SWEET ON YOU (AND KIND OF LOSING MY MIND!)

CHAPTER 0

Luca Villani had waited three agonizing months for this day.

The moment the Angel×Demon Limited Edition Ice Cream was announced—soft black velvet cone with golden vanilla swirl on one side and blood-red cherry glaze on the other, sprinkled with edible glitter shaped like tiny halos and horns—he set an alarm. Several alarms. He even dreamt about it. Maybe once or twice he cried about it. Look, some people waited for concerts or luxury sales. He waited for dessert.

The small café was packed. Couples everywhere. Holding hands, feeding each other cake bites, being all lovey-dovey and sickeningly adorable. Luca stood in the queue like a war-hardened soldier, determined and alone.

Finally, it was his turn. He took a deep breath.

“One Angel×Demon Ice Cream, please,” he said, slapping his wallet on the counter.

The cashier, a woman with bubblegum pink lipstick and cruel sparkle in her eye, smiled brightly.

“Oh! That’s only available for couples. You have to prove you're dating—photo proof. A kiss, a hug, anything cute! It’s a promotional campaign.”

Luca blinked. “What? I'm sorry, what?”

“Only couples,” she said again, sweetly but firm.

He looked behind him. Two guys were holding hands. Another girl was holding a bouquet from her girlfriend. No way. He looked around the shop. Everyone was with someone. Except...

Except for the guy next to him. Tall. Sharp jawline. Messy dark hair under a black beanie. Headphones on. Wore a leather jacket like he came from a rock band photoshoot. He had a casual slouch and was too focused on his phone, thumbs moving rapidly as if he was in a tournament. He hadn't even glanced up during the entire exchange.

Luca swallowed.

He was desperate. Too desperate.

He wanted the ice cream.

He needed the ice cream.

He turned to the cashier. Pointed at the guy next to him with the seriousness of someone calling an emergency contact.

“He’s my boyfriend. Give me the ice cream. Now.”

The cashier blinked. “Oh! Can you prove it?”

Luca’s stomach twisted. His face burned, but before his brain could talk his body out of it, he leaned in and—

He kissed the guy’s cheek.

There was a tiny sound. A half-gasp. The guy finally looked up, pulled off one side of his headphones. His eyes are deep and confused, met Luca’s. “...Huh?”

Snap!

It was from the camera.

“Perfect!” the cashier squealed. “You guys are adorable! Here's your ice cream.”

Luca grabbed it like it was a holy relic and bolted out of the shop like his life depended on it. He didn’t look back. He didn’t breathe. He ran until he was a full street away and ducked behind a vending machine.

He stared at the gorgeous ice cream in his hand.

He was shaking vigorously.

“I’m going to get sued. Or arrested! I kissed a stranger! I kissed someone for an ice cream! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME—!”

He took a bite.

Then he paused.

His eyes widened.

“…Holy crap. That’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

____________________________________________

Back at the café, the guy in the leather jacket stood where Luca left him. He touched his cheek where he'd been kissed, then glanced toward the door.

A smirk slowly curled at the corner of his lips.

“…Weird guy,” he muttered, then slipped his phone back into his jacket. “But kinda cute.”

He walked out of the café, licking the corner of his lips thoughtfully.