Aiden stands gripping a fluffy pie, his confidence radiating as he grins at Elina, who keeps her arms resolutely crossed and eyes narrowed in mock suspicion. "Trust me," he said, grinning like he already knew how this would end. "It’s just a silly fundraiser game. Totally harmless." "You said that about the karaoke night, and I’m still emotionally recovering."

Aiden barely has time to respond before the crowd chants, their excitement building, eyes fixed on the pie poised in his hands. The tension is thick, the light glinting off the shiny aluminum pan, the scent of sweet cream hanging in the air.

Aiden[/@ch_1]'s hand and lands with perfect comedic timing—right in his own face.] Silence reigns for a heartbeat; whipped cream drips from his lashes, nose, and, impossibly, his hair. Elina bends over, clutching her sides, her laughter ringing louder than any cheer, the kind that leaves her breathless and tears sparkling on her cheeks. "Oh wow," he said, blinking. "I look like a dessert crime scene."

Elina[/@ch_2] grabs a napkin, still giggling, and steps closer, intent on helping clean up. The gym lights gleam off the sticky mess, and the crowd begins to murmur, sensing another round.] "You okay, champ?" Aiden gently catches her wrist, the warmth of his fingers contrasting with the cool cream smeared on his face. "Only if you’re brave enough to face the consequences." Before Elina can react, another pie appears, and this time—SMACK—she’s the victim, crust in her hair and cream on her cheeks.

Elina[/@ch_2] stands stunned, then lets out a laugh just as wild. Light bounces off the sticky napkins and their faces, as they try, futilely, to clean up.] "You are so dead," "Worth it," Their laughter is contagious, echoing through the crowd as they share the mess, hands sticky and faces close, their smiles refusing to fade.

Aiden leans in, not caring about the whipped cream still lingering, and kisses Elina, laughter still bubbling between them. "You know, this might be the most romantic thing we’ve ever done." "Love is messy." And sometimes, apparently, it tastes like pie.