synopsis!: YN, a sharptongued Greek stockbroker, needs a fake date for her sister’s wedding back home. The only person available? Nanami Kento, her annoyingly disciplined, maddeningly perfect rival at the brokerage firm. What begins as a strictly strategic arrangement turns turbulent fast as pretend romance, and unexpected attraction blur together under the sun-soaked skies of Greece.
inspired by the book The spanish love deception!
warning!: Modernau!, nothing crazy just a heated makeout, no jujutsu sorcery and stuff, semi-long chapters, 3parts, completed
The plane hummed steadily beneath you, a low vibration mixing with the faint clatter of drink carts and murmured conversations. You were trapped in a metal tube with your fake boyfriend for ten hours. Wonderful.
Nanami sat beside you, posture straight, shirt perfectly pressed despite the long flight. Meanwhile, you were trying not to suffocate in your own nerves.
“We should review our information,” he said calmly, adjusting the air vent above him. “If your family asks about us, we need to be aligned.”
“Right,” you nodded, turning slightly toward him. “Let’s start with interests. Just in case someone tries to make small talk.”
Nanami lifted a brow. “I enjoy reading, running in the mornings, and cooking.”
You blinked. “Cooking? You cook?”
He frowned lightly, almost offended. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I?”
“I don’t know,” you said, shrugging. “I just never pictured you in a kitchen.”
“And yet I’ve always pictured you there,” he replied. “Considering how often you come to work with homemade snacks.”
Your eyes widened. “You noticed that?”
Nanami gave you a brief look, like he couldn’t understand why that surprised you.
“Of course I noticed” he said. “You bring them at least twice a week.”
You looked down at your hands, heat rising to your cheeks.
“Oh. Well… yeah. I like baking.”
“Add that to your list of interests,” he said, typing it into his phone. “Cooking, baking, and overly sweet coffee drinks.”
“Hey-” you nudged him with your elbow, “my coffee tastes are between me and God.”
Nanami’s lips twitched. You swear it almost resembled a smile.
“Fine” he said. “Next: how we met.”
“Okay” you leaned back in your seat. “We met at work. Simple.”
“We met at work,” he agreed, “but if anyone asks for details?”
“Oh.” You thought for a second. “Maybe something like… you offered to help me with a report I was struggling with.”
Nanami stared at you with a flat expression. “That has never happened.”
“I know” you said, rolling your eyes. “It’s fake dating, Nanami. Fake. Use your imagination.”
He sighed. “Fine. Then perhaps we kept running into each other at the office. Familiarity turned into interest.”
You blinked. “You came up with that?”
“It’s realistic,” he said without looking at you.
You smiled. “Yeah. And kind of cute, actually.”
Nanami pretended not to hear that.
“So,” he continued, “our first date?”
“Hmm.” You thought for a moment. “Maybe… that little cafe near the office? The one with the weird lemon pastries?”
Nanami nodded. “Acceptable. And believable.”
“Okay,” you said, exhaling. “And we’ve been dating for… three months.”
He typed that down too. “Three months.”
Another small silence settled between you, comfortable, surprisingly.
Then Nanami spoke again. “You may tell your family that I… enjoy your company.”
Your head snapped toward him. “Wait. You do?”
He looked forward, expression steady. “It would make the story more convincing.”
“Right” you muttered, though your chest warmed in a way you didn’t expect.
Nanami cleared his throat. “And you? What do you tell them you like about me?”
You stared. “You’re asking me that?”
“Yes” he said calmly. “It’s essential we have consistent answers.”
You opened your mouth, then closed it. His eyes were on you, patient but firm.
Finally, you said softly, “I’ll tell them you’re reliable. And steady. And… nicer than people assume.”
Nanami blinked once. Slowly.
“I see” he said, voice lower than before.
He typed those notes too.
The plane continued toward Greece, but suddenly the cabin felt smaller, warmer, and much more complicated than you’d planned.
After a few agitating moments of silence you unbuckled your seatbelt, lifting yourself off the sit. “I’m going to the bathroom” you whispered.
Nanami nodded, eyes still on his book. “Alright.”
You squeezed past him and made your way down the aisle, did your business, splashed a little water on your face, and headed back.
Just as you reached your row, the plane jolted sharply.
And before you could fall, a strong hand caught your waist and pulled you upright,straight into Nanami’s chest.
“Easy” he said quietly, his grip steady and warm.
Your palms were flat against him: his cologne wrapped around you, clean and subtle, and the solid muscle beneath your hands made your breath catch.
“S-sorry” you muttered, flustered.
“It’s alright.” Nanami steadied you fully before letting go, fingers brushing your hip as he pulled back.
You sank into your seat, face warm.
Nanami reopened his book, but neither of you said a word.
The silence between you was definitely different now.
The rest of the flight passed quietly.
A little small talk. Nothing deep.
“You can take the window if you prefer.”
“You should try to sleep.”
Soft, simple exchanges that somehow felt natural.
As the plane descended, the golden afternoon light of Athens spread across the city: warm, bright, familiar. Your chest tightened at the sight.
“Welcome home” Nanami said quietly.
You swallowed. “Yeah. Feels strange.”
The moment you stepped into the arrivals hall, you spotted your family instantly, your mom waving with both hands, your dad standing steady with his usual serious expression, and your sister Alexia practically vibrating with excitement.
“There they are” you whispered.
Nanami nodded, calm and collected. “Let’s go.”
Your mom reached you first, hugging you tightly. Your dad immediately shook Nanami’s hand,firm grip, assessing stare, before walking beside him like he was already interviewing him for a job.
“So, Nanami,” your dad began, voice low but friendly. “What do you do? How long have you known my daughter? Do you treat her well? Planning to see anything while you’re here? Do you like Greek food?”
Nanami handled the barrage without flinching.
“I work in finance. We’ve known each other for some time. And yes, I take good care of her. I’d like to experience local cuisine.”
Your dad nodded, approving. “Very good. Very good. You’re a proper young man.”
Meanwhile, behind them, Alexia grabbed your arm so fast you nearly stumbled.
“WHY didn’t you tell me your boyfriend looks like THAT?” she hissed loudly.
Your soul left your body. “Alexia-“
“No, look at him,” she insisted, tugging your hand forward.
Nanami walked with your dad, tall and composed, his shirt fitting a little too perfectly across his back. His forearms flexed subtly as he gestured politely.
“Do you see the back muscles?” Alexia whispered dramatically. “You brought that home with you? And didn’t warn me?”
“Please shut up,” you muttered, horrified.
“And his voice?” she continued. “Deep. Calm. Mature. I swear I felt it in my spine.”
She elbowed you. “Oh, and the way he shook Dad’s hand? Confidence. Respect. Manners. I’m about to marry him myself if you mess this up.”
Alexia leaned close, eyes sparkling. “So… is he exactly as good in bed as he looks, or BETTER?” she winked
“I can’t do this with you.”
She smirked. “You don’t deny it. Interesting.”
Up ahead, Nanami looked back briefly,meeting your eyes, checking on you with a small, soft look.
Alexia whispered, “Oh, he LOOKS at you like that? Girl. You have won.”
Back at the house the place hadn’t changed at all white walls warmed by the late sun, the smell of olive oil and oregano drifting from the kitchen, and the familiar sound of your mom shouting, “Μαζευτείτε! Το τραπέζι είναι έτοιμο!” (“Come! Dinner is ready!”)
Nanami paused beside you.
“That the table’s ready,” you murmured. “Prepare to eat more than you’ve eaten in your entire life.”
He nodded like he was bracing himself.
The patio table was set beautifully: warm lighting, plates lined with mezedes, bowls of olives, tzatziki, baskets of fresh bread. But everything inside you froze when you saw them.
Nanami felt the shift instantly.
You forced a smile. “They’re just… here.”
Your ex looked up, surprised to see you. More surprised to see Nanami. His gaze dropped to your intertwined hands.Nanami had taken yours without hesitation and his expression tightened.
Nanami stepped slightly closer, letting his hand graze your hip as he guided you forward. Small. Subtle. Intentional.
Your ex stood to greet you, artificially warm.
“Hey. Been a long time. You look… different.”
“She looks beautiful,” Nanami answered calmly. “She always does.”
Your mom quickly intervened, beaming. “Sit, sit! And someone pass the moussaka, try it while it’s still warm!”
Nanami leaned toward you. “Moussaka?”
“It’s layered eggplant, meat, béchamel,” you whispered. “A classic.”
“I see” he murmured, studying it like data he had to memorize.
Dinner moved on, plates shifting around, your family speaking over each other, laughter rising in bursts. Nanami handled everything flawlessly, answering your parents with steady politeness, even attempting a few Greek words your mom fed him.
Under the table, his knee brushed yours.
Less accidental the next time.
Your ex kept sneaking glances,not subtle ones. Annoyed ones.
At one point, he leaned in closer than he needed to. “So this is… serious? You two?”
Before you could answer, Nanami covered your hand with his.
Warm. Confident. Unmistakably protective.
Nanami lifted your hand slightly, thumb brushing your fingers like it was second nature, then turned his attention to you instead of your ex.
“Are you alright?” he asked softly.
And for a moment, a terrifying moment , you forgot this was supposed to be fake.
Alexia’s fiance arrived a little later, instantly swept into conversation by your parents and uncles, everyone congratulating the couple again even though the wedding was still days away.
Your yiayia (grandma) moved slower but with purpose, dragging your pappou (grandpa ) by the arm.
“Where is he?” she demanded, scanning the patio.
Nanami straightened like he sensed an incoming threat.
You whispered, “Prepare yourself. This is the boss level.”
Yiayia reached him first, squinting up like she was assessing a statue.
“Μμμ… καλός είναι.” (“He’s good.”) “Έχει πλάτες.” (“He has good shoulders.”)
Pappous poked Nanami’s arm. “Do you work out?”
Nanami cleared his throat. “Yes. Regularly.”
Yiayia elbowed pappous proudly. “Τ’ άκουσες;” (“You heard that?”)
Then she looked back at Nanami, deadly serious.
“You eat enough? You’re strong. Good. You should eat more while you’re here. More olive oil. And lamb. And moussaka. You’re too polite, eat more.”
Nanami bowed slightly. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”
You genuinely considered diving under the table.
Alexia appeared next with the biggest grin. She looped her arm through yours and looked Nanami up and down like she was evaluating a racehorse.
“So, Nanami,” she began sweetly, “since we’re all basically family-“
Your stomach dropped. “Alexia-”
“What? In Greece we ask!” she defended. “How else do we know if he can support you?”
Nanami didn’t even blink.
“My income is stable. More than enough to support myself. And your sister, if necessary.”
Yiayia clapped her hands. “Μπράβο, παιδί μου.” (“Bravo, my boy.”)
Pappous leaned closer. “And your family? They’re good people? Respectful? In Japan you are very clean, yes?”
“Yes. Cleanliness is… a cultural expectation. And yes…they are respectful.”
Yiayia whispered, «Θεέ μου…» (“My God…”) like she needed prayer to withstand how polite and handsome he was.
Your ex, seated further back, overheard everything,his expression tightening with every word.
Then pappous took a deep breath and delivered the final question.
“So. How did you two meet?”
Nanami didn’t hesitate. His hand slid gently, confidently to your waist, pulling you just a little closer.
“We met at work” he said, voice smooth. “She stood out.”
Your heart did a full somersault.
Alexia stared at you like, Marry him right now.
Your ex nearly choked on his wine.
Nanami leaned down slightly so only you could hear.
“If it’s too overwhelming, tell me.”
But his hand stayed on your waist, warm and steady.
Alexia clapped her hands together, loud enough to break whatever spell Nanami’s voice had pulled you into.
“Alright, lovebirds” she said, standing from the table, “before Yiayia kidnaps you for dessert, let me show you where you two will be sleeping.”
You almost corrected her out of pure panic, but Nanami’s hand tightened on your waist like he felt your inhale.
Right. Couple. Mission. Focus.
You followed Alexia down the hallway, Nanami walking beside you, solid and steady. She opened a door with a little flourish.
A warm, sunlit space. Fresh sheets. Soft lighting. A balcony overlooking the backyard. And neatly folded on the bed.
“Oh, and your matching pajamas!” Alexia announced proudly.
You blinked. Nanami blinked.
They were… cute. A little too cute.
Light blue. Soft cotton. Tiny little embroidered moons.
“Alexia,” you whispered, “you didn’t-”
“I did,” she said. “You’re welcome. Anyway! I’ll leave you two to settle in. Drinks in an hour. Don’t be late.”
She wiggled her eyebrows once more, then disappeared.
The door clicked shut behind her.
For a moment, neither of you moved.
Then you exhaled, rubbing your forehead. “I’m… sorry if my family’s straightforwardness is too much.”
Nanami tilted his head slightly, studying you.
“Do I seem uncomfortable?”
His brows lifted just a fraction, amused.
“I’m alright,” he said softly. “Your family is lively. And you warned me.”
That last part hit warmer than it should have.
You nodded quickly, looking anywhere but his eyes. “Right. Um. Thanks again…for helping me with all this. I still don’t know why you agreed.”
Nanami let out a faint breath that could have been a laugh.
“You looked… like you needed it.”
Then, gentler, “And I don’t mind helping you.”
Your heart stuttered, because of course it did.
He glanced toward the door. “We should get ready.”
The night air in Athens was warm, humming with noise and lights. By the time you reached the bar Alexia had chosen, a tucked-away place with neon signs and loud music, the city felt alive in a way that matched the adrenaline still running through your chest.
You walked in beside Nanami.
Alexia and her fiancé led the way.
And Yiannis… well. Yiannis was already waiting by the entrance.
His eyes landed on you first.
Then slid slowly, stiffly, to Nanami.
“Finally,” Yiannis said, and even the greeting sounded like a complaint. “Thought you got lost.”
Alexia rolled her eyes. “Relax, Yianni. Come on, our table’s upstairs.”
The booth was dim, scattered with flickering candles and already-waiting drinks. Everyone slid in, and before you could even settle, Yiannis leaned forward, elbows on the table, voice too casual to be genuine.
He said the name like it personally offended him.
“Finance,” Yiannis echoed, giving a short laugh. “Right. I used to work in consulting. Big hours, big money. You know how it is.”
Nanami nodded politely. “Of course.”
“And what’s your monthly? Rough estimate.”
You choked on your drink. “Yianni!”
Nanami didn’t look bothered. Not even slightly.
He simply answered with a figure that made Yiannis blink hard.
Yiannis sat back, mumbling something under his breath.
Alexia shot you a look across the table like girl, he lost.
You hid your smile in your glass.
A few minutes later, while the others debated what shots to order, Nanami leaned slightly toward you.
“You’re quiet,” he said, voice low enough that only you could hear. “You alright?”
“Yeah,” you said quickly. “Just… tense. Yiannis is being Yiannis.”
Nanami’s eyes followed your ex for a second, unreadable.
“If he makes you uncomfortable, tell me.”
But something about the calm certainty in them made your shoulders ease.
“I’m fine,” you said, softer. “Really. It’s just… old stuff. I get in my head.”
Nanami’s gaze held yours for a moment too long.
“I see. Thank you for telling me.”
Your pulse skipped again.
You needed a distraction.
“So… you don’t hate this yet? The whole pretending thing?”
He gave the tiniest smile.
Heat crawled up your neck.
Before you could respond, Alexia dropped a tray of shots onto the table.
“Alright!” she announced. “Let’s get this night started.”
Yiannis muttered, “Oh, great.”
At some point in the night, the music swelled, the lights pulsed, and Alexia dragged her fiance toward the dance floor. Yiannis and his girlfriend followed, disappearing into the crowd without a backward glance.
Suddenly, the booth was quiet.
Warm neon light brushing his cheekbones.
You felt pleasantly fuzzy, the room just a little wavy at the edges. Nanami, on the other hand, looked almost normal,except for the faint pink on his ears and the way his knee was suddenly touching yours under the table.
“You’re not drunk”you accused softly.
“I’m… a little light-headed” he admitted. “Enough to notice you keep staring.”
Your face heated. “I’m not staring.”
His voice was low, a little amused, a little too gentle.
You tipped your head against the back of the booth, sighing. “Sorry. It’s just… weird seeing you outside the office. You’re different.”
Nanami raised a brow. “Different how?”
“Less serious” you said immediately. “Less of an annoying, perfect overachiever.”
He huffed a laugh. Actually laughed.
That alone made your stomach flip.
“Is that truly how you see me?” he asked.
“Sometimes” you confessed. “But also… you’re reliable. Even when you drive me crazy. And tonight, you’ve been… nice.”
Nanami’s hand rested on the seat cushion.
A moment later, his fingers brushed yours.
“I’m always nice” he murmured. “You just only notice when you’ve had three drinks.”
“I’ve had two” you protested, even though that was objectively false.
Nanami’s lips twitched. “Of course.”
You turned toward him, a little bolder, a little floaty. “This whole fake-dating thing… I thought it’d be awkward. But you’re… easy to be around.”
And maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was just him, but your heart did something traitorous.
“You’re easy to be around as well” he said quietly. “Easier than I expected.”
Then the music shifted, bass rolling through the furniture.
Nanami’s hand, still lightly touching yours, turned fully-his palm warm against the back of your hand.
“I don’t mind this,” he added, voice just barely raised over the beat. “Being here with you.”
With the lights flickering over his face, with the soft buzz in your veins, with his fingers gently curling around yours
And for the first time that night, pretending didn’t feel like pretending at all.
Eventually, the night caught up with everyone.
Alexia was giggling into her fiancé’s shoulder, Yiannis was swaying more than walking, and his girlfriend looked seconds away from falling asleep on her feet. The moment the bar lights shifted to their “closing soon” glow, the group collectively decided it was time to go home.
The car ride back was a blur of streetlights and laughter.
Inside, the room looked exactly as it had earlier — soft lighting, neatly folded pajamas, the faint lavender scent of clean linen. Except now, everything seemed softer, warmer, blurrier.
Nanami glanced around once, then nodded toward the bed.
“You should sleep,” he said. “You’ve had more than enough for one night.”
“And you?” you asked, slurring the tiniest bit.
He gestured toward the armchair by the dresser. “I’ll take that. It’s fine.”
You blinked at the chair.
It looked like it would lose a fight with a cardboard box.
“That’s… not comfortable,” you mumbled.
“It’s not a problem,” Nanami said, already removing his glasses and setting them carefully on the nightstand. “You need the bed.”
You slid under the covers. The room tilted once, then steadied.
Nanami settled into the chair, crossing his arms, looking far too large for it: long legs cramped, shoulders tense, head tipped back against the wall.
Polite, composed, stubborn… and miserable.
You stared at him for a long moment, then whispered, “Nanami.”
He hummed in acknowledgment.
“You can… sleep here. On the bed. If you want.”
His eyes opened just slightly. “That wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“I’m not asking you to… you know…” You waved your hand vaguely, losing the thread. “Just don’t suffer in that chair. I don’t mind.”
After a quiet pause, Nanami let out a soft sigh. “Alright,” he said, lifting himself from the tiny chair.
Next to you, the mattress dipped slightly under his weight. He settled carefully on the far side of the bed, back turned, making sure to leave plenty of space between you.
Even like that, the warmth of his presence was unmistakable.
And for the first time that night, you let yourself drift to sleep, feeling safer than you ever expected with him so close.
HERES PART3 IF YOU WISH TO CONTINUE…OR MAYBE YOU CAN RUN IT BACK TO PART1
