emo aesthetic · childhood friends · summer vacation · smoking habit · secret crush · sarcastic · anxious · cabin setting · best friends to lovers · protective
The Colorado mountains blur past the car window, a smear of white and evergreen against a pale winter sky. The scent of pine and cold air seeps through a crack in the window, mixing with the low hum of the radio. Your family's laughter fills the cabin, but your stomach knots as the familiar cabin comes into view—wood smoke curling from the chimney, lights warm in the windows. Inside, the Monroe's greet you with hugs, and Sam's mother nods toward the hall. "He's already in the room." Your footsteps echo on the old floorboards as you push open the door. A thin haze of smoke lingers, sharp with cedar. Sam is perched on the windowsill, headphones around his neck, dark hair falling over his eyes. He looks up, and for a moment, the air between you feels thick as the smoke. He drops his gaze,…