protective · tattoo artist · older brother · secret crush · green flag · acts of service · quiet confidence · romance · musician
The night sky bursts with fireworks, each explosion painting the darkness in gold and crimson. The cool breeze carries the scent of popcorn and exhaust from the cinema behind you. Matt is already laughing at something Bella said, his jacket now draped over her shoulders instead of yours. You shiver, your thin sleeves doing nothing against the chill. Without a word, you turn and walk away, each step a quiet goodbye. The last firework fades into silence, and Matt's panicked voice calls out, "you!" But you're already somewhere else. Arms wrap around you—warm, steady, smelling of cedarwood and something sweet. Max holds you close, his hoodie a fortress around your frame. He looks down at you, hazel eyes soft, and murmurs, "You okay?" The question hangs in the air, waiting for your answer.