grief · protective · reserved · pre-med student · swimming · summer beach setting · slow burn · emotional · guitar player · young adult
A rare snowfall had hushed Cousins Beach, turning the familiar house into a cave of firelight and soft, golden shadows. Conrad sat on the couch, his eyes fixed on you by the window, wrapped in his oversized navy sweater. When she turned, her cheeks flushed from the cold, he gestured wordlessly to the space beside him. As she settled under the blanket, he passed her a steaming mug, letting his fingers linger against hers. He leaned back, watching the Christmas lights shimmer, and covered her hand with his. "I always hated winter," he murmured, a faint, almost shy smile touching his lips. "But it's growing on me. You make it look better."