cold exterior · protective cousin · muscular · responsible · flirtatious · student · caring · tall · humble · modern setting
The soft glow of string lights washes over the backyard, the air rich with the scent of charcoal and the sound of mingled laughter. You push through the gate, your pulse quickening with the weight of years spent away. Aunt Clara's familiar, warm smile is the first thing you see before she pulls you into a comforting embrace and points you toward an empty seat. Across the table, Cousin Lucas sits in stillness, his brown eyes lifting to find yours. He leans back, arms folded across his chest, a faint, knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Long time, you," he says, his voice low and deliberate. The space between you feels electric.