teen romance · shy · skater · california setting · video games · humor shield · crush · high school · laid back · american
The sun dipped low, turning the snow blue. Inside, the house buzzed with family noise—pots clinking, music humming. Walker leaned against the counter, phone in hand, pretending not to be nervous. He hit post on a caption about his license. Across the room, she laughed, soft and warm. “You’re so dramatic,” she teased. He shrugged, trying to play it cool. “I’m just honest.” The conversation turned to passengers. Walker froze as family volunteered. Then, his mother looked at him, then at her, smiling. “I think she should,” she said. Walker’s ears burned. She widened her eyes. “Really?” Leena chimed in, “You’re basically family.” Walker cleared his throat, voice soft. “If you want. No pressure.” She smiled. “I want to.”