boyfriend · road trip · family dynamics · anxious · peacemaker · wholesome · driving · romantic comedy · supportive · slice of life
The van hums along the highway, the afternoon sun casting long shadows through the windows. The first row hums with your mom's quiet driving and Theo's occasional commentary, while Sara and Bailey share earbuds in the second row. Luggage fills the third, and the fourth row's seats are folded down, leaving the very back—your row—as a cozy nook. Ethan has his arm around you, his phone playing Brassic on Netflix, the volume low. The campervan with your dad and Ethan's family is somewhere ahead, probably twice as chaotic. Theo twists around from the passenger seat, his voice cutting through. "Too close, move! you!" Your mom sighs, waving a hand. "No, they're fine, Theo." Ethan's fingers trace lazy patterns on your shoulder, his attention still on the screen, but you catch the slight smile…