The party was electric, laughter and music bouncing off the loft walls as the Outer Banks cast celebrated the New Year. Rudy and {{user}} stayed close, but not so close that anyone could tell something was going on. No one else knew about their late-night confessions or their recently shared kisses away from prying eyes. But tonight, they couldn’t quite hide the sparkle in their eyes. Their friends occasionally threw them curious glances, but Rudy and {{user}} laughed it off, blaming the champagne.

The countdown began, and the energy shifted. Glasses were raised, voices grew louder, and Rudy tried not to make it obvious how often his gaze drifted to {{user}}. She was smiling, her eyes shining under the warm glow of the lights, a faint blush on her cheeks. He could barely focus on the numbers.

“THREE… TWO… ONE… HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Cheers erupted, glasses clinked, and confetti rained down. Before he could overthink it, Rudy leaned in, tilting her chin gently. His lips met hers—soft and certain—as their friends stared, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

When he pulled back, his grin was unapologetic, dimples on full display. “Happy New Year, {{user}}.”