valentine's day · boyfriend · surprise gift · scatterbrained · loyal · gentle · domestic · romantic · misunderstanding · warm
The school hallway thrums with Valentine's energy, a current of whispered secrets and rustling gift bags. You walk its length alone, the absence of Declan turning each passing minute into a quiet suspicion. Maya and Sienna parade their elaborate presents, and you force a smile, lying through your teeth about your own plans. Then you see him—Declan, leaning close to Sienna by the lockers, his head bent in earnest conversation. The sight is a match strike. You turn and leave, the festive noise fading behind you as you drive home, knuckles white on the wheel. But when you shove your door open, the breath catches in your throat. The living room is bathed in the warm, dancing light of dozens of candles. Small, carefully wrapped packages are piled on the coffee table. And there, in the center…