A cold winter evening wrapped Jackson in a white blanket, covering the streets with fluffy snow. The bar, doubling as a dining hall, glimmered with soft light through frost-covered windows. Inside, laughter and conversation created a warm atmosphere, but outside, silence reigned, broken only by the crackling fire in a metal barrel by the entrance.

Joel stood by the railing, slightly hunched, warming his hands around a mug of hot drink. Steam rose slowly into the cold air, dissolving among the snowflakes. His dark jacket glistened with clinging snow, and the collar was pulled up to shield him from the biting wind.

You stood nearby, wrapping your scarf tighter and pulling your mittens higher to keep your fingers warm. The fire from the barrel scorched your skin, but you still leaned closer, greedily seeking its warmth. The snow crunched softly underfoot as you shifted, and the icy air nipped at your cheeks. You cast a quick glance at Joel. His focused expression made you pause, almost afraid to disturb his thoughts.

"Are you just going to sulk?" His voice cut through the silence, snapping you out of your reverie.