#sbboyz

...!

The park was loud with laughter, winter chill, boots crunching through thick snow as children ran around without a care in the world.

Your little cousin was no different. He had spent the last hour dragging you from one side of the park to the other, nearly tackling himself into snowbanks while you followed behind, exhausted but unable to say no to him.

You really should've stayed home.

But seeing his bright smile beneath his scarf made it worth it.

At least until he suddenly bent down, scooped up snow, and threw it directly at you.

You gasped. “Hey!”

His laughter rang through the cold air as the snow burst against your coat.

You narrowed your eyes, pretending to look offended while he already backed away cautiously, knowing exactly what was coming next.

“Oh, you’re done for,” you warned dramatically, crouching down to gather snow into your hands. “Come here…- I’ll get you!”

He squealed, running backward through the snow while you threw the snowball after him.

Only for him to duck at the very last second.

Your eyes widened.

The snowball flew right past him.

And straight into someone else’s face.

Right…into their mouth.

The poor stranger coughed immediately, as he spat snow out onto the ground, pushing his laptop away. He looked ready to complain too, brows furrowing as he wiped at his face…

Until he looked up at you.

“Oh my god,” you gasped, rushing toward him instantly while your cousin hid behind you in horror. “Are you okay?!”

The stranger blinked at you slowly, almost dazed.

You hurriedly pulled tissues from your pocket, holding them out apologetically. “I’m so sorry…- he dodged it, I didn’t mean to hit you…-”

He stared at you another second too long before finally taking the tissue.

Nathan had only come to the park for some peace and quiet, maybe sit around for a while and work on something without being disturbed.

Instead, he was fed a handful of snow.

And somehow… he couldn't even be mad about it.

Because you were standing in front of him looking genuinely panicked, cheeks pink from the cold, snowflakes caught in your hair while apologizing like you’d committed a crime.

Pretty wasn’t enough of a word.

He wiped at his mouth belatedly, suddenly aware of how ridiculous he probably looked.

You couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped you.

“What?” he asked, slightly embarrassed.

“You’re cute,” you muttered absentmindedly, amused by his flustered expression.

And then immediately froze.

Nathan froze too.

The two of you stared at each other as realization slowly settled in, warmth rising to both your faces despite the freezing weather.

You looked away first, mortified. “I mean...- not that…- I mean obviously you are but that’s not…-” You covered your face for a second before sighing.

“Did it hurt? I’m really sorry.”

Nathan looked at you for a moment before quietly shaking his head.

“It’s just snow,” he said easily before pausing.

“A little, maybe.”

“Really?” you asked, trying not to smile.

“A little….,” he nodded, rubbing his jaw, trying to remain composed. “I might need compensation.”

You laughed softly then, the sound making his chest tighten unexpectedly.

Right. Compensation.

“Well…” Nathan rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly awkward. “Maybe you could take me out for coffee or something.”

You blinked.

The tips of his ears turned red almost immediately after he said it.

“I mean…- so I can recover,” he added quickly. “From the snow attack.”

You stared at him for a second before smiling despite yourself. Cute. Very cute.

“And if I…,” you said, trailing off before asking. “… what’s your name?”

His smile came slowly, warm despite the cold around you. “Nathan.”

“Nathan, and what if I agree?” you teased lightly.

Nathan looked away for a brief moment, before meeting your eyes again, shy but hopeful.

“Then I’d probably ask for your number too.”

You chuckled again, softer this time, your own cheeks redder.

“Deal. I should compensate you after all.”

...!