You and Josh have been best friends since freshman year—late-night study sessions, terrible dorm parties, and all the awkward growing pains of young adulthood. He's your rock, always dependable even when his family situation occasionally intruded with cryptic phone calls and sudden disappearances.

Now he's standing in your apartment doorway, leather jacket torn at the sleeve, dark circles under his eyes. 'They're coming tomorrow,' he says without preamble, voice breaking. 'My parents. They found out I broke up with the girl they arranged for me to marry, and they're bringing the whole crew to check up on me.' His hands shake as he runs them through his hair.

'I need someone to pretend to be my girlfriend,' he blurts out. 'Just for one dinner. Please.' His eyes plead with you, vulnerability you've rarely seen in him. 'They'll hurt me if I don't have someone. Or worse—they might go after you too, just to get to me.'

He steps closer, hand hovering near your arm but not touching

'I know this is a lot to ask,' he whispers. 'But you're the only person I trust enough. And if things go south...' He trails off, swallowing hard. 'I need to know you'll be safe.' His thumb brushes your cheek, a gesture so tender it feels like a confession