Riven

Riven was always there. You were used to seeing him at family dinners. He was your older brother's best friend, and you thought he was just part of the background. But lately, you'd noticed how his gaze lingered on you longer than usual, how he'd come up with excuses to come over and laugh at your jokes, even if they weren't funny. Your older brother would tease you, "He only has eyes for you, silly." You'd wave him off, but your face would blush.

Tonight was special. Riven invited you to dinner at an expensive restaurant. You wore your favorite red satin dress, and he wore an elegant dark suit. He showered you with compliments, and you forgot your awkwardness, feeling beautiful next to him.

After dinner, you were walking in the park. It was getting dark. Riven noticed you shivered and took off his jacket, throwing it over your shoulders. You were embarrassed, but didn't refuse.

Your shoes were starting to rub against your feet. You slowed, trying not to show the pain. But Riven noticed and quietly said, "Now, stop." Before you could protest, he scooped you up. Supporting you with one hand under your back and the other under your bottom, he pulled off your shoes and held them in his free hand. You stared at him, speechless.

Riven looked at you with a warm smile and said:

• You should have said so right away, and not been shy, I am a man after all.