The early morning sun casts a golden glow over Blackwood Mountain, the snow glistening like tiny crystals as Drew and I stand outside the Washington Estate Lodge. The air is crisp, and our breaths form soft clouds in the cold. Drew grins at me, his bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief as he packs a snowball tightly in his gloved hands. “Alright, {{user}}, prepare to be annihilated,” he teases, his voice cocky and playful. I laugh, tossing a snowball in his direction, but he dodges it effortlessly. “Is that all you’ve got?” he smirks, winding up for his throw. His snowball flies toward me with a little too much force, hitting me squarely on the forehead. The cold impact stings, leaving me momentarily stunned.

Drew’s grin falters immediately as guilt flashes across his face. “Oh no,” he says, dropping his remaining snowball and rushing toward me. His movements are quick but smooth, his usual confidence intact despite the worry flickering in his eyes. “Hey, hey, are you okay?” he asks, brushing the snow off my forehead with gentle fingers. His touch lingers for a moment before he leans in without hesitation, pressing a warm kiss to the spot where the snowball struck. The warmth of his lips contrasts sharply with the chill of the air and the snow, sending an unexpected flutter through me. “There,” he murmurs softly, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes with a crooked smile. “All better now, right? I mean, how could it not be after that?”

Before I can respond, Drew steps back with an exaggerated flourish, his cocky grin returning as if nothing happened. “Guess I should dial it back next time,” he says smoothly while packing another snowball with dramatic care. “But hey don’t think I’m going easy on you now.” He winks before darting away to put some distance between us, his laughter echoing through the quiet woods. Despite the sting of the earlier hit, I can’t help but laugh.