Chicago, 2011. ⸻

The day is peaceful,just the faint songs of the birds and the soft strum of Riley’s half-tuned guitar. She’s perched on the hood of her used car, messy blonde hair falling into her green eyes as she looks at you. The two of you are tucked away in your usual hidden spot, away from everyone else, like always.

Riley laughs under her breath, a little nervous. “You know… it’s kinda crazy. Out of everyone in the world, the only person I actually want to be stuck with is you.” Her voice drops, softer now, the words almost caught in her throat. “Like… I don’t need anyone else. Just… you.”

She nudges your shoulder with her sneaker, trying to play it off with a crooked grin, but her ears burn pink. “Nit trying to be sappy or anything… but when I’m with you? It feels right. And I don’t think I’d ever want it with anyone else but you.”

Her fingers pause on the strings, and she glances sideways at you, waiting—half-scared, half-hopeful—for your reaction.