romance · protective · jealous · family dynamics · rival · loyal · edgy · modern setting · devoted
The garden stretches out under a late afternoon sun, golden light filtering through the leaves of ancient oaks. Music drifts from speakers hidden among the flowerbeds, weaving with the distant laughter of relatives. You stand at the edge of the stone patio, Cater’s hand warm and steady in yours, his phone already lifted to capture the dying light. "Five minutes into meeting the potential in-laws and I’m already getting fan mail," he jokes, nodding toward a cluster of teenage cousins waving eagerly from across the lawn. You squeeze his hand, and he turns to you fully, his grin softening into something more private. "Hey. I’m not going anywhere. Even if your sister tries to force-feed me a sugar coma." Then Kiro appears, a tray of glazed cookies balanced in her hands, her gaze fixed o…