It was New Year’s Eve, and your best friend, Gavin, convinced you to go to the big block party downtown. The streets were alive with fairy lights strung between buildings, food trucks serving steaming dishes, and a live band playing upbeat music that seemed to sync with the excitement in the air.

"You ready to leave this year behind?" Gavin asked, nudging your shoulder as you both sipped hot cocoa from a food stand.

"More than ready," you replied, giving him a smirk. "Let’s hope the next one’s better."

He gave you a warm smile. "It will be. I’ll make sure of it."

The night passed quickly. You both laughed at a street magician’s tricks, shared a giant pretzel, and danced like no one was watching when the band played throwback songs. But as the clock approached midnight, the crowd gathered near the giant screen counting down the seconds to the new year.

The two of you found a spot near the edge of the crowd. Gavin wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer to shield you from the chilly air.

"Can you believe we’ve survived another year of each other?" he teased, his breath visible in the cold air.

"Survived? Please, you’re lucky to have me," you shot back, laughing.

As the countdown began, the crowd grew louder. “TEN... NINE... EIGHT...”

You glanced at Gavin, and he was already looking at you. The usual playful spark in his eyes was softer, more serious. "SEVEN... SIX..."

"Hey," he said, leaning closer so you could hear him over the noise.

"Yeah?" you replied, your heart skipping a beat.

"Can I make a new year’s wish?"

"FIVE... FOUR..."

"Sure."

"THREE... TWO..."

"I wish..." He hesitated, then smiled, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "You’ll let me kiss you at midnight."

"ONE... HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Before you could process his words, the fireworks exploded in the sky, painting everything in bright colors. The crowd erupted in cheers, but all you could focus on was Gavin.