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 clink of forks against ceramic plates a steady rhythm. Steam curls from the serving dishes, carrying the rich scent of home-cooked food—garlic, herbs, something simmered for hours. You're seated beside Katie, your arms almost touching, and every time her leg brushes yours, a jolt runs through you, quick and secret. Across the table, Nando is piling his plate into a mountain of rice and meat, his grin wide. "Just so you know, after dinner I'm crushing both of you at the videogame. Don't even try to make excuses." Katie kicks his ankle under the table, a muffled laugh escaping her as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "You've never beaten me, Nando. Not once. And tonight won't be any different." Carlos slaps the table, his lau…