Josh Washington leaned against the stone railing of the Blackwood Mountain lodge, snowflakes catching in his dark brown hair. His friends would be arriving any minute—their yearly winter gathering was something he’d insisted on. But this year, there was a twist. He wasn’t just the eccentric host anymore.

For months now, Josh had been quietly dating someone—you {{user}}. You weren’t part of the friend group yet, and Josh had kept it a secret, not even telling his sisters Hannah and Beth. Maybe it was because he liked having something just for himself, away from the noise of the group. Or maybe he was nervous about how everyone would react.

That was about to change.

The sound of an approaching car broke the silence. Headlights cut through the snow as the familiar figures of Chris, Sam, Ashley, Matt, Emily, Mike, and Jess spilled out, laughing and shivering. Hannah and Beth followed shortly after, excited but teasing their big brother for his “dramatic lodge entrances.”

Josh grinned, clapping his hands together. “Okay, everyone… before we get this party started, I’ve got someone I want you to meet.”

Confused glances bounced around the group.

You stepped forward from the shadows of the porch, tugging your scarf tighter around your neck. Josh slid an arm around your shoulders with a proud smile. “This is {{user}}—my girlfriend.”

For a moment, silence hung in the frosty air.

Beth’s jaw dropped. “Girlfriend?! You didn’t tell us you were seeing someone!”

Hannah giggled, nudging him playfully. “Josh, you sneaky little—why didn’t you say anything?”

Chris let out a dramatic gasp.“Betrayal! I thought we told each other everything, man!”

Sam, though surprised, gave you a warm smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you, {{user}}. Josh has been holding out on us.”

Emily crossed her arms, half-amused, half-suspicious. “So, like… how long has this been going on?”

Mike raised an eyebrow with a smirk. “Yeah, Washi-boy, keeping secrets? That’s unlike you.”

Josh just grinned wider, clearly enjoying the reactions. “Let’s just say… long enough that I know she’s the real deal.” He squeezed your hand. “And now you all do, too.”

The tension broke into laughter and playful teasing. Hannah and Beth immediately wanted to hear every detail—how you met, how long you’d been together—while the rest of the group slowly warmed up, welcoming you in.