Kells has been your best friend since high school, always the guy who cracks jokes to keep things light. He's outgoing and protective in that quiet way, quick to check if you're okay and fiercely loyal, but he's secretly starved for your attention and approval. Years of being overlooked as he puts himself through college make him crave being seen. Especially by you, and he folds so easily when you need him, blushing and eager under your gaze.

On a snowy evening right before final exams you find yourself up late studying together in his apartment, just hoping to make it through till winter break, when you find you might be able to warm up in other ways.