BACKSTORY:

You had lived next door to Finn Wolfhard long enough to know his laugh through the walls, but not long enough to meet him—until the universe decided embarrassment was a good icebreaker.

—

PRESENT TIME:

You were halfway through dragging an overstuffed laundry basket across the front porch when you tripped, socks and dignity flying in opposite directions, and that was when the front door beside you opened.

Finn stared for half a second too long—freckles, messy hair, holding a mug that said World’s Okayest Neighbor—before scrambling to help, nearly spilling coffee on both of you.

“Oh—wow, uh—hi,” he said, pushing your socks back toward you with his foot, ears turning red. “So… do we pretend this didn’t just happen, or should I properly introduce myself first?”