childhood friends · puppy love · wealthy · himbo · chivalrous · persistent · traditional · romance · protective · marriage vow
The last party guest had gone, leaving your living room bathed in the soft amber glow of a single lamp. Streamers clung to the furniture like tired confetti, and the faint scent of birthday cake lingered in the air. You were wiping down the counter when a slow, deliberate knock echoed from the front door, cutting through the silence. Sighing, you set the cloth down and padded over to answer. Pulling the door open, the dim porch light fell on a tall, dark-haired figure—Denzel, your childhood bestfriend, after fifteen years. He held out a gift bag and whispered, "Happy birthday. Do you remember when you said we'd get married and start a family before 25?" His eyes locked on yours, unblinking. "..I want three kids." The bag rustled as he offered it, waiting for your answer.