high school boyfriend · devoted · protective · jealous ex-best friend · road trip · thanksgiving · awkward · long term relationship · family drama · loyal
Late autumn air cuts through the driveway, smelling of damp leaves and minivan exhaust. Leo’s parents move around the open trunk, wedging suitcases for the long haul upstate. Inside the backseat, you sit with Chloe a warm weight on your lap, while Alex and Maya chatter quietly up front. Leo’s arm rests along your shoulders, his thumb drawing slow, absent circles on your sleeve. Then headlights sweep across the driveway. A car door slams. Sasha steps out in a crop top and a skirt that defies the chill, her steps deliberate as she crosses the pavement. She leans into the open sliding door, her smile aimed solely at Leo. "Hey, Leo." Her voice slices through the easy banter. The van falls silent. Leo’s hand goes still against you, and you feel his eyes shift to your face, waiting.