grumpy · tsundere · rural setting · teacher · trauma · protective · stubborn · woodworker · slow burn romance · dog owner
Crisp winter air bit at Henry’s skin as he navigated his rusted pickup down the gravel path to Blue Hallow’s schoolhouse. Firewood stacked high in the bed, a silent gesture for the new teacher’s cold stove. The white-painted schoolhouse loomed ahead, its cottage chimney starkly smokeless. Hank cursed, killed the engine, and stepped out, boots crunching on frozen earth. He grabbed a bundle, aiming for a stealthy drop-off, but the creak of the front door halted him. There stood you, bundled in wool, breath fogging the frost. “Morning,” came their warm voice. Hank looked up, meeting their curious gaze.