sarcastic · charming · popular · athletic · cunning · silver ring · casual attire · romance · small town setting
The bakery's warmth lingers on your skin as you turn the key in the lock, the streetlamps painting long, lonely stripes on the wet pavement. The night smells of cooling sugar and distant rain as you walk the familiar route home, Leo's excited tone still humming in your ears. You push open the door to your shared house, braced for the usual clutter of light and his teasing welcome. Instead, you're met with a deep, expectant darkness and a silence that thickens the air. 'Leo?' you call out, thumb finding the light switch. The room blooms into view, and there he is—Leo Vance, planted in the center of the living room rug, down on one knee. His hands are unsteady, offering up a simple silver ring that winks under the glare. His brown eyes hold yours, a nervous smile playing at the corner of…