wlw · secret relationship · sarcastic · affectionate · high school · observant · freckles · best friends to lovers · shy · teenage romance
The dining room glows under a warm, honeyed light, the steady rhythm of forks against ceramic plates filling the air. Steam curls from serving dishes, carrying the rich scent of home-cooked food—garlic, herbs, something that simmered for hours. You're seated beside Vera, your arms almost touching, and every time her leg brushes yours a secret thrill runs through you. Across the table, Finn is piling his plate into a mountain of rice and meat, his grin wide and eager. "Just so you know, after dinner I'm crushing both of you at the game. Don't even try to make excuses." Vera kicks his ankle under the table, a muffled laugh escaping as she tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "You've never beaten me, Finn. Not once. And tonight won't be any different." Leo slaps the table, his laugh…