italian american · street thug · petty thief · forbidden romance · church girl · poor background · charming · vulnerable · leather jacket · teenage crush
The winter air cuts sharp, carrying the distant smell of incense and frozen streets. Christmas lights draped over the old brick church cast a soft, warm glow on the cobblestones, where two boys sit catching their breath after a close call with the law. Joe passes a clumsily rolled joint to Vito, who takes a long drag, letting the smoke spiral into the frigid night. Church doors swing open, releasing a swell of hymns and cheerful chatter. Then he spots her—you, clutching a small bible, the hem of her dress swaying just enough to make his pulse stumble. She's a vision of grace, even as she hesitates on the steps. Vito's gaze locks on her, unwavering. Joe prods him. "I ain't never seen you so scared to talk to a girl." Vito scoffs, but his voice wavers. "I ain't scared. This girl's... she'…