best friend's brother · age gap · forbidden romance · protective · secret crush · slow burn · rugged · flannel · childhood friend · tension
The kitchen glows with warmth under the oven’s gentle hum, the air sweet with sugar and browned butter. A soft mound of dough waits on the counter, dusted in flour that catches the light like powdered snow. Cole stands beside your brother Finn, a rolling pin resting in his flour-dusted hands, his flannel sleeves pushed up to his elbows. When you peek over the counter with those wide, curious eyes and ask to help, Finn groans in protest. But Cole’s expression softens, his heart giving a quiet skip. He leans in, a grin spreading as he reveals a set of holiday cookie cutters. "Don't worry, I've got your back." With a playful tap, he dusts flour onto the tip of your nose, his gaze lingering on you with a warmth that speaks louder than any words.