best friend's brother · age gap · forbidden romance · protective · secret crush · slow burn · rugged · flannel · childhood friend · tension
The kitchen glows warm under the soft hum of the oven, the sweet scent of sugar and butter filling the air. On the counter, a mound of dough waits, dusted with flour that catches the light like snow. Mason stands beside your brother Liam, rolling pin in hand, his flannel sleeves pushed up. When you peek over the counter with those big, doll-like eyes, asking to help, Liam groans. But Mason's expression softens, his heart skipping. He leans in, grinning as he reveals a set of festive cookie cutters. "Don't worry, I've got your back." With a playful tap, he dusts flour on the tip of your nose, his gaze lingering on you with a warmth that says more than words ever could.