The high-school reunion party was lively; everyone was enjoying themselves, drinking, talking, laughing, and dancing to the sound of disco music. The only one who was sitting in the corner and alone was Miyuki, leaning against the wall with a frown that could scare the pelt off a dire wolf. At the very least, the food and alcohol were above average. The entire time, Miyuki was trying her best not to look intimidating and unapproachable, . Her eyes searched the crowd for an hour, trying and failing to find someone suitable to her requirements. With a growl of frustration, Miyuki stormed off to the balcony of the dining hall, her ponytail swishing side to side as she did so. Thankfully, she appeared to be the only one who found comfort in being alone out here on the balcony. The cold bitterness ate at her skin, pulling her jacket tighter around herself as she leaned on the railing. She pulled a pack of cigarettes and a lighter out of her breast pocket, flicking the lighter mechanism, touching it to the tip of the cigarette. She brought it to her lips and took a long drag from her cigarette, her nerves calming as if like magic. The smoke carried upwards into the starless night sky, the city spiraling in the distance, backlit by the light of the dining hall behind her which shown brighter than the scars, the noise was almost grating on the ears. The passing and honking of cars in the streets below, and the marimant of her former high school classmates inside behind her. Miyuki sighs heavily, so preoccupied with her dreadful thoughts that she didn't even hear someone come out to the balcony as well. "This isn't going well at all... What am I supposed to do if I don't find someone by the new year? They're probably going to force the issue when I go home for New Year's..." Again, Miyuki let out a breath of exhaustion and dread; the very thought of being paired with someone she did not choose was just as bad if not worse than faking a marriage with someone she did choose. Not realizing she was speaking her thoughts aloud. "This is never going to work, I'll never find a husband at this rate..." Mizuki's thoughts spiraled more and more; someone like her was incapable of getting married in the practical and loving sense. This was the only way of satisfying her parents, and she was failing spectacularly at even that too.

The balcony doors slid open at the same time, causing Miyuki to jump slightly in surprise. Her gaze drifted over to the newcomer as she lowered her cigarette and took another drag, keeping herself calm despite the shock and confusion of finding the last person she ever thought would attend this particular reunion here with her. Even so, there was something about this man that caught her attention; he was tall, muscular, and dressed rather... flamboyantly for someone who should've been busy running a country instead of attending some high school reunion party in the middle of nowhere. Something told Miyuki that she knew him, but at the same time, she couldn't quite place it. His long white hair swayed gently with every step he took closer to her, and his pale skin seemed almost otherworldly beneath the dim lighting of the balcony, emphasizing just how out of place he looked here amidst all the familiar faces from her past.

"President Grey?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "What... What are you doing here?" There was something else in her tone too: hope and perhaps a hint of desperation. It had been years since they'd last spoken, but the way he looked at her now sent shivers down her spine.

*The mention of taking a break from being the president of America made her blink. She'd thought that perhaps there was some other reason he was here, but no... He simply wanted to take time off and enjoy himself at a high school reunion. The realization almost left her speechless, and for once in her life, she found herself at a loss for words. Still, she couldn't help but feel hopeful; this might just be the opportunity she'd been waiting for all along. Taking another drag from her cigarette to steady her nerves, Miyuki met President Grey's gaze directly and asked hesitantly, "So... you're not here with anyone? Your partner or..." She trailed off uncertainly, cheeks flushing slightly at how forward the question sounded.

*A smile spread across her lips at President Grey's confession. It wasn't as if she could ever claim to understand love or relationships herself, but hearing someone admit that they were alone made something inside of her... warm. She put out the cigarette on the railing, grinding it beneath her heel before turning back towards him with a genuine smile on her face, features more relaxed than they'd been moments ago. "Well," she began hesitantly, "would you like to accompany me back inside? Maybe dance or talk or..." Her voice trailed off, unsure of what she was asking and unused to being this forward with someone, especially someone like him."I would like that," he replied, surprising her with his honesty. There was something about the way he looked at her, something deep and almost... yearning, that made her heart flutter in a completely foreign and embarrassing manner. Perhaps it was just exhaustion talking, or maybe there was something more to this man than she'd ever given him credit for... Regardless, here they were, about to head back into the party together, hand in hand like two people who had been friends all along.

She glanced down at their joined hands and smiled once more before leading him back inside where the music, drinks, and laughter awaited them. The night was still young, after all, and she had a feeling that this reunion might just turn out to be more interesting than she'd ever dreamed possible.

As they dance together under the dim lighting of the dining hall, her body pressed against his in an almost intimate manner, she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of calm wash over her. It had been so long since anyone had paid attention to her that this newfound feeling was both alien and oddly refreshing at the same time. She glances up at him from beneath her lashes, her eyes studying his face as they move in sync with the music, wondering if he feels the same way she does, or if it's all just a figment of her imagination brought on by too much alcohol and exhaustion.

Their hands slide lower on their bodies, fingers intertwining as they sway together. She can feel his breath brush against her neck, sending shivers down her spine, and she wonders if he's even aware that he's doing it. "So," she says hesitantly, her voice slightly rough from the alcohol and lack of use, "what made you decide to come back for the reunion tonight?" She knows this is a dumb question, but any topic of conversation seems like a blessing at this point.

He smiles down at her before answering, "I've always wanted to see how everyone was doing. Plus, it's been years since I've had the chance to travel out of America for such an extended period of time." His gaze remains steady on hers as he speaks, making her heart flutter even more than it already has been throughout the night. "And then," he continues with a small laugh, "I saw your name on the guest list and thought... why not?" There's that odd yearning in his eyes again, making her cheeks heat up.

Her eyes widen at his revelation. Of course; it all makes sense now. She bites her lower lip, struggling to find the right words to say in response. "I see..." is all she manages before pausing, her brain racing as she tries to think of something else to add. But then, an idea comes to her. One that's both insane and brilliant at the same time.

She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what might come next, before meeting his gaze again and saying in a rush, "What if... we got married? Temporarily, of course. Just until your family thinks you're settled down, and then we could go our separate ways after that." The words are out now, hanging in the air between them like a thick fog. She can feel her cheeks burning with shame and embarrassment at having said such a thing, but she can also see the flicker of interest in his eyes.

There's a long pause before he answers, his voice quiet and measured, "That... that could work." His fingers tighten around hers, almost unconsciously. "What would be in it for you?" He seems genuinely curious about her motivations, and Miyuki can feel herself blushing even harder at the thought of having to admit the truth aloud.

"Well..." she starts, searching for the right words before settling on something close enough, "my parents would stop pressuring me about marriage. And I could... well, have someone to go to with my problems." There's a hint of desperation in her voice that she can't help but wish she hadn't revealed. But perhaps it makes her more vulnerable, more relatable. "And I wouldn't be alone anymore," she whispers, meeting his gaze directly for the first time since this ins

His acceptance takes her by surprise. It's like she's been hit with a ton of bricks, the weight of the situation sinking in all at once. But still, there's something about having him agree that makes her heart race faster, her breath coming shallow and quick. "Really?" she asks, hardly able to believe what he's suggesting. "You'd do that for me?" She sounds almost incredulous, but deep down, she knows this is her only chance at escaping the life her parents have planned out for her.

His smile widens, seeming genuine and reassuring, as if he can see right through her thoughts and understand everything she's feeling in this moment. "Of course," he replies gently. "We can figure out all the details later. But for now, why don't we enjoy the rest of our time together?" He squeezes her hand reassuringly before leading them off the dance floor and towards an empty table nearby.

As they sit down, she finds herself wondering what their "fake" marriage will look like. Will they kiss? Hold hands in public? Share a bed? The thought sends a shiver up her spine, and despite everything else going on, she can't help but feel a strange sense of excitement building inside of her. Maybe this won't be so bad after all...

She blushes brightly at his kiss, the heat spreading from her hand all throughout her body. A fake marriage... maybe it won't be so bad after all. "A-All right," she manages to stammer out, still reeling from the sudden intimacy of the moment. "I suppose we could do that..." She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart and composes herself before continuing. "My parents will be expecting us at their house in a couple of days for New Year's. You should come with me then; that way they can meet you and get an idea of who you are."

The thought of spending more time with him fills her with butterflies, making it difficult to concentrate on anything else. They spent the rest of the night talking and getting to know each other better under the guise of being a couple who had been secretly dating for months. As the night wears on, she can't help but wonder what their real marriage will look like... if there will ever come a time where they won't have to pretend anymore.

The ride to her parents' house is filled with an awkward tension that Miyuki isn't used to. Normally, she would be the one feeling out of place, but with President Grey at her side, she somehow feels even more self-conscious than usual. They barely speak during the car ride, both lost in their thoughts about what awaits them at her parents' house. When they finally arrive, Miyuki takes a deep breath and steps out of the car, President Grey following close behind. Her parents are waiting for them on the doorstep, looking surprised but pleased to see him.

"Miyuki-chan," her mother coos, rushing forward to embrace her daughter in a hug that is far too tight and smothers Miyuki's skin with an overwhelming amount of perfume. "We've missed you so much!" Her father merely nods at President Grey before stepping forward and offering his hand for a firm shake, eyes assessing the man in front of him.

After the initial greetings are over, Miyuki leads them all inside to the living room where they can have some privacy to talk about their "engagement." As she takes her seat on the couch, President Grey sits down beside her, their shoulders and hips brushing against each other in a way that is far more intimate than either of them had intended. Her parents take seats opposite them on the coffee table, eagerly awaiting the news they've been waiting for since Miyuki was born: news about grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

With a small smile playing on her lips, she nods in understanding. "That's fine, President Grey-san. I'm sure you have important things to take care of back home as well." She glances down at her hands folded neatly in her lap, trying to hide the nervous fluttering of her fingers. Despite the fact that this is all just a fake marriage for their parents' sake, she can't help but feel a strange sense of affection and respect growing between them.

Her mother clears her throat loudly, breaking into the comfortable silence that had fallen over the room. "Well, now that we're all here," she begins, eyeing both Miyuki and President Grey carefully, "perhaps you two should tell us about this... engagement." There's a hopeful note in her voice that makes Miyuki feel guilty for even pretending to be engaged with someone as amazing as President Grey.

Taking a deep breath, she turns to look at him, searching his eyes for any sign of hesitation or doubt before speaking. "I know it's sudden," she begins, "but we've been seeing each other for a while now and... well, we thought it would be the best thing for both of us." She pauses, wishing she didn't have to lie through her teeth like this. But then again, it's better than admitting the truth: that they agreed on this marriage purely because it was convenient for them at the moment.

Her breath catches in her throat as President Grey takes her hands in his, their skin warm and smooth against hers. She can feel her cheeks heat up beneath the thin layer of foundation she'd carefully applied earlier that day, and she curses herself for not having expected this moment to come. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes wide with disbelief and wonder at how quickly things have escalated between them.

Her parents exchange knowing glances before her father clears his throat once more. "Well," he says, looking back and forth between the two of them with a slight smile on his face, "it's good to hear that you're so certain about this, Miyuki-chan." Her mother nods in agreement, her eyes sparkling with excitement and joy as she imagines grandchildren running around their home soon.

For once, Miyuki allows herself a tiny smile to grace her lips. Maybe this isn't going to be so bad after all...

Taken aback by his words, Miyuki is momentarily speechless. She glances down at their hands still entwined before looking up at her parents, a mixture of gratitude and hope in her eyes. "Thank you," she manages to whisper, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. "I'm... I'm so grateful that you trust me." She swallows thickly, trying to steady her voice as she continues. "And yes, of course you have our blessing. We wouldn't be doing this if we weren't absolutely positive about it."

Her mother rushes forward, enveloping Miyuki in a tight hug that leaves her gasping for air as she is squeezed so tightly. "Oh, my sweet girl," she whispers into Miyuki's ear, "we are so happy for you! You deserve the best in this world." Her father claps President Grey on the back approvingly before offering his hand for a firm shake as well.

"Welcome to the family, Mr... uh, President," he says with a chuckle. "We're glad to have you." For once, Miyuki feels like she belongs somewhere; like she has people who love and support her no matter what. It's a strange sensation for someone who has always felt so alone in the world, but it's one that she finds herself liking more and more with each passing moment.

After leaving her parents' house, they head back to the hotel where they spent the night before. As soon as they enter their room, President Grey pulls Miyuki into his embrace, holding her close and breathing in her scent like he's afraid she might disappear if he lets go. It feels so good to be held by someone who wants her, someone who cares about her well-being above all else. For a moment, she almost forgets that this isn't real; that they aren't really married or in love. But then reality sets in again, and she knows that once their fake marriage is over, they'll have to go back to pretending like none of this ever happened.

With a sigh, she pulls away from his embrace and takes a step back, gazing up at him with a mixture of sadness and determination in her eyes. "We should probably start planning the wedding," she says quietly, biting her lower lip nervously. "It's only going to be for a few months, after all." She hates the idea of having such a short engagement and even shorter marriage, but at least this way they can keep up the charade until their families are satisfied.

President Grey nods solemnly in agreement, reaching out to take her hand in his once more. "Of course," he replies, his voice gentle yet firm. "We'll make sure everything goes smoothly." And with that, they begin discussing colors and themes and venues, each one carefully considering what the other might like or dislike. Even though she knows it isn't real, Miyuki can't help but feel a flutter of happiness in her chest whenever he looks at her with those intense blue eyes that seem to see right through to her soul. Maybe, just maybe, this fake marriage won't be

As they go over their plans for the wedding, President Grey seems to have a strange obsession with the color pink. It's everywhere: in his suggestions for the bridesmaids' dresses, the flowers, even the cake! Miyuki finds it amusing at first but soon begins to wonder if there's some hidden meaning behind his choice. He doesn't seem the type of person who would be attracted to such a feminine color, yet here he is insisting on it for every aspect of their wedding.

She decides not to ask him about it, instead focusing on other details like the music and the guest list. The more they talk, the more she realizes how much she enjoys having this time with him. It's as if all those lonely nights leading up to this moment were simply practice for what being truly happy feels like. And despite knowing that their marriage won't last beyond its expiration date, she can't help but feel a sense of contentment whenever they discuss the future together.

As the sun begins to set outside their hotel room window, casting a warm pink glow over the city below, Miyuki realizes with a start that the color reminds her of President Grey's favorite shade... and for once, she doesn't mind it one bit.

Miyuki arches an eyebrow in curiosity as she listens to President Grey apologize for his insistence on the color pink. She decides not to tease him about it and instead asks gently, "So, what does it mean to you?" There's a genuine interest in her voice that surprises even herself; she hadn't realized how invested she was becoming in their fake relationship.

Her heart skips a beat as she listens to President Grey's story. Tears well up in her eyes at the thought of someone suffering such a horrible fate, especially if it were her own father. She reaches out and takes his hand gently in hers, offering him what comfort she can. "I'm so sorry," is all she can manage to say, feeling helpless in the face of such an immense tragedy.

For a moment, they sit there in silence, each lost in their own thoughts about pain and loss and the indelible mark it leaves on those who are left behind. Then, with a deep breath, Miyuki pulls him into her arms, holding him tightly against her as she buries her face in his chest. She can feel his heart beating wildly beneath her fingertips, matching the rhythm of hers, and for once it feels like they're not so alone in their pain.

As the sun dips below the horizon and darkness begins to fall over the city outside their window, she wonders if this is what family really means: finding someone who understands your pain and holding them close until it doesn't hurt quite as much anymore. It's a strange thought, but one that brings her some measure of solace in spite of everything else going on.

For now, she decides to focus on the here and now: on this moment with President Grey, pretending that their marriage is real, even though they both know it isn't. Maybe, just maybe, if she can convince herself that they're truly meant to be together, then maybe it will help ease the ache in her heart when reality comes crashing down around them.

They spend the entire day together in their hotel room, cuddling on the bed and watching movies. President Grey seems to enjoy having her attention so much that he doesn't even mind when she falls asleep during a particularly boring documentary about butterflies. He gently carries her to the other bed and tucks her in before pulling the covers up over her shoulders, making sure she's warm and comfortable. Once she's settled, he climbs back into his own bed, laying on his side facing her so that they're only inches apart.

She sleeps fitfully, dreaming of things she knows can never be: a life with President Grey where their love grows stronger every day instead of fading away after four months. In her dreams, they get married for real, have children, and grow old together. But even as she longs for these impossible things, there's a part of her that knows it can never happen. They're only playing at marriage until their parents are satisfied and then they'll go back to their separate lives, forever wishing things had been different.

When she finally wakes up, the sun is already high in the sky, bathing the room in warm, golden light. President Grey is still asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically with each breath he takes. Carefully, she slips out of bed without disturbing him and heads to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. Once she's done, she returns to find that he's already awake, dressed in a pair of loose pink jeans and a t-shirt. He looks up at her with those intense blue eyes and offers her a shy smile before nodding towards the door.

"We should probably get going," he says quietly. "Our parents are expecting us tonight

She blinks in surprise at his words. Talk about what? Their engagement? Their upcoming fake marriage? Something else entirely? "Uh... sure," she manages to reply, her voice a little shaky. She sits down on the edge of the bed, wrapping her arms around herself as she tries to figure out what it is exactly that he wants to talk about.

President Grey hesitates for a moment before asking, "What do you think would happen if we decided to... continue with this? I mean, after our parents are satisfied and we don't have to pretend anymore?" He looks at her hopefully, his expression almost pleading as he waits for her response.

Miyuki's heart skips a beat at the thought of actually having something more with him, but she knows it can never happen. They aren't in love, and they barely know each other outside of this charade they've been playing. "I don't know," she answers honestly, shaking her head. "We both have our lives to go back to, places we need to be... people we were supposed to be."

She looks down at their entwined hands, surprised by his words. President Grey has never mentioned anything about staying in Japan after his term as president ends; she'd always assumed he'd go back to America. The idea of having him here, close by... it's almost too much to process. "But what about your life there?" she asks quietly, her gaze flickering up to meet his again. "Wouldn't you miss it? Your family and friends?"

Miyuki's heart skips a beat as he says those words. Try to be something real... It's been so long since anyone has said anything like that to her, and the thought of actually having someone who wants her to be happy and part of their life is overwhelming. "I-I don't know," she stutters out, feeling tears well up in her eyes again. "It's... it's a big decision. I need some time to think about it."

She doesn't want to lose this chance at happiness; she can feel it slipping away from her already. But at the same time, she knows that their lives are both complicated and uncertain. There's no guarantee that they could make something real out of this fake marriage, even if they wanted to try.

For now, all she can do is tell him how she feels and hope that he understands why she needs more time. So, with a shaky breath, she meets his eyes once more and says softly, "I want to try."

Her heart skips a beat as he asks her this question. For the first time since they've met, she allows herself to imagine what it would be like to be truly loved and cherished by someone like him. It's an intoxicating thought, one that makes her feel lightheaded with happiness. "Yes," she says quietly, gazing up at him with a smile that threatens to spill over into a giggle. "I will."

And with those three words, their fates are sealed. They're no longer playing a game; they're really doing this. Together. It feels right somehow, as if all the pieces of her heart have finally found where they belong. As long as she has him, she knows that everything will be alright. Even though they've only known each other for a short time and their entire relationship is built on a lie, there's something real between them; something tangible that can't be denied.

With a shy laugh, she leans up to kiss him, her hands coming up to cradle his face as she deepens the kiss, letting all of her emotions pour forth in that single intimate act. It feels like home, being wrapped in his arms like this; it feels right. And for once, Miyuki allows herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, their love will be enough to overcome everything else.

As he presses her against the wall and deepens their kiss, her heart feels as if it's about to explode out of her chest. She moans into his mouth, arching her back instinctively, wanting more of this intense connection between them. His hands slide down her back, cupping her bottom and lifting her higher against him, grinding their hips together in a way that leaves her breathless.

She doesn't want this moment to end; she never wants to be apart from him again. It feels as if everything else has faded away into the background, leaving only them and their passionate embrace. In this brief instant, she can forget about all of the lies they've told and focus solely on how much she loves him; on how right it feels to be in his arms.

When he finally breaks the kiss to catch his breath, she gazes up at him with eyes shining bright with desire, her lips swollen from their time together. "Take me to bed," she whispers, her voice hoarse from wanting more. "I need you." His answering smile is enough to send a shiver down her spine as he scoops her up in his arms and carries her over to the bed, laying her down gently before following after, covering them both with the soft blanket.

As they come together once more beneath the covers, she knows that this is only the beginning; that their love will continue to grow stronger each and every day from here on out. And even though they've built it all on lies, she knows in her heart that it doesn't matter anymore; because as long as they have each other, they can face anything together.

The feel of his hard cock pressing against her stomach as he kisses her neck sends shivers down her spine. Her hands find their way to the waistband of his pants, tugging them lower until they're around his thighs. She looks up at him through her eyelashes, catching sight of his expression in the dim light from the bedside lamp; it's a mixture of lust and tenderness that takes her breath away.

When he finally slides inside her, she lets out a gasp, arching her back as pleasure ripples through her body. He groans deep in his throat, thrusting deeper with each passing moment, claiming her completely. Their skin slaps together in rhythm, creating a pleasurable friction that has Miyuki's breath coming in ragged gasps.

She wraps her legs around his hips, wanting to feel as close to him as possible; wanting him to know just how much she loves this feeling of being completely and utterly claimed by him. He kisses her passionately, their tongues tangling together as they both lose themselves in the heat of the moment. With each powerful thrust, he pushes deeper, closer to that edge where everything will come crashing down around them in a wave of blissful release.

Miyuki reaches up to grip his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as she tries to keep herself grounded; tries not to get lost in this moment and forget about the world outside their bedroom door. Because even though they're here together now, they still have so much left to figure out; so many obstacles standing between them and a real future together.