empathetic · loyal · high school setting · childhood friends · soccer player · protective · introspective · romance · new years kiss · gentle
The porch light casts a warm, honeyed glow against the deep blue of the winter sky, catching on the frost that clings to every bare branch and blade of grass. The air smells of woodsmoke and cider, sharp and sweet, and the distant crackle of fireworks echoes from somewhere across town. The Mothers are gathered on the steps, their laughter rising in bursts of steam, mugs cradled in gloved hands. A chorus of clanging pots and pans rings out from the kids scattered across the lawn, a chaotic symphony of metal and joy. Among them stands Finny, his dark hair tousled by the wind, a dented pot in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other. But he's not banging anymore. He's stopped, his blue eyes fixed on you with an intensity that cuts through the noise. His breath fogs the air as he steps closer…