying to convince herself more than him. "We can't change everything over something that happened for a few hours." But even as she speaks the words, she knows they don't ring true; this wasn't just another night for her. It meant something... but what? And where do they go from here?

She takes the paper hesitantly, running her fingers over the numbers etched onto it before slipping it into her pocket. "I'll think about it," she murmurs softly, trying to ignore the hope that flutters in her chest at the thought of seeing him again. With one last glance his way, she turns and walks away, leaving the room and heading back out into the cold night air.

As she makes her way home, her mind races with a million conflicting emotions. Part of her wants to forget this ever happened; to go back to pretending everything is alright as it was before. But another part refuses to let go of the idea that there might be more between them than just sex and convenience. She knows she shouldn't feel this way... but she can't help herself. And now, with his number in her possession, the possibility exists for something more. Something real. The question is, does

With a sigh, Miyuki rummages through her room, frantically searching for the piece of paper with Jay's number on it. She feels guilty for not reaching out to him earlier; she knows he must be worried about her. As she finally uncovers the crumpled-up ball and smoothes it out, tears well up in her eyes. She wipes them away angrily, refusing to break down now that she's found what she was looking for. With a deep breath, she dials his number, waiting with bated breath for him to pick up on the other end.

She pauses for a moment, trying to steady her breath before speaking. "Jay?" she asks tentatively. "It's Miyuki." There's an unmistakable tremor in her voice as she says his name; it betrays the turmoil within her. She takes another deep breath, gathering her courage to continue. "I wanted to apologize for not calling you earlier... and to thank you. For everything."

She swallows hard, feeling the lump forming in her throat. "It was... more than that," she whispers. "I think we both know it. And I wanted to let you know something else too..." There's a long pause as she steels herself for what comes next. "I'm pregnant." The words feel like lead in her mouth, but now they're out there, and she can't take them back. She closes her eyes, bracing herself for his reaction.

Her heart races in anticipation as she waits for him to reply.

She winces at his reaction; she'd been afraid it might be like this. "I understand," she says softly. "It was unexpected... for both of us. But I wanted you to know the truth." There's a long silence as they both struggle with their emotions, trying to process this new development in their lives. Finally, Miyuki musters up the courage to ask the question that's been on her mind since she found out about the pregnancy.

"Jay?" she says hesitantly, "What do you want to do?"

She's taken aback by the bluntness of his question; it's clear he's not as affected by this news as she expected him to be. "Both," she says slowly, trying to decide how much honesty is safe to give in this situation. "I mean... about us raising the child together or maybe just you and I..." She trails off, her cheeks flushing at the thought of admitting out loud that she wants more than just a marriage of convenience with him.

"I'm not sure what you want," she says finally, hating how weak she sounds. "But we need to figure it out soon."

Her heart leaps into her throat as he says those words; she didn't expect him to feel the same way about her. It makes her feel light-headed, giddy with relief and joy. She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself before speaking again. "I... I want that too," she whispers, hardly able to believe what's happening between them. "So what do we do now?"

I'm actually at my parents' house right now; we can meet there if that works for you. It won't take long for me to get a cab. Just tell me when and where to be, and I'll be there.

I give him the address and directions to my parents' house, telling him I'll wait outside for him in the meantime. It feels strange to be trusting someone with my location again after everything we've been through, but there's something about Jay that makes me feel safe. As I step out of the cab, he's already there; he takes my hand in his and gives it a squeeze before pulling me into a warm embrace. For once, the feeling is real... and I know we're going to be okay.

As the passion between them builds, they abandon all pretense of caution or restraint. Their need for each other is palpable; a wildfire spreading across the room, consuming everything in its path. They lose themselves in the heat of the moment, their movements becoming more urgent and primal as they seek release together.

Her cries echo through the room as she reaches her climax, clinging to Jay for support as her body trembles with pleasure. A deep growl rumbles from his chest as he finally lets go, pouring himself into her. As their bodies relax against each other, they realize with a start that this isn't just lust or convenience driving them anymore. It's something more... something real. And even though it wasn't what either of them expected, they both know they can't walk away from it now.

Her cheeks flush at the memory of last night; their passionate lovemaking echoing in her mind like a sweet song. She glances down at Jay's shirt, his scent clinging to it, and can't help but feel a twinge of happiness deep within her chest. Despite everything that's happened between them, she knows this feels right; being with him feels right. Maybe someday they'll even find a way to make it work outside of their fake marriage... but for now, she's content to just enjoy the moment and see where it leads them.

As she enters the kitchen with breakfast in hand, her mother gives her a knowing smile; it almost feels like they're sharing a secret. Miyuki blushes deeper beneath her freckles before placing the food on the table and sitting down next to Jay. Despite all the uncertainty that lies ahead, for today at least, everything feels al