Hollow Creek /Finney Blake X Male Oc/

Chapter thirteen: Homecoming

Chapter 13: Homecoming

As Ethan and Finney walked down the quiet street, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows on the pavement. Laughter and excitement still buzzed in the air from their time at the arcade, but as they neared the corner that would lead them to their respective homes, a hint of hesitation settled in.

"Well, this is me," Finney said, stopping in front of his house. The familiar blue paint looked warm in the evening light, but the tension of the day still lingered in the air. He turned to face Ethan, his hands tucked into his pockets.

"Yeah, I had a lot of fun today," Ethan replied, a smile breaking through. "Thanks for hanging out with me. We should do it again soon."

"Definitely." Finney hesitated, glancing down the street, and then back at Ethan. "Hey, about earlier... you know, almost-"

"Right," Ethan interrupted, heat creeping up his cheeks. "It's all good. Just... friends, right?"

"Yeah," Finney said, his voice soft but understanding. The moment hung between them, thick with unspoken words and shared emotions.

"Okay, well, see you tomorrow?" Ethan asked, forcing himself to break the tension.

"See you, Ethan." Finney's smile was warm, but there was a flicker of something deeper behind it, a glimmer of hope perhaps, before he turned and walked up the path to his house.

Ethan watched as Finney disappeared inside, the door closing softly behind him. With a sigh, he turned to head home, the cool evening air brushing against his skin, contrasting with the warmth he felt from spending the day with Finney.

When Ethan stepped through his front door, the familiar warmth of home wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. The rich, savory aroma wafting from the kitchen filled the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. He dropped his backpack by the door and walked down the narrow hallway, the wooden floor creaking slightly under his weight.

In the kitchen, his mom, Sarah, was busy at the stove, her back turned to him. The soft sound of sizzling filled the room, accompanied by the rhythmic chopping of vegetables. Ethan leaned against the doorframe, watching her work. She moved with a practiced grace, her hair pulled back into a loose bun, and a sprinkle of flour dusting her apron.

"Hey, Mom," he called out, a smile creeping onto his face.

"Hey, sweetheart! How was school?" she replied, turning around to meet his gaze. Her face lit up with warmth, and she wiped her hands on the apron before reaching for a pot.

"It was good! We just got back from the arcade. I played a few games with Finney." Ethan's voice brightened at the mention of his friend, but he quickly remembered the lingering thoughts of their near-kiss. He shrugged off the awkwardness as he moved to the counter, curious about what she was cooking.

"Arcade, huh? I hope you didn't spend all your allowance in one day!" she teased, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. "I'm making your favorite-chicken stir-fry. Should be ready in just a bit."

Ethan's mouth watered at the thought. "That sounds amazing! I can help if you want."

"Just set the table, and we'll be ready to eat in no time." She smiled, her eyes twinkling with appreciation.

As he set the table, Ethan stole glances at his mom. She always seemed to find joy in the simplest tasks, pouring her love into each meal. It made him feel grateful to have her around, especially after the long days at school and the growing heaviness of everything happening in town.

Just as he finished, the front door creaked open, and Ethan's dad, James, stepped inside, his shoulders slumped and a weariness etched across his face. The detective's trademark trench coat was damp from the drizzle outside, and his hair was tousled as if he'd run his hands through it countless times in frustration.