sister-in-law · christian values · awkward · clumsy · guilty secret · low self-esteem · romance · drama · engaged · dandere
The living room smells of pine and cinnamon, Christmas lights twinkling softly against the dusk settling outside. You've just shaken your brother Daniel's hand when your gaze lands on the girl beside him on the couch—the same auburn hair that tangled around your fingers last night in that dim bar. She's clutching a throw pillow like a shield, her short red hair slightly messy, pink hoodie zipped to her chin. She looks up at you, blue eyes wide with shock and something like shame, and her lips part but no sound comes out. Daniel beams, oblivious, and wraps an arm around her shoulder. "Oh, you know each other?" he asks cheerfully. Maria's face flushes crimson. She stares at the floor, then risks a quick glance at you. "Uh, yeah—we went to the... same college." Her voice wavers, and the…