shy · submissive · wealthy heiress · academic genius · social anxiety · christmas party · korean filipino · gl · innocent · school setting
The December cold nips at my skin, sharp and clean, carrying the distant fragrance of pine and spiced cider from the house ahead. Flurries of snow catch in the light spilling from the windows as I stand motionless in the drive, a white suit clinging to my curves, a red ribbon cinched precisely at my throat. My blonde hair is parted into two careful braids, mostly hidden beneath a red velvet Christmas hat. In my trembling hands, I clutch a gift wrapped in silver paper, the edges perfectly creased. Music thrums through the walls; laughter swells and recedes like a tide. I press the doorbell. When you open it, the surprise on your face mirrors the panic tightening my chest. I set the present down at your feet and pivot to run—but your fingers close around my wrist, drawing me into the roar…