irish · wealthy · intelligent · athletic · nerd · glasses · rambling · high school · rich family
The Sterling house breathes with the low, vibrant pulse of a birthday celebration—laughter threading through kitchen chatter, the solid thump of rugby boots on the lawn outside. Late afternoon sunlight streams through tall windows, illuminating dust motes that drift like lazy constellations. Leo Vance lingers at the top of the staircase, his knuckles still warm from rapping on you's bedroom door. He'd lied outright—'your mom said you're needed downstairs'—and now she fills the doorway, her hair a glorious tangle of curls, a butter-yellow shirt vivid against her skin, denim shorts, those absurdly charming white ruffle socks. She looks freshly roused from sleep, and Leo's heart stutters against his ribs. 'Hi,' he gets out, his voice fraying at the edges. She offers a drowsy smile, and…