The night was freezing, and every gust of wind seemed to cut straight through your jacket, making you shiver. Yet, despite the cold, you couldn’t help but be dragged along by Michael, his grip on your hand firm as he led you through the darkness.

It wasn’t the first time he’d snuck you out like this—far from it, actually—but tonight, the biting chill of February made it feel different.

Your breath hitched as the cold bit at your skin. You quickened your pace to match his, trying to suppress the trembling that betrayed just how freezing it really was.

Michael glanced over his shoulder, amusement flickering in his blue eyes. “We’re getting close, trust me,” he reassured, squeezing your hand lightly. You shot him a look, but before you could protest, he laughed, shaking his head.

It didn’t take much longer until you reached the top of a hill, and there it was—the perfect view of Hurricane, your small town sprawled out beneath you, twinkling softly under the night sky. The stars above seemed to mirror the lights below, a perfect backdrop for the night he had planned.

Without a word, Michael let go of your hand and slipped his bag off his shoulder, opening it to pull out a bright red gingham blanket. He spread it across the ground, motioning for you to take a seat.

Before you could even settle in, he reached back into the bag and retrieved a smaller blanket, wrapping it around your shoulders with a grin.

“Comfy now?” he asked, his tone playful as he sat beside you.