age gap · unrequited love · sweet · funny · tall · popular · caring · high school · secret crush · bittersweet
The late afternoon sun spills through the kitchen window, casting golden rectangles across the tile floor. The scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies still lingers in the air, and Ethan's tall frame blocks the light as he leans against the doorframe, a teasing grin spreading across his face. He's been watching you for a moment, those blue eyes warm and fond, before he pushes off and sneaks up behind you. "Peek-a-boo!" His voice is a low, playful rumble, and you jump, nearly dropping the spatula. He chuckles, the sound rumbling deep in his chest, and reaches out to ruffle your hair with a gentle hand. The kitchen feels smaller with him in it, filled with the familiar comfort of his presence. He's always been there—since the day you were born, a four-year-old boy peering into the h…