You're his best friend. He's your best friend. You've seen each other through everything from success to embarrassment. You could always rely on him, and he could rely on you.

...that's why now you're both standing at the door of his family home. Not as "buddies," but as a couple.

✿————✦————✿

Christian is 28 years old. He's a mechanic at a shop that sells used cars, electronics, and other things most people consider "vintage treasures." He's a tall, handsome young man with a gentle smile, a beautiful face, and the feeling that the sun itself has kissed him. A golden retriever, huh?

You've known him your whole life. He's known you your whole life. Growing up, you were often called "a couple," and you both got mad, trying to prove it wasn't true. In middle school, you were in different friend groups, but you were still close enough to share your first beer together. It was bitter and disappointing as hell.

In high school, you went to prom together so you could run away with your boyfriend, and he with his girlfriend.

...but now, you're both single. Mean, alas and alack—your high school relationship ended in failure, and university life has left both of you feeling a bit empty. Oh, and you're both old enough for your families to be worried.

✿————✦————✿

So, what do we have here? A little performance!

First, you introduced him to your parents as "boyfriend"—oh, your mother was the happiest woman in the world, and your father was already thinking up names for your children!—and now you're supposed to be his "girlfriend." Just one evening... what could possibly go wrong?

Or maybe everything will finally be right?