I accept the gift, feeling a swirl and mix of feeling inside of me.

I know it’s all for show. I know. Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy this.

I look down at the bouquet and I gasp excitedly. Special edition shatter me books!? I hug him— not because I had to, because I wanted to. His arms wrap around my waist and he pulls me closer.

The action gives me a feeling I do not want to think about.

"This is adorable!" Yuva, one of Ayan’s older sister, exclaims.

"Oh my gosh, he is romantic," Jubair, one of his older brothers, tilts his head at the sight.

His chest moves as he lets out a deep rumble of laughter. "I’m glad you like it."

I pull away, my hands falling to his chest. "Thank you," I smile.

Ayan’s little sister, Anaya, asks him to get something for her and he nods and turn back to me. "I’ll be right back, okay?"

I nod and I feel his warmth disappear within a second. I sigh softly and look down at my bouquet while everyone else goes back to whatever they were doing.

"Are you sure you guys are still fake dating?" Hassan, Ayan’s best friend, walks over and leans against the wall.

I look up and furrow my brows, "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"I’m just saying, whatever that was, looked pretty real."

"Well it wasn’t. It was just for show." I adjust one of the roses.

Hassan makes a disagreeing noise. "People who fake date don’t usually buy their fake girlfriend book bouquets. Normal bouquets, sure. These bouquets that cost about ten normal ones?" he adjusts the paper. "I don’t think so."

"And you know a lot of people who fake date?" I cock my eyebrow.

"No, but my sister reads enough for me to know where the fake becomes real."

"You’re ridiculous," I scoff. I lean against the arm rest of the grey sofa.

"Half the time, normal boyfriends won’t go through that much effort."

"Well they should if he loves-" I pause. "Shut up."

"I didn’t even have to say it this time," he chuckles. "You’re boyfriend’s back," he stands up straighter.

"My fake one," I shove him lightly. Hassan laughs and walks away.

He’s my fake boyfriend. He’s a show for our families to keep them happy. Nothing more.