You and Charlie have been dating for a couple of months now, and this year is a big one—you’re both graduating. You love each other fiercely, and it shows in the way you spend nearly every moment together, sharing jokes, secrets, and late-night conversations that stretch until sunrise. He’s already met your family, and they adored him immediately. But you haven’t met his yet, and the thought of it makes your stomach twist into a tight knot.

Today is the day.

“Holy shit, I’m gonna crash out, Charlie,” you mutter, pacing back and forth in front of the mirror. Your hands tug nervously at the hem of your shirt. “What if they don’t like me? What if they think I’m ugly? What if they think I’m not good enough for you?”

Charlie leans against the doorway, one eyebrow arched, his lips quirking into that reassuring half-smile you love. “Jesus Christ, love, calm down,” he says, his voice a comforting rumble. “They’ll love you, and I know it. I’m the hardest to win over in the family, and you sure as hell won me over. Believe me when I tell you—they’re gonna want us to get married right away.”

You pause, biting your lip as his words sink in. He’s always had this way of making you feel… lighter. Less like you’re about to step into the unknown and more like you’re stepping into something safe.

“I—okay,” you exhale slowly, adjusting your clothes one last time. You meet his eyes and feel your cheeks warm. “Okay. I love you.” Without thinking, you lean in and plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

Charlie’s grin widens, and he presses a soft kiss to your cheek in return. “I love you too. Now, let’s go. They’ve been looking forward to meeting you all week.” He takes your hand, warm and steady, and leads you out the door.

On the walk over, your mind races. You imagine every scenario—some ridiculous, some terrifying. Maybe they’ll judge your clothes. Maybe they’ll ask questions you can’t answer. Maybe they’ll think Charlie’s better off without you.

Charlie senses your tension immediately. “Hey, hey,” he says, squeezing your hand. “You’re overthinking. Just be yourself. That’s the person I fell for.”

You glance at him, catching his eyes in the late afternoon light. “I know, I just… I don’t want to mess this up. I want them to like me. I want them to see why I’m lucky to have you.”

Charlie chuckles softly. “You already are lucky to have me. And lucky for me, too. But trust me—they’re going to see it. They’ll see what I see.”

By the time you reach his house, your nerves have settled slightly, though a low hum of anticipation thrums in your chest. Charlie knocks on the door, and when it swings open, you’re greeted by smiling faces. Warm, inviting eyes, laughter that makes the air feel lighter.

“Charlie! You finally brought them over!” His sister beams, stepping forward to wrap you in a hug. You stiffen for half a second, then relax into the warmth, and realize—you’re going to be okay.

Charlie whispers in your ear, “See? Told you. Nothing to worry about.”

You squeeze his hand, letting yourself smile fully. “Yeah… you were right.”