Host (shouting over the music):
“Alright everyone, gather around for the raffle draw!! One lucky PAIR will win a two-week vacation to Paris!”
You were half-listening, sipping your soda when Layla shoved you toward the crowd.
Layla (grinning):
“GO. Manifest something other than emotional damage.”
You:
“Funny.”
Across the room, Alex stood with Hugo.
Hugo (smirking):
“If she wins, you better pray you’re not the other name pulled. That’s karma, buddy.”
Alex (gritting teeth):
“Karma or destiny. Whatever.”
The host spun the little raffle drum.
Host:
“First name… Hannah Grey!”
You blinked. The crowd clapped.
You (laughing):
“Oh no—no way.”
Host (spinning again):
“Aaand joining her on this romantic escape… Alex Carter!”
The room exploded in noise. Whispers, gasps, fake gasps.
You locked eyes with him.
Alex (flatly):
“Guess we’re going to Paris.”
You (smirking):
“Try not to disappear.”
Layla (squealing):
“YOU GUYS. THIS IS LIKE A MOVIE.”
Hugo (whispers):
“It’s the ‘enemies abroad’ trope. Slow burn, romantic tension, hotel room mix-ups... I can already see it.”
Layla:
“You read too much fanfic.”
Hugo:
“You write fanfic.”
She gasped.
---
Later, as you got your prize envelope…
Alex (holding his copy):
“So. Paris, huh?”
You (pretending to be casual):
“We’ll set some rules.”
Alex:
“Rule #1: No fake flirting.”
You:
“Rule #2: Don’t fall in love.”
He raised an eyebrow.
Alex (softly):
“Too late.”
Your heart stopped.
But then he smiled. Half-serious. Half... teasing?
You (flustered):
“Ugh. Shut up.”