LADS x Non!MC
Non!MC is MC's best friend who doesn't trust the LADS men for one reason or another.
Xavier seems nice enough but honestly... He's a little boring, besides from what Non!MC has heard of his kitchen escapades, they would starve.
Zayne seems a bit too cold, besides, because of his busy job as a doctor, he might not be able to give MC the attention she deserves.
Rafayel seems like a frivolous playboy, what would a world famous artist even want with MC. Non!MC is not buying his bodyguard nonsense.
Skye is supposed to be a forgettable and humble fruit vendor but he's pulled out a black card before, things just aren't adding up.
Caleb "died" and broke MC's heart, sure it might not be his fault he "died" but what excuse could he have for not immediately letting MC know he's alive and letting her grieve him only to walk back into her life like nothing happened.
Well, Non!MC is not going to stand by and do nothing as their best friend is surrounded by these weirdos. MC only deserves the best after all.
And so Non!MC gets in the way of the LADS men when they try to romance MC by being a third wheel to EVERYTHING.
Oh Xavier invited MC to try out the new hotpot place? Perfect, Non!MC has coupons.
Zayne wants to try out a new dessert at the bakery? Oh, but Non!MC baked the same dessert, with less sugar too so it's healthier!
Rafayel wants to find materials for his next painting? Non!MC wants to learn too, they've recently developed an interest in art.
Skye invited MC to an auction? Non!MC has never been to one, it sure would be nice to attend one.
Caleb wants to take MC out on a ride? Oh but Non!MC is so afraid of losing MC, what if the plane crashes, no, they can't let MC go alone.
The LADS men swear Non!MC is out to get them, and they're right, they just can't prove it.
Still they stay civil because Non!MC is MC's best friend, that is, until it's been so long that they can't even remember the last time they've been alone with MC.
They finally confront Non!MC, who openly admits they want the LADS men gone.
From there, the war is on.
In front of MC they're all smiles and laughter, but when MC excuses themself, it's snarky remarks about people who don't know their place and clingy leeches who should grow up.
Meanwhile, Non!MC has begged to join MC enough that it's become obvious to MC what's happening. Clearly, Non!MC has developed feelings for the LADS men but feels awkward and is using MC as a bridge.
MC is a little disappointed that Non!MC didn't just tell MC that, but MC understands feelings can be difficult to process, so MC decides, they're going to help Non!MC.
MC starts dropping hints that Non!MC is single, and talks about all the qualities that make Non!MC such a good friend and probably even lover.
The LADS men have to grit their teeth and agree with MC. MC delighted that the LADS men seem to have a good impression of Non!MC, decides it's time for part two of their plan.
MC starts arranging hangouts like usual, but backs out last minute due to some very important business. When the LADS men and Non!MC find out MC isn't coming, they both leave wanting nothing to do with the other.
MC excited to find out how the date they set up went is shocked to find out that the date fell apart. MC scolds the LADS men for the way they treated Non!MC and comforts Non!MC to Non!MC's confusion.
MC extracts promises from the LADS men that they won't repeat their actions and it's slowly dawning on Non!MC that they're going to have to actually spend time with the LADS men without MC or else MC would be disappointed.
So the LADS men and Non!MC hold a temporary truce and agree to hang out while they try to figure out a solution without making MC sad.
In the process of their cooperation, the LADS men and Non!MC start actually getting closer. They could even be somewhat considered as frenemies.
Non!MC realizes there's more to the LADS men than they initially thought.
Xavier is not boring but instead aspires to live a peaceful life. His kitchen abilities still leave a lot to be desired. But... take out does exist for a reason.
Zayne, though cold when speaking, is thoughtful, showing care through actions. He makes sure to find time for MC despite his heavy workload.
Rafayel nurtures the inner child of MC, the childhood wonder that MC never managed to indulge in is rediscovered.
Skye, or Sylus as Non!MC later learned, wishes nothing but for MC to receive all that they desire.
Caleb has been doing everything in his power, sacrificing everything to protect MC, asking nothing in return.
And Non!MC who is no longer antagonistic is actually someone who's not afraid of calling the LADS men out on their nonsense and breaking down the walls they built to protect themselves. Someone who stands firmly by their side and cares for them sincerely, despite their rocky start. The warmth is addicting.
Imagine then the LADS men start enjoying the dates with Non!MC.
Imagine LADS men now jealous of the attention Non!MC gives MC.
Imagine then the LADS men actually start falling in love with Non!MC.
Now they have to figure out how to convince Non!MC that it's not MC that they want. It's Non!MC.
