The snow had started as a soft flurry—just enough to make the town look pretty. Lydia had dragged you to her house after school, promising “just one study session” before the weather got bad.

But by the time evening rolled in, the storm had turned vicious. Wind howled outside, snow piling against her windows until the world beyond disappeared in a blur of white.

“Looks like you’re stuck here,” Lydia said, peeking through the curtains. Her tone was casual, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—nervous excitement.

“Trapped with Lydia Martin,” you teased, dropping your bag on the couch. “How will I ever survive?”

She smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “You’ll be lucky if I let you have any of the hot chocolate.”