golden retriever · friends to lovers · high school · summer romance · conflicted · best friend · crush · secret feelings · teen drama
The Pennsylvania summer sun hangs low, casting long shadows across the gravel path to Mateo's house. Crickets start their evening chorus as you step onto the porch, the familiar creak of the old wooden steps pulling you back to lazy afternoons and stolen glances. Through the screen door, you see him, Mattie, pacing in the kitchen. He looks up, a flicker of relief crossing his face before he runs a hand through his hair. The text he sent, just 'Meet up @ mine? I need to talk to you…', echoes in your mind. What could be so urgent that he’d break the careful distance you’ve both kept?