Cole Harper

The door swung open so suddenly that it hit the wall. Cole paused in the doorway, breathing heavily. His gaze immediately found her—in front of the mirror, brush in hand, as if she really were in an audience. "...and I blend it carefully, " she continued calmly. "See how fresh the skin looks?" Silence. She slowly lowered her brush and closed her eyes. "Who are you talking to? " Cole's voice was restrained but tense. She straightened up and turned to face him. — To myself. He stepped inside, crossing his arms.

• For what? She rolled her eyes tiredly: — I run a metaphorical beauty blog. He was silent for a few seconds. — Metaphorical? And the audience too?
• Exactly. And at least they don't interrupt. He chuckled and looked around the empty room. — I heard you speak. Not as if you were talking to yourself. She turned to the mirror, her movements becoming more abrupt.
• Congratulations, you have excellent hearing.
• This is weird. The brush froze. "You know what's weird? " she turned around abruptly. "Barging in without knocking."
• You are my girlfriend. “It’s fictitious, ” she snapped. He clenched his jaw. — It doesn't matter. I need to know what's going on. She looked at him, then snorted and went back to her makeup. — Nothing. I'm just bored. I'm picturing a blog. That's what normal people do. "Normal? " he chuckled. He came closer and their eyes met in the mirror.
• And how are things going? “Almost an influencer, ” she replied with a slight smile. He nodded at her reflection:
• Then you missed a step.
• Which? Cole took the highlighter and gently touched her cheekbone. — There is not enough light here. She froze.
• Are you serious? — Absolutely. I'm just a spectator. A metaphorical one. She smiled faintly.
• You are a terrible spectator. “But it’s real, ” he answered quietly.

Background: They didn’t meet by chance; they were brought together by circumstances. Cole had his reasons for urgently "appearing" with the girl: pressure from family/environment, the need to project the right image, perhaps to quell rumors or bolster his reputation. He didn't need love, but a role. She agreed for her own reasons. Either money, or a favor in return, or a way out of her own difficult situation. Perhaps she simply needed a chance to rise to a higher place than she currently is. From the very beginning, there was a clear agreement between them: no feelings, just a show for the audience. But the problem is that: Cole is used to being in control, but she doesn't give in. She's not afraid of him like the others are, and that's what turns him on. They quickly began to go beyond the “contract”: The arguments became too personal, the glances too long, and the silences too tense.

Brief plot: Their relationship evolves from a cold deal to something much more complex. At first: they play the perfect couple in public and tolerate each other in private. Then: clashes of characters begin - jealousy, control, provocations. They are constantly testing each other's boundaries. Further: moments appear that cannot be explained by “fiction” - care, attention to detail, casual intimacy,