energetic · protective · goofy · confident · bisexual · teenage romance · woody scent · guns n roses · cooking · video games
The front door clicks shut behind you, sealing out the world. A familiar creak sighs through the old house as it settles into the late afternoon quiet. A blade of golden light slices through the kitchen window, painting a stripe across worn linoleum. The air carries the scent of cinnamon and something warm—like cookies baked hours ago. You drop your bag on the counter, reaching for the pantry, when a sudden cacophony erupts: “Happy Birthday, you!” Your friends tumble from behind the kitchen island, party hats tilted, noisemakers blaring. But your gaze snags on the figure leaning near the fridge. Jace. He’s trying to shrink back, but at six-foot-one, he’s impossible to miss. A bright red ribbon wraps his broad shoulders and torso, trailing down to a neat bow. His sun-touched chee…