just for the night . ten
"It wasn't real. Until suddenly, it was."
Genre: fakedating!, fluff, pining, enemies to lovers sorta
----
"Ugh. Fight me."
"You wish," Ten smirks back at you in that obnoxious way of his and you swear you'd like to throw a brick at him.
It's Monday evening and raining. The warmth from Baro Baro Bakery is the only thing that's keeping your fingers from falling off altogether, and you honestly would not have been in such a bad mood, if it hadn't been for your insufferably cocky co-worker.
You focus on organizing the buns along the countertop, making sure that they are all aligned and well displayed while trying to ignore the dark-haired man leaning against the storage door, "don't you have anything better to do?"
"Better than watching you organize your buns? I don't think so."
"Do you really enjoy being here?"
"Couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my Monday," his smirk widens into a grin.
"I'm not coming with you."
He has the audacity of throwing you a look full of innocence, "I didn't say anything."
"But that's what you came here for isn't it?" you scowl back.
He pouts then, breaking all semblance of nonchalance as he holds up his clasped hands in an attempt to beg, "a night is all I ask. Please."
"We barely know each other, even less support each other's presence. This is recipe for disaster," you lean back, slide the counter door closed before looking over at him, "what do I even get from this arrangement?"
"This body as your boyfriend, and free food," he quickly adds when he sees you're about as murderous as chucking him out of the bakery altogether, "and my parents don't care who, trust me. They won't even notice."
Your scowl could've murdered him, "Why are you asking me?"
"Because you're the only option I have. The other girls will use this to their advantage--"
"Wow Ten," you let out an exasperated chuckle, "way to make me feel special."
"Well you shouldn't have asked--"
"If we do that, you'll cover my shifts for the next two months," you interrupt before he can retort back, "and give me all your free coupons that you get."
"Uh last time I checked I'm supposed to work up to thirty-five hours--"
"Do we agree or not?"
In the end, he had no choice but to comply to whatever ordeal you'd asked of him and you briefly wonder how bad are his parents for him to be so desperate. It isn't like Ten to ask for favours, especially not those that concern being his fake date for his cousin's wedding. According to Ten, his parents had been badgering him for ages to get himself a date or else they'd present him to someone else altogether -- someone fitting -- and fearing that they'd push him into the arms of whatever businessmen's daughter they could find, Ten had called for help out of desperation.
To say that the situation was out of hand is definitely an understatement. It's not that you don't know Ten. You do, having gotten acquainted during the last year of university when you'd decided to join the dance club, only to find that the said cocky asshole in question was actually talented, more so than others.
You're not quite sure yourself how you'd gotten such a bad first impression of Ten Lee. To be honest, nothing major had sparked fireworks between you, apart from the fact that you spent the first hour of dance class being picked apart and mocked for your lack of dancing skill.
"No, you're doing it all wrong. It's this way."
"A little higher. You need more power in your muscles."
"Do it again. No, not like that--"
It had been torture. It hadn't been fun anymore. And you'd already made up your mind to run away. Nevermind that you loved dancing in your free time. You found dancing in your bedroom much more peaceful and satisfying.
Alas, it seemed like the universe loathed youe plans for every time you tried escaping, you'd manage to bump into Ten himself. Needless to say that he dragged you to class whether it was against your will or not.
"I really don't think I want to continue--"
"Why not?" He'd raised an amused brow, "scared?"
"No, it's just--"
"Just what?"
That had done it. Never in your whole life had you been so determined to prove this little shit wrong. And so you stayed.
Now though, as you comb through your wardrobe in search of something to wear, it becomes increasingly apparent how bad of an idea this is.
The wedding is a monumental event in the Lee family. The celebrations last for three whole days, three whole evenings of family dinners and having to put on airs for people he doesn't actually like. But he does it, because of his unwavering loyalty to his family name and if not that, his grandmother, whom you learnt -- a few days before the wedding -- had been the mother figure he'd leaned upon his entire life.
"So you're telling me that nobody really matters, apart from your grandma whom I should impress?" you ask him one evening at Baro Baro as you're busy stacking the rest of the baked goods away in the storage area, "well, that doesn't put any pressure at all. Thanks for that."
"My grandma is...special. She doesn't usually speak much, so we never know what she might be thinking," Ten answers, "so I wouldn't advise you to say anything you don't mean."
"And yet, you're straight-up lying to her face?" is what you ask with a raised brow.
He has the decency to flush, "that's different."
"She wants you to get married?"
"Who doesn't?" he snorts, "practically everyone in my family is begging me to at this point, ever since Anong announced her marriage."
"What a tough life you have," you say dryly, cackling when he tosses the cleaning rag at your head, "I'm curious though...why me?"
"C'mon Y/N, use your head a little. Why you, of all people?"
"Even with logic that doesn't make sense Ten," you cast him a scowl, "so please, do enlighten me."
"For starters, you're not my type--"
Ouch. Well that didn't hurt at all. You scowl.
"--and there's no way I'm yours--"
"Damn right about that," you grumble out, reaching into the room behind the said young man to make a grab for the broom.
He follows you around the counter as you start sweeping at the floor, "--second, you have no attachments to me or my family, so that shouldn't be a problem when we have to break-up. Third, none of my family actually knows you, so we can practically make things up."
"You're a fucking walking cliché, Ten Lee."
"Wha--I am not a cliché."
"This is literally what romance novels write about."
"Are you saying I'm a romantic?" he grins at you, eyes sparkling in mischief and you grunt, shoving him out of the way in favour of finishing up your work. In all honesty, your bed sounds pretty damn tempting.
"You wish."
You've never really assisted at a wedding before -- the ones you went to as a child don't count -- so to say that you're not bothered at all would be a lie because admittedly, you're really quite curious about how this whole thing plays out.
"A wedding?" Your mother's stare is piercing, eyes boring holes into your skull. You, on the other hand, force yourself to keep gulping down your toast, "whose wedding is it?"
"Someone's cousin."
"And why are you invited?"
You try not to choke on your toast, coughing and quickly downing it with some scalding coffee that burns your tongue, "uhm--I--well, this-- my friend. It's my friend's cousin and he asked all of us to go."
"Who's this friend of yours?"
"Oh you don't know him, he's--" your mind panics, trying to scramble for any kind of information you know from your supposed boyfriend, "he's part of the dance crew I go practice with."
Your mother doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't push further and for that, you're grateful.
"We probably should go over the basics," Ten says as he walks you to the subway station after the night time shift. Part of you wonders whether he has another job, a stable income, or whether he's judt trying to figure out life, like you.
"Like how we met?" Your nose crinkles in distaste.
"We don't have to change all the facts. We met during dance class, and--and we staeted working on a piece together. For a competition."
"We'd have to make up an imaginary competition to prove it to them."
"Ah shit, you're right. Uhm, how about...we were working on something for...uh..." he's struggling and you would've mocked him if you weren't in the same boat.
"End of year performance," you shrug when he sends you a look, "it's not like we'll last till the end of the year. We're breaking up after three days."
"Yeah yeah, that works. Okay so, couple dance. And bam, we fell in love. I fell for your--uh--"
The way he glances over you makes your jaw roll. Does he really have to make it obvious that you're not his type? As if you're not aware of that already.
"Let's say I fell for your amazing sense of sarcasm."
You're not certain why it hurts, hearing it from him. But you brush it aside quickly, not wanting to dwell on it too much.
"No wonder you don't have a girlfriend," you snort.
"No. Don't and can't are too different things. In my case, I just don't want it."
"Yeah, because no one wants you," you mutter, before continuing in a louder voice, "and I fell for your sense of humour. Let's leave it at that."
"Deal."
"You owe me. Big time."
---
A few days later finds you decked in one of your sister's dresses, biting your lip nervously as you take in your reflection in the mirror. It's a simple one; black with a boat neckline that shows off your shoulders, curving along your chest, waist, all the way to your mid-thigh. One might think that it's a little too plain for such a thing as a wedding, but it's not like you'll be the center of attention. On the contrary, you wish to blend in with the background and if the dress helps, then so be it.
The doorbell ringing jolts you out of your small reverie. Casting one last look at your reflection, you sling your purse of your shoulder before wobbling your way down the stairs only to find your mother already opening the door.
Terror washes through you. Shit, you think to yourself as you quickly scramble the rest of the way down just in time for the door to reveal Ten's face.
"Hello! I don't believe we've met before!" your mother cooes in that sickeningly sweet voice of hers that makes you want to push her into the kitchen and away from the said young man, "you're Y/N's friend?"
"Indeed I am," Ten's lips curve into a smile as he bows slightly, "it's nice to meet you."
"Well if I knew that Y/N had such a handsome friend, I would've invited you over sooner!"
He laughs, "we actually work together so we're--"
And that's when his eyes find you.
There's surprise. Then shock, mixed in with something you can't quite decipher as he takes you in, your dress, down to the heels adorning your feet.
"What?" you half-bark at him, tearing your own gaze away to fidget with your purse when in truth, you just don't want to gawk at how handsome he is in his suit and tie.
"You clean up well," is what he replies, that same old infuriating smirk dancing across his lips and if you had imagined his shock a few seconds earlier, it's all replaced by his usual playful banter.
"Shut up--ow!" you recoil as your mother whacks the back of your head, "where are your manners, Y/N? Is this the way to talk to someone who's inviting you out?"
"Sorry," you don't mean it though, your scowl deepening as you notice Ten's face lighting with a devilish grin, "and stop smiling like that, it's fucking creepy."
"Apologies your highness," he bows in mock salute, before motioning toqards his car, "shall we?"
It doesn't occur to you that you're actually doing this, actually going to fake date for Ten Lee's sake, until you're sitting in his car and glancing at his side prpfile every now and then. It seems that Ten is just as wary, for he doesn't tease you as he normally does, for once actually allowing the silence to speak in his stead.
"Hey," his voice brings you back to reality. You blink at him, catching sight of the slight curl of his lips, "you look like you're about to shit your pants."
"Well maybe it didn't occur to you, but I don't particularly like lying to people," you reply snarkily.
"Who says we're lying, baby?" And with that, he makes a grab for your hand, intertwines your fingers together, and brings it up to press a chaste kiss on your knuckles.
You can't help but flush slightly, though you don't dare rip your hand out for fear of his driving skills.
"See?" He continues, dropping your still-entangled hands in his lap as hr turns a corner, "not that hard to fool people if you keep blushing like that."
"Oh fuck off," you really hope he can't hear how loudly your heart is beating.
He doesn't drop your hand until he has to park the car, swinging his entire arm back and giving you a glimpse of his collarbones peeking out of his shirt as he does so. You avert your eyes adamantly, cursing inwardly at yourself to just calm the fuck down.
Dim fairy lights illuminate the path up to the hotel venue where the celebration is taking place. Beautiful victorian pillars adorn the entrance that cascades with light flooding from the chandelier above. All around hanging from the ceiling are an assortment of potted plants, vines twirling down with such majestic beauty that it makes your breath away.
"How much did you say your family spent on this?" You croak out as you walk past the reception area in your wobbly heels. Ten, as if sensing your hesitances, places a hand on the small of your back, causing you to jolt at the sensation.
It's not unpleasant. Though it is strange, to have the warmth of his palm close to your skin.
"I don't even want to remind myself," he answers as he guides you down the white marble steps leading to a pavillon billowing with white trails.
People are already chatting by the makeshift stands adorned with the same vines, probably waiting for the said bride and groom themselves to appear. Ten leads you over to a pair of women, one older and sporting grey hair, the other looking like a younger version of herself, and you do not miss the way they glance at each other with smiles that suggest they're falling straight into your trap.
"Ma," it's when Ten calls her name that you manage a forced smile on your face, "grandma. How are you?"
"Chittaphon," His grandma is quick to embrace him, his mother following close behind.
"Hey grandma, this is Y/N. Y/N," Ten motions towards the said woman, "my grandma."
"Lovely to meet you," your throat feels dry athow intensely she seems to be studying you.
"And is this the girl you've been telling me about all this time?" His mother asks.
"Ma," Ten whines out, though the permanent grin on his face says otherwise, "you don't have to call me out like that."
"Oh as if she doesn't know," his mother retorts and without warning, makes a grab for your hands as she smiles up at you, "it's lovely to finally meet you Y/N. Ten's been telling me all about you from the moment you started dancing together."
"Oh did he?" You relish in Ten's sudden embarrassment as he is quick to splutter out, "that's not true!"
"Totally is," his mother replies, "and what a fine couple you make. When can I expect the grandkids? I'm not going to be there forever you know!"
"Ma!"
Ten's face is practically fire engine red at this point and though you should technically feel just as embarrassed, you can't help but cackle at his face. Cute.
No! Your mind screams out, no way.
But you don't have time to ponder over the new flurry of feelings when the wedding march starts blasting through the entire room and in a bout of panic, Ten's arm shoots out to drag you in the seat beside him, just behind his family.
He leans over, mouth barely brushing over your ear, "just a warning; my mother will probably ask you to ask me to propose." He shoots you a piercing glower, "don't you dare say anything."
"Aw, but she's just looking out for her son," you wriggle your eyebrows, loving the sudden turn of events, "wasn't aware that you'e already introduced me to your family before asking me out. How cute."
"Shu--"
"Chittaphon!"
A loud hush from his mother is enough for Ten to close his mouth, opting to throw you a scowl instead as you cackle silently. It seems that you've won...for now.
The ceremony is, undoubtly, beautiful and everything that a woman would ever want and you can't help but get caught up with emotion at the speech delivered by the grrom, a knot forming in your throat at the way he looks down at his soon-to-be wife like she's the most precious thing on this earth.
A brief thought crosses your mind; will there be anyone that will look at you like this?
Claps erupting through the pavillon makes you blink back to reality only to see the newlyweds walk by with brilliant smiles. Congratulations are thrown about in-between peals of laughter and, feeling Ten's hand weave through yours, allow him to tug you to the outer steps where everyone is gathered.
"What's happening?" You ask Ten in a murmur.
His lips quirk up, "oh best part, doll. Just wait," before he cocks his head towards the bride.
You turn towards the said beaming woman, bouquet clasped to her chest and before you know it, she's thrown it in the air with a whoop as the crowd gasps.
And it lands. Right in your arms.
Shocked, you drop it, scramble to pick it back up as cheers erupt through the crowd like an excited buzz.
"Congrats!"
"Oh my god, you're next!"
Ten's mother appears, beaming as she says, "so you will be next, I knew it!"
"Oh, uh--well, I'm not quite sure--" your words are interrupted by Ten's cousin rushing in to offer you his congratulations, "what an honour, Y/N! You have my blessing!"
It's so overwhelming that you freeze on the spot, unable to process that information until Ten manages to pull you away from the crowd around the corner of the pavillon, where you manage to catch your breath.
"Jesus," you can feel your heart hammering against your ribcage, voice breathless, "what was that all about?"
"Like I said, they really want me to get married," Ten shrugs, "you catching the bouquet doesn't help by the way."
"Well what was I supposed to do?" You glare down at the flowers as if hoping they'd combust if you glared hard enough, "give them back?"
He laughs at that, and surprises you by reaching over to push your hair away from your face before grabbing hold of your hand for the nth time that evening.
"Come on," his grin is wide, reaches his eyes and makes your stomach flip over, "let's not miss out on dinner. They have amazing sushi here."
True to his word, Ten is right about the sushi, for it all but melts in your mouth in a mixture of bold flavours that explode on your tongue. Even the main course -- either the option of a steak, grilled fish or beautifully cooked lentil burger for the vegans -- cannot compare to those tiny rolls of delight that make your mouth water with every bite.
Your table, despite being filled with his family, makes you feel at ease. They welcome you with huge smiles and friendly pats on the shoulder, before engaging you in conversation that makes your heart all warm and giddy. It doesn't matter that Ten doesn't love you as he should, you've never felt so comfortable with a group of people that should have picked your every flaw apart like vultures.
Instead though, they ask you about your own family, about where you grew up and what you want to be. His mother doesn't hesitate to pile up your plate when she notices it's empty, his uncle ready to pour wine the moment you're done with your glass. His cousins all fawn over you, telling you stories about Ten's childhood and his inability to make friends back when he was still young and wasn't accustomed to the country.
"He used to be so shy and reserved. I don't know what happened to him afterwards," one of the younger girls says with a snort, "he used to have girls over all the time."
"Wha--really now?" You can't help but raise a brow at Ten, who's in mid-action of grabbing some pork slices to add to his rice mountain.
"What?" He asks innocently.
"Apparently, your reputation precedes you."
"That's--stop feeding her lies!" He bursts out, half in annoyance and half in embarrassment as said cousins fall into peals of laughter, "you were always so fun to tease, Ten."
"Don't make me tell your mother about your secret night dates with that guy from your science class," he points an accusatory fork across the table.
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
It's funny to see Ten in such an environment, away from your usual surroundings and from the way his eyes glow and the way his entire face crinkles up when he laughs, it seems that this night means more to him than he makes it out to be.
He catches you staring during the groom's speech after the dinner is cleared, and raises a brow in question before leaning closer, "you're drooling, doll. Speak up." He smirks.
You shove his shoulder with a scowl, "you're actually tolerable when you're not trying to be a know-it-all."
"Funny, I could say the same for you."
"Wow, nice comeback."
"See, you were doing so well up till now. One might even think you're in love with me."
The speed at which your cheeks colour deep red is instantaneous and you look away, hoping that he wouldn't see past the hair falling across your cheek.
But Ten is faster, leaning over his chair to catch a glimpse of your face, "aw," he coos at you, "you're blushing."
"Fuck you."
"Right now?"
The image is so vivid in your head that you can't help but swallow thickly, forcing your eyes to the happy couple feeding each other wedding cake as you grovel out, "you wish."
As if on cue and thankfully saving the tension building between the two of you, another round of applause fills the room as the newlywed couple makes their way to the dance floor. You focus your gaze on the pair, try hard not to let yourself cringe at the heat of the young man's eyes intense on yours.
And it's easier that way, to ignore the sensation of butterflies fluttering through your ribcage wih feelings you can't quite place into words.
You're glad when one of Ten's aunts drag him away to introduce him to some other family friends, leaning back with a soft sigh as you relish the quiet moment of peace. Because a little bit more and something would've shifted in the air between you, something dangerous. Something you cannot quite look in the eye yet.
And that something, in retrospect, is a mistake.
---
"Care for a dance?"
A few hours later finds you in the courtyard overlooking the lush green plains surrounding the villa, closing your eyes to enjoy the pleassnt hum of circadas and the gentle brush of the night breeze tingling the back of your neck.
It's where Ten finds you, on the bench amidst the foilage, high heels discarded at your feet while humming along to the distant beats coming from the dance floor.
You look up in surprise, eyes flitting to his extended hand to his face, "I'm not much of a dancer."
"You're literally in my dance crew, Y/N."
"Well, maybe I just don't feel like dancing today."
You'd hope that he wouldn't push further and just get back to the party. But as insistent as he is, you shouldn't have been surprised when he makes a grab for your wrist, pull you up as his other arm quickly cages you against his chest.
"We can dance here, no problem," he grins down at you, that same grin that makes your heart soften at the edges, "plus, you can't go to a wedding and not dance or you'll get seven years of bad luck."
"You just made that up."
"I just did," his grin turns bashful, "but hey, you're dancing aren't you?"
As much as you don't wish to give him the satisfaction, his smile is infectious. Soon, you find your own mouth curling up at the edges, "have I already told you how insufferable you are?"
"More times than I can count."
"It's not a compliment."
He bursts into laughter and you chuckle, shaking your head as he tugs you even closer as if on instinct, "you really are something, aren't you?"
You blink, "are you complimenting me?"
He wriggles his brows but doesn't answer, causing you to pinch his shoulder, "ow!" He jumps at the contact, a pout forming on his lips, "what was that for?!"
"For being an ass," you mutter while leaning into his shoulder and effectively hiding your embarrassment. In all honesty, Ten has been nothing but the best tonight and it's nothing but your pride that is holding you back from admitting such a thing.
That maybe Ten Lee isn't all that bad.
Oh come off it, your brain screams at you. He's been tormenting you all these years. One single night doesn't change anything.
You're so wrapped up trying to come up with a plausible excuse about Ten Lee that surprise jolts through you upon feeling the weight of his cheek pressing against the side of your head. His hand, initially at your wrist, brings it up to settle upon his shoulder before his other hand joins itd pair around your waist.
He'a humming, the softest tune of the music under his breath that makes you feel all tingly and giddy from goosebumps suddenly eroding across your skin. As much as you hate to admit it, being in his arms had never felt so...good.
Clearing your throat, you bite down on your lower lip as your cheek rests against his shoulder, "this is nice," you can't help but admit grudgingly, "you're not so bad of a partner."
He chuckles, "you're just saying that because it's cold and I'm warm."
You grimace, "I was trying to be nice."
A comfortable silence settles over you as a thought starts nagging at your subconscious. One that you cannot help to voice out after some time.
"You know," you murmur, "we don't have to pretend when nobody's around."
There's a pause. Then, he says:
"I know."
But he doesn't loosen his hold. Nor do you step away. And in the silence, there's some kind of understanding that blooms. It's warm, and crackling with a heat that sends liquid warmth down to your stomach.
Still, you stay in his arms, trying -- and failing -- not to enjoy the moment.
At some point, you're reminded of the wedding party still ongoing and reluctantly pull away when Ten suggests that maybe you shouldn't absent yourselves for so long. Though you have to admit to yourself that you're slightly disappointed as you walk back into the big hall, hanging a few paces back when he runs into some other family of his so as not to disturb their little reunion.
A pat on your shoulder causes you to turn to the source, only to find none other than the bride beaming at you.
"Hi!" She waves for good measure, a dimple on her left cheek, "I'm so glad you could make it, honestly. Y/N right?"
"Thank you for inviting me," you smile back, eyes unwillingly finding Ten's figure twirling a child in his arms on the dance floor. Cute. "Your wedding is lovely."
"Trust me, it was anything but lovely," she sends you a pointed look, "anyway, I'm glad I got to meet you now. Ten has been raving about you for so long that we started thinking you didn't even exist!"
Oh. Now that's interesting. You try to keep a poker face on, "raving about me? Are we talking about the same Ten here?" You try to joke.
"Please Y/N, that boy is whipped for you. If you knew how highly he spoke of you all the time, you'd marry him in a heartbeat."
Your chest tightens. You bite down on your lower lip, not sure how to respond to such a praise when in truth it's the furthest thing from the truth.
"And I have to say," the bride continues, not noticing your silence, "that I've never seen Ten so happy. I don't know what you're doing, but I think you're doing it really well--"
"What is Y/N doing really well?"
You don't have time to turn when sudden arms lace around your waist, a chin dropping upon your shoulder as you stiffen on impulse.
Ten, meanwhile, seems completely at ease pressing you to his chest, ignoring the pointed stare you're throwing his way.
Something jittery flutters in your stomach.
"None of your business," his cousin sticks out her tongue playfully, "we were having girl talk. Right Y/N?"
"Y-Yeah," and then, in a soft mutter that only Ten can hear, "what the fudge are you doing?!"
"Hugging you," you don't have to look at him to know that his smirk is there.
"Anyway, I guess I'll leave you two lovebirds to it," she winks at you, before throwing her cousin a dirty look, "make sure you get a ring on her finger soon. She's a keeper."
You make sure she's out of earshot, then proceed to elbow Ten in the stomach. He grunts, letting you go so that you can turn to throw him a scowl.
"What the fuck was that about?"
Hurt flickers through his face, but you go on nevertheless, "and don't tell me that was for your cousin. That was clearly unecessary."
"Chill babe," he holds up his hands in surrender, "just playing the part, is all."
"Well maybe you should've asked me before doing stuff like that."
"You were fine with me holding you earlier," Ten answers, a frown furrowing his brows, "so I thought that was fine too--"
"You don't get to decide that."
"Okay okay," his frown deepens, emotion swirling in his brown orbs as he lowers his hand, "fine. Sorry I did that, and--"
"And what's all this about you being crazy over me?" It seems like a dam has suddenly flooded through you, all sense of self restraint thrown out of the window as the words slip out like the sharp sting of knives, "your cousin thinks we're in love with each other! And she--she thinks there's a chance we might get married and-- what the actual fuck Ten, have you been lying to them all this time?"
Ten's mouth opens. Then closes. He opens it once more, only to fall short in the silence that prevails.
And as if this couldn't get any worse, a familiar soprano rings through the air, slicing through with an icy coldness.
"What is going on?"
You turn, and sure enough, terror rips through your chest as you spot none other than Ten's grandmother standing before you.
Oh shit.
----
You're not really sure what happened that night. After his grandmother found you screaming your head off at her grandson, she'd asked him for a private chat and before you knew it, Ten's mother had bundled you up in a taxi, smiling apologetically as if she knew about your little plan gone to wreck all along.
You hadn't seen Ten since, nor have you heard from him. A few days after the incident had you caving in to send him a simple text to ask whether he was okay, only to receive nothing in return.
Today marks a week and he hasn't turned up for work either.
You're not sure how you should feel about the whole ordeal, for it is true that he'd lied to his family, yourself, and had made a complete mess out of things. He should be reaping what he sowed.
And yet, part of you wistfully wondered whether the way he'd spoken to you, held you that night, had been built on a lie. His touch had been gentle, tender, almost affectionate.
And you find, to your utmost horror, that you don't mind it.
That night, you don't get a wink of sleep.
Maybe he's guilty and embarrassed by what he's done, and trying to disappear off the face of the earth, which means ignoring you completely. Although, since you had taken part in his whole masquerade, weren't you technically allowed to know whether he wasn't losing his mind, at least?
Your mind keeps on turning and sifting over everything that had occurred between the two of you that night, so focused on remembering how his arms had felt around your waist that you don't even realise there's a presence at the counter until they speak.
"Y/N."
You jump, a yelp dying at the back of your throat when you whirl around only to see the said young man, decked in a light blue hoodie and white-washed jeans.
Ten.
Your heart flips. There's a brief thought of panic; you wonder if you ook dishevelled.
Oh come on, Y/N. Who cares?
"Ten," your voice comes out as a weak murmur and you feel like slapping yourself for sounding like a wanton maid. Clearing your throat, you straighten, "thanks for ignoring me. Thought you got shipped to another country."
"Sorry, I was busy sorting out...stuff," he has the decency to look embarrassed for once, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he lookd around in an attempt to find a distraction.
Biting the inside of your cheek, you don't bother answering. Instead, you lower your eyes to the till, hands clenching into fists at your sides.
When Ten speaks again, it's a very soft-spoken proposition.
`"Look, I...I'm really sorry. About the lies, about everything really. I...there's no excuse and--" he stumbles over his words, pauses, starts again, "I'm really sorry, Y/N."
Your eyes flutter up to his then, and the amount of emotion swirling through his eyes makes your chest pinch with sympathy, throat tightening with emotion.
"Why?" You finally manage to croak out, "why the lies, Ten?"
A pause where he chews on his bottom lip, the silence ringing through your ears as awkwardness settles in the air.
"I was being stupid," he breathes it out, a broken echo of a murmur, "I thought that convincing my family beforehand would make it justifiable and I didn't realise until it was too late that I actually--actually like you, see you that way and...and next thing I know you're on my arm with that pretty dress and looking like everything I've ever wanted. And I'm sorry if I got carried away with it. I know you didn't like me that way and I--I wanted to at least have this night to daydream about what it would actually be like," he swallows thickly, takes another shaky breath, "to be with you."
You take in his words in silence, shocked at first at what he'd meant. And it isn't just about what he'd said but how he'd said it that resonates with you and makes your heart suddenly cartwheel in your chest.
The more you replay his words, the more it becomes clearer to you; standing in front of you, for a moment, isn't just Ten the boy who always finds faults, who always mocks you for everything that you are, but just Ten, the boy who got your heart beating like crazy when you danced together, the boy who flirted with you throughout thr wedding and who, without shame, is spilling out his hesrt for you take or break however you like.
He's probably anxious about the thoughts running through your brain and doesn't waste time to say, "I don't want anything out of this Y/N. Do with it whatever you like, but you deserved an explanation, at least."
Still, you open your mouth, only for nothing to come out.
"That's all I wanted to say," he turns away slightly, eyes quickly finding yours before dropping away, "I won't bother you again. Sorry."
And you watch as he turns his back and strides for the door, heartbeat suddenly roaring through your ears, blood pulsing along your brain as a knot coils in your stomach.
He's leaving, and he's going to leave without giving you the chance to even say something back, to give him an answer to his sudden confession.
You don't wait.
Your feet jolt forward and you barely realize you've called his name until he turns, just in time for you to hook your fingers onto his shirt and tug him in close enough that your noses brush.
The sight makes your breath stutter. You take a shaky inhale, feeling Ten's own body stiffen slightly, before he lets out a soft breath of his own.
Time stops on its axis, a pocket of infinity carved out for you and him as you softly allow your lips to press against his.
Warmth blooms, spreads through your limbs. Ten's gasp is silent, dying at the back of his throat.
Pulling back slightly, your teeth find purchase on you bottom lip as your orbs flit up to his in fear of what you'd find there.
Only to find nothing but deep, naked affection.
Your own breath staggers. Chest tightens, goosebumps blossom along your skin.
Ten holds your eyes as a silent question hangs in the air and after what seems like eternity, you open your mouth only for his hand to slip up to your cheek, cupping it in his palm before pulling you in.
He kisses you.
Fireworks ignite behind your lids. He tilts your head and you comply without much effort, quickly surrending to the way his lips move against yours, a rythm that drowns out the entire universe altogether. Your chests press together as one of his hands grips your waist, fingers pressing into the small of your back through your shirt, and a gasp falls from your mouth.
He swallows it up, mouth slotting against yours intimately as your hands find their way up his shoulders to wrap around his neck. He grunts softly as you kiss back, sighing into the kiss once your fingers card through his hair and doesn't hesitate to part your lips with his tongue to kiss you longer, harder. Deeper.
It's overwhelming, exciting. You can't get over how good it feels, about how good this feels.
You don't realise that he's backed you up to the counter until the cool wooden surface presses against your back, and as your lips part in distraction, Ten doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around your frame to haul you up before stepping between your legs.
"Ten!" You can't help but gasp at his boldness, but he only grins back, that same crooked smile you'd glimpsed of the night of the wedding.
"What?" He murmurs, breathless, nose skimming down to your neck and nuzzling the skin there. Liquid warmth pools to your core as you shiver, flushing upon feeling his fingers slipping underneath your shirt to rest on your naked skin.
His eyes are dark, intense with emotion as they lock on yours. Tilting his head and nose brushing yours once more, he doesn't hesitate to land another chaste kiss. And another. And another. Until your head is spinning. Until all you can feel, see, smell, is Ten. And Ten alone.
And when he leans in for another kiss, tongue dancing with yours, you welcome him with open arms, a small whimper muffled into the kiss.
Ten's chest rumbles before he presses againts you, and the contact makes you whine out his name in breathless stupor, a sound that causes him to smile into the kiss.
You part for air after some time, chest heaving as you lean back. The young man takes this as his chance though, lips finding their way to your jaw and presses a string of kisses right up to your ear.
It makes your toes curl in delight, even more so when he murmurs out, "I wish I could've done that sooner."
Bright red spots of colour bursts across your cheeks and your body squirms in reaction, trying to turn your head away as embarrassment rushes in, "well maybe if you weren't such a dick, you--"
You inhale sharply as his lips cage in the sensitive skin at your neck, a slow bite causing a whimper to fall from your mouth,
"T-Ten--" you try to stammer out, only to fall short with another strained gasp when he slowly starts suckling on the said patch of skin.
Your body jolts, hands grabbing fistfuls of his hair to pull him closer. You feel, at the back of your mind, the slow sensual caress of his fingers up your spine to trace the underside of your bra. You can't stop yourself from melting in his touch, head falling back to give him whatever he wants and the satisfied growl that leaves him makes your heart giddy, your stomach knot up deliciously.
It's only when he finally halts his attack and draws his mouth away that the realization hits you; you're making out with Ten Lee, in Baro Baro Bakery, and loving every second of it.
He must feel you stiffening in his arms, for his head tilts to the side in hopes of catching your gaze. And when he does, you blink at the rosy blush littering his cheeks.
"What is it?" He whispers, unconsciously stroking up and down your naked spine.
You shiver in his hold, though you lean into him as if it's second nature, "nothing," you mutter into his neck, "it's just weird."
"Weird?" He laughs.
"Yeah," you pull back slightly, "it's weird to think that just a week ago I could barely look at you without wishing to slap your face."
He scowls momentarily and you can't help but giggle, "don't look at me like that. It's true."
"Yeah maybe for you," he mutters, loud enough that it reaches your ears.
That causes your eyebrow to perk up curiously, "oh? Care to elaborate? Are you confessing something here?"
"Y/N, I literally just confessed to you."
"And I seem to have short term memory," your grin widens, loving how flustered you seem to make him with all those poignant assumptions, "are you blushing?"
"You are," he retorts hotly.
"Look at yourself, honey--"
Ten yanks you forward, chest pressing against yours and lips hovering over your own. His eyes are dark, stormy with self-restraint and that's enough to shut you up.
You swallow thickly as the corner of his lips curl up, teasing, "I could say the same for you. You're all talk until I make you speechless, aren't you?"
"Don't use my words against me."
Chuckling, Ten proceeds to press a chaste kiss on your forehead, "I'm not, doll. I'm teasing you."
Heat springs through the back of your neck and you try piecing words together to distract yourself from how close he is.
"So, uhm--" you stammer out, hating how his grin widens at your struggle, "you said something about liking me?"
"I did. And I recall you telling me you did too."
"I never said such a thing."
"Right. Yeah. You were too busy snogging my face off--" Ten's words cut off in mid-laugh while he catches your arm aiming to slap his shoulder, "oh god, you're so fun to mess around with."
"Fuck off, Ten!"
His laughter just increases tenfold and it's so catchy that you join in, grinning as you push away some of his hair away from his eyes, "you're an idiot," is what you declare.
His grin is so wide it's almost blinding, "am I yours, though?"
"If you want to be."
He moves so close he can kiss you if he tilts his head, "I want to," he whispers.
A smile breaks across your face and before you know it, your arms wind around his neck once more before you bring him down into a kiss.
----
“So you’re actually together?”
That is the first thing that bursts out of Ten’s mother’s mouth as her eyes dart between you and the said young man as if she can’t quite believe it herself. Your hands, clenched until white in your lap, are starting to sweat underneath the pressure of her gaze. It’s not that you fear her, quite the contrary, you’ve no doubt she’s an amazing mother with kind gentle eyes and never having raised her voice all her life at her children. But from the impression that you’d left that night at the wedding, there’s a very little chance that Ten’s mother actually wants to accept you back with open arms.
“Yes,” Ten’s hand slide into yours for good measure, breaking your fingers away as he keeps his gaze on his mother’s, “we didn’t start on a good foot, and I did ask her to accompany me because I — because I didn’t want you to worry. But whatever I said about likingY/N— this part is true.”
Silence descends as his mother’s eyes flicker from his face, to yours, then back to him. It’s clear that she’s confused. Heck, you would be too if your son suddenly turns up to say that he’s finally going out with his fake date after having caused a ruckus. Maybe she doesn’t want to trust you anymore. Maybe she’s already started finding someone else for Ten, someone more suitable, someone who doesn’t lie in the first place.
But all those thoughts fly straight out of the window the moment her face breaks into a grin too wide to be faked.
“Finally!” She claps her hands together in childish glee, her eyes crinkling up into half-moons, “I’m so happy for you! Wait till Grandma knows this! Oh Ten, I knew there must’ve been something more all along!” There's no way this could have been all fake."
Your head ducks shyly at her reaction, “I’m really sorry about that night,” you murmur out, eyes quickly straining to the edge of the table.
"As long as Ten is happy and you both are finally together for real,” his mother beams, “that’s all that matters, hm?”
You swear you could’ve hugged her. The thought is so strong it makes your eyelids water slightly.
You quickly blink the emotions away as you mumble out your thanks along with a shy smile that she answers tenfold. That is followed by Ten’s fingers squeezing your own gently, but firmly, a reminder that he, too, is here for you.
"Anyway, would you two like some mangoes? We just received a fresh batch from the neighbours," she's already standing up before you have a chance to say anything, quickly toddling out of the kitchen like it's her main mission.
"Your mom is so cute," you murmur out to Ten, who can't help but grin back at you. That same, crooked grin that makes your heart flutter in your chest.
"You know where I got my genes from?" He wriggles his brows, making you bump your elbow into his shoulder with a chuckle.
It's safe to say that your relationship has smoothened out ever since his confession. No more mockery or hatred, and that makes you wonder if there ever was any hatred to begin with, or just tension. Your sister likes to think you're the epitome of enemies-to-lovers trope and for once, you're not the one to stop her. Because it's clear from Ten's teasing demeanour and mischievous behaviour that it had always been his way of demonstrating affection.
"I was flirting with you all along Y/N," is what he says when you ask him about it while he walks you back to your house that night. His arms are full with sweets from their homeland that his mother had insisted you take, "you were just too blind."
"Well then, you suck at flirting."
He scoffs, "uh no? You're the one who can't take a hint."
"Making fun of how awkwardly I dance in front of everyone is not flirting."
He can't help but grin cheekily at the memory, "you were pretty funny though, admit it."
You show him the finger as response, which only makes him laugh even louder before landing a quick peck on your cheek, "c'mon, that was ages ago. Don't sulk with me now."
"I'm not sulking."
"You so are."
You growl at him, making him laugh even harder at the situation. And despite everything, you grin at the happiness stretched across his face like an ephemeral painting you wish to keep forever.
He's so beautiful. How have you not noticed that before? It's not his face, but more the way his face transforms whenever he's genuinely happy.
You wish you can engrave that picture in your head forever.
"Well, that's me." You stop in front of your house and without looking at your watch, know that you're thirty minutes after curfew. Though...your mom doesn't mind. Not when Ten is responsible.
His fingers catch yours, essentially drawing you back to him as he flashes you a sweet smile, "see you tomorrow?" He murmurs, bringing your knuckles up to press a kiss atop your skin.
You try not to let your blush show, "being all smooth now, are we?"
"If it's gonna make you blush, why not?" And he tugs you even closer until your foreheads touch. Then, in a movement so gentle you fear he might break, he allows his mouth to catch yours.
You all but melt, arms slipping around his shoulders as you deepen the kiss with a sigh. Ten grunts in response, pressing one last chaste kiss on your lips before pulling back to hug you against his chest.
He allows his head to rest against your temple, and when you hug him, you swear you can hear his heart throbbing in his chest.
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