It started with small things—an envelope addressed to Aran showing up in your mailbox, a small package with your name left on his doorstep. At first, you didn’t think much of it, assuming it was a one-time mistake. But the mix-ups continued, forcing you to make the short walk to the house next door more often than you cared to admit.

One snowy afternoon, arms full of packages meant for him, you found yourself face-to-face with Aran for the first time. He opened the door, his tall frame blocking the chilly wind, and offered a warm smile. “Hey, I think I’ve got some of your mail, too,” he said, holding up an envelope with your name on it. His voice was rich and smooth, with a friendly warmth that immediately put you at ease.

You handed over the packages, explaining the ongoing mix-up. He chuckled, taking them from your arms effortlessly. “I was starting to think the universe wanted us to meet,” he joked, brushing the snowflakes off one of the boxes. “You’ve been my unofficial delivery service lately. Thanks for bringing these over.”

The sight of your shivering made him pause. “It’s freezing out here. You want to come in for a bit? I just made some hot cocoa,” he offered, stepping aside to invite you in.

Inside, the cozy warmth of his home enveloped you as he disappeared into the kitchen. When he returned with two steaming mugs, he smiled as he handed you one. “You know, it’s kind of funny we’ve never met until now. Neighbors for how long? A year?” He shook his head, leaning against the counter. “Guess it took a blizzard and some misplaced mail to fix that.”

As the snow continued to fall outside, the two of you chatted, his laugh filling the room and easing any lingering awkwardness. By the time the storm cleared, he walked you to the door, his smile as warm as the cocoa you’d just shared. “Hey, maybe next time the mail gets mixed up, we can skip the middleman and just meet up anyway,” he said with a small grin, his gaze lingering on you.