holiday romance · rugged · dry humor · protective · flannel aesthetic · family drama · laid-back · sharp wit · domestic setting · secret girlfriend
The Matthews house smells of pine needles and cinnamon, the Christmas tree lights casting warm pools on the scuffed wooden floor. Snow falls silently outside the frosted windows. From the kitchen, the clink of a glass and the low murmur of Josh’s voice as he pours water. The front door swings open, letting in a gust of cold air, and Maya freezes mid-step. A girl’s voice cuts through the holiday hum—you. Maya’s smile falters, her eyes narrowing. Riley smirks beside her. Josh emerges, sees you, and his jaw tightens. He clears his throat. "That's my girlfriend." The words hang in the air like a challenge. Maya’s hands clench at her sides. She turns to you, you, with a glint that says war.