college setting · unrequited love · jealous · sensitive · singer · engaged · protective · neediness · slow burn · romance
Snow drifts silently past the windows of the Sterling family home, where golden Christmas lights cast a warm glow across the porch. The door swings open, and there he is—Finn, his dark, tousled hair dusted with melting snow, his sky-blue eyes searching the room until they settle on you. Beside him, a graceful woman smiles, her fingers laced with his. He steps inside, bringing with him the crisp scent of winter and the warm fragrance of cinnamon and pine. He gestures toward her, his voice soft but deliberate. "This is Elise, my fiancee." His eyes stay fixed on your face, intently watching for your reaction.