(vicsbxtch_)

As the crisp November air settled outside, the anticipation of the upcoming holiday season permeated the atmosphere. The classrooms were adorned with festive decorations, and the aroma of winter lingered in the air. Amidst the math equations and lectures, your gaze drifted away from the chalkboard, and you found yourself daydreaming, captivated by the allure of the season.

In the midst of your reverie, a discreet note passed your way. It was from Vic, a trusted friend who had been privy to the secret crush you harbored for Thomas, the blond guitarist who had stolen your heart over a year ago. The note read, "Wanna decorate my house with the guys this weekend? Thomas will be there. ;)"

Your heart raced, and a mix of excitement and nervousness flooded your senses. It seemed Vic, your confidante and accomplice in matters of the heart, had devised a plan to bring you closer to Thomas. The prospect of spending time with him outside the confines of a classroom ignited a spark of hope within you.

Turning around, you shot Vic a small nod, acknowledging your presence in the festive decorating hustle. The exchange of silent understanding spoke volumes, a shared secret woven into the tapestry of the day.

Once the math class concluded, Vic swiftly caught up with you, her eyes sparkling with mischief. With a playful grin, she proposed a lunch outing, a chance to unwind and discuss the upcoming weekend plans. Walking together towards the cafeteria, the air filled with the aroma of anticipation and the lighthearted banter of friendship.

Vic couldn't resist teasing you about the visible flush that adorned your cheeks upon receiving her note. Her laughter echoed through the hallways as she playfully nudged you, "Did you turn into a human thermometer? Your reaction was priceless when you read my note in class."

Amidst the banter, you couldn't help but join in the laughter, grateful for Vic's ability to bring levity to the situation. The teasing became a lighthearted dance of camaraderie, a shared moment of joy that further solidified the bond between you two. As you reached the cafeteria, the promise of a delightful lunch and the warmth of friendship enveloped you, setting the stage for the adventures that awaited during the weekend decorating escapade.

As you turned around with your lunch in hand, a flutter of nerves danced in your stomach. Vic, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, led you toward a specific table where Damiano, Ethan, and Thomas were seated. The unusual arrangement indicated a deliberate deviation from their usual routine, and your legs felt like jelly as you approached.

The only available seat was conveniently next to Thomas. Your heart quickened its pace as you took the seat, acutely aware of the subtle dynamics at play. A fleeting glance at Vic revealed a sly smirk, confirming her orchestrations in placing you strategically next to the blond guitarist.

As you settled in, the trio warmly greeted you, their smiles radiating genuine camaraderie. Damiano's infectious energy, Ethan's easygoing demeanor, and Thomas's warm gaze created a welcoming atmosphere. The air buzzed with a mix of excitement and subtle tension, and your cheeks flushed as you exchanged greetings with the boys.

Small talk ensued, and despite the initial nervousness, you found yourself gradually easing into the conversation. The laughter and banter flowed naturally, weaving a tapestry of shared moments. Thomas's presence beside you became a source of both comfort and excitement, and you couldn't help but steal occasional glances in his direction.

The day of the much-anticipated decorations arrived, and you knocked on Vic's door with a mix of excitement and nervousness. As the door swung open, Vic greeted you with infectious enthusiasm, her radiant smile contrasting with the tacky brilliance of her ugly Christmas sweater. It seemed the dress code for the day included these festive fashion faux pas, a requirement that filled you with a blend of amusement and mild dread, especially considering the presence of your crush.

You exchanged greetings, and Vic playfully gestured towards her own sweater with a theatrical twirl, as if embracing the inherent ridiculousness of the tradition. Before you could fully appreciate the situation, Damiano's boisterous laughter echoed from within the house. Curious, you stepped inside and found him on the floor, clutching his stomach in pain from an apparent fit of laughter.

Ethan, ever the helping one, was reaching behind the couch for something-or, as it turned out, someone. To your astonishment, Thomas emerged from his hiding place, adorned with Christmas tinsels in his hair. The unexpected sight caused a mix of laughter and disbelief to ripple through the room.

Vic, quick to capture the moment, had her phone ready to record the impromptu festive spectacle. Thomas, with a sheepish grin, brushed off the tinsels, his eyes meeting yours for a fleeting moment. The sheer absurdity of the situation seemed to dissolve any lingering tension, and the shared laughter created an instant bond among the group.

"What in the world happened?" you exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and amusement, as Ethan attempted to detangle Thomas's hair from the Christmas decorations. Thomas, looking bashful, explained, "I fell in the Christmas tinsels box." His explanation only added to the comedic nature of the situation, and you couldn't help but find his bashfulness utterly endearing, causing you to bite your lip in an attempt to contain a smile.

Ethan tactfully stepped away, leaving you to assist Thomas in the delicate task of unraveling his hair from the festive entanglement. As you worked, you became acutely aware of how close you were to Thomas. When the task was completed, you looked up to find him staring at you. The proximity and the intensity of his gaze prompted a sudden step back, your cheeks aflame with a blush.

Vic, ever perceptive, came to the rescue, inviting you to join her in seeking something in the garage. Grateful for the diversion, you followed her, and as the door closed behind you, the privacy allowed you a moment to catch your breath. Vic, sensing the tension, began to squeal with excitement, recognizing the adorable scene she had just witnessed.

In the glow of the garage's dim light, Vic animatedly shared her delight, reveling in the cuteness of the moment. "Mio Dio ! That was the cutest thing ever." She gleefully mentioned how she had captured the entire scene on camera, ensuring that the precious, candid moment would be preserved for posterity. As you listened to her exclamations, the embarrassment gradually transformed into a shared laugh between friends, appreciating the serendipity of the situation.

Upon returning, you focused on the task at hand, determined to avoid any more potentially heart-fluttering interactions with Thomas. The group immersed themselves in the festive chaos, each contributing to the transformation of Vic's house.

As the time to decorate the Christmas tree arrived, a spirited debate ensued about the color scheme. After some lively discussion, red and golden emerged victorious. The decision made, you all set to work, the room buzzing with excitement and the promise of a beautifully adorned tree.

The atmosphere intensified as you and Thomas found yourselves working in close proximity. The exchange of decorations became a delicate dance, and the slight brush of hands sent an electric shock through your being. Each passing ornament carried a subtle connection, a fleeting touch that resonated far beyond the surface.

Despite your efforts to maintain composure, the shared task of decorating the tree became a series of stolen moments. The room echoed with laughter and banter, but underneath it all, a palpable energy lingered between you and Thomas. The collaboration on the tree became a metaphorical dance, with each exchanged ornament a step closer to something unspoken yet deeply felt.

As the group decided to take a break, you found yourself tasked with the momentous duty of placing the star atop the Christmas tree. "Y/n, you're coming?" Vic called out, leading the group into the kitchen, followed by the boys. "Yes, just a minute, I'll put on the star," you replied, determined to complete the task before joining them.

Cautiously, you ascended the shaky ladder, fully aware that no one could guarantee your safety if it decided to wobble. With a careful hand, you reached for the star, attempting to position it just right. Just as you achieved success, the ladder began to tip backward, and an involuntary scream escaped your lips. Bracing for impact, you closed your eyes, but the expected collision never occurred.

Instead, a pair of familiar arms enveloped you, securing you in a gentle embrace. Opening your eyes, you were met with the concerned gaze of Thomas, his eyes reflecting worry and relief. Time seemed to slow, the heartbeat echoing in your ears, capturing a suspended moment that felt like an eternity.

The hushed silence was shattered as the rest of the group rushed back into the room, alerted by the commotion. They came to an abrupt stop, frozen in place, their eyes widening as they witnessed the scene unfolding before them. You and Thomas, locked in a moment of shared vulnerability, framed by the glow of the Christmas tree and the collective gasp of the onlookers.

Vic, recovering from the initial shock, couldn't contain her excitement. "Oh my gosh, did you get that on camera?" she exclaimed, producing her phone in record time. The rest of the group, still processing the unexpected turn of events, joined in the chorus of reactions, a mix of laughter, relief, and perhaps a subtle understanding of the unspoken connection that had manifested throughout the day.

As you and Thomas disentangled from the impromptu embrace, the room erupted into a symphony of teasing and cheers. The incident, now etched into the collective memory of the group, added a touch of drama to the already eventful day of decorating. Little did you know, that precarious moment on the ladder would become a cherished memory, a symbol of trust, unexpected connections, and the magic of the holiday season.

He was the one to guide you back outside where your mom was patiently waiting. "So... it was fun," he ventured, breaking the initial awkwardness. You looked down, a blush creeping onto your cheeks. "Yes, it was..." The air hung in an awkward silence, each of you seemingly grappling with unspoken thoughts.

"Beh, dovrei andare-" he began, but before he could finish, you were gently interrupted. "Y/n, aspetta." His hand reached out, grabbing yours to hold you back. "Hm?" you inquired, looking up to meet his gaze. "What would you think about drinking some hot chocolate with me someday? No risky things, I promise." He smiled awkwardly, his sincerity cutting through the tension.

You blushed, your heart fluttering, and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, of course! That would be great."

"Awesome. I'll see you... on Friday?" he asked, and you nodded dreamily in agreement. With a shy smile, he retreated back into the house. As you turned to enter your mom's car, the loud cheers of your friends reached your ears, their playful enthusiasm adding a joyful soundtrack to the end of a magical day.

As the car pulled away, you couldn't help but replay the day's events in your mind. The unexpected moments, shared laughter, and the promise of hot chocolate on Friday with Thomas created a sense of anticipation that lingered in the crisp winter air.

I'm soooo late. I'm sorry! See ya loves <3.

XOXO