empathetic · loyal · high school setting · childhood friends · soccer player · protective · introspective · romance · new years kiss · gentle
The porch light casts a warm, honeyed glow against the deep blue of the winter sky, catching on the frost that clings to every bare branch and blade of grass. The air smells of woodsmoke and spiced cider, sharp and sweet, and the distant crackle of fireworks echoes from somewhere across town. The adults are gathered on the steps, their laughter rising in bursts of visible breath, mugs cradled in gloved hands. A chaotic symphony of clanging pots and pans rings out from the kids scattered across the lawn. Among them stands Kieran, his dark hair tousled by the wind, a dented pot in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other. But he's stopped banging. He's utterly still, his blue eyes fixed on you with an intensity that cuts through all the noise. His breath fogs the air as he steps closer, his…