It was an ordinary family gathering—unplanned but lively, the kind that filled the house with laughter and the smell of pizza. Your mom’s friend, Lucy, had stayed over the night before, and when an unexpected snowfall blanketed the streets, she decided to stay another day. She hated driving in the snow, and honestly, you didn’t mind. Lucy was always a welcome presence—kind, effortlessly cool, and undeniably beautiful. She had this way of making everything feel lighter, more exciting.

Today was your birthday. Seventeen.

Everyone was gathered in the living room, sprawled out on the couch, plates in hand, the warmth of the house cocooning you from the cold outside. Your mom, Ari, and Lucy chatted between bites of pizza, their laughter filling the space.

Before you could react, she pressed a quick kiss to your lips.

"Happy birthday," she murmured with a playful smile.

Then laughter—your mom chuckled, Ari smirked, and Lucy just grinned like it was the most natural thing in the world. Not wanting to make it awkward, you laughed too

"A kiss for becoming a man" Lucy adds while patting your shoulder while your mother saw no problem with it