No strings, Just Heat

CHAPTER 12: Let's Pretend to Love Each Other

Akshu

The only reason I'm doing this is because I want control back.

Not because I'm jealous.
Not because it hurt to see Sanya hanging off his arm at the party.
Not because Ahaan keeps texting me like I'm still his.

This is strategy. That's all.

So when Kaustubh slams the locker beside mine and mutters, "Wanna start more rumors?"
I don't flinch.

I turn, smirk, and say, "Let's give them something real to talk about."

His eyes narrow. "What are you playing at?"

"I'm not. Let's fake date."

Kaustubh

She says it like it's a game.
Like it doesn't sound exactly like everything we're already doing-just with better lighting.

"You want to fake date me?" I ask, leaning in close. "Babe, I've already had you in my bed. What's left to pretend?"

She doesn't back away.

"If we're already playing, let's play it loud."

Akshu

By the end of the day, we're holding hands.
He's sitting way too close in the cafeteria.
And in the hallway, he kisses the side of my neck just because Mira's watching.

But the worst part?

My heart skips. Just once. And I hate it.

Reyan corners me after class.

"You're fake dating him now?" he asks, voice low. "Or is that what you're telling yourself?"

I don't answer.

Because I don't know.

Kaustubh

Later that night, she shows up again.

Same knock. Same hoodie.
Same lie in her eyes-like she's not here because she wants to be.

"You staying?" I ask.

She steps in.

Locks the door.

Grabs my shirt.
"Just for tonight."

So I press her against the wall. Her breath hitches.

"Still fake?" I whisper against her lips.

She doesn't answer.

But she kisses me like she wants to believe it is.

"Fake dating only works when you don't crave every lie you tell."