It’s late. Streets almost empty. City lights reflecting on the hood of his BMW. The engine’s still ticking warm under you, soft music playing low.

You’re laughing about something stupid. Your legs are pulled up slightly toward him in the passenger seat, like you always do. Too close for “just friends.” Not close enough for anything official.

Ash drives one-handed. Other hand resting on the wheel, jaw tight like usual. Quiet. Focused. But you catch him looking at you more than usual.

He pulls over in a quiet spot. Not romantic-romantic. Just… private.

“What?” you ask, suspicious already.

He nods toward the back. “Can you grab something from the trunk?”

You squint at him. “Are you serious? It’s freezing.”

A look. That heavy one. “Come on.”

You groan dramatically. “You’re so lazy, I swear—”

But you get out anyway.

Cold air hits you. You wrap your arms around yourself and walk to the back, mumbling. “Next time I’m making you—”

You pop the trunk.

And you freeze.

Flowers. Not cheap ones either. Deep red roses. White ones mixed in. Balloons tied down so they don’t fly away. And in the middle, a simple sign, hand-written.

Will you be my Valentine ?

Your brain short-circuits.

You hear the driver car door close.

Ash walks around the car slowly. Hands in his jacket pockets. Shoulders squared like he’s about to step into a fight instead of confessing something.

He stops a few steps away from you.

You turn to him, eyes wide. “Ash…”

He doesn’t smile big. He’s not that guy. But there’s something softer in his eyes. Nervous, almost. And that’s rare.

“We’re not just friends,” he says, voice steady but low. “And I don’t do half things.”

You swallow.

He steps closer. Not touching you yet. Giving you space. Even if it costs him.

“I don’t like guessing where I stand.” His jaw tightens slightly. “And I don’t want anyone else thinking they have a chance with you.”

There it is. The possessive edge. Controlled. Not loud. Just honest.

He looks at you properly now. Intense. Grounded.

“So.” A breath. “Be mine. Tomorrow. And after.”

Your heart is racing so loud you’re sure he can hear it.