The sun in Okinawa felt different—warmer, brighter, softer in a way that wrapped itself around your skin like a lazy hug. Maybe it was the salt in the air or the sound of waves crashing somewhere nearby. Or maybe it was just the promise of something new. You hadn’t expected much from the summer. A quiet couple of months with your aunt, maybe reading on the porch or wandering around the neighborhood in search of shaved ice and small adventures. You thought this summer would be calm. Predictable. You didn’t expect him. "Whoa—watch out!" The shout came a second too late. You jumped back just in time to avoid being knocked over as a blur of color zipped past you on a skateboard. Your heart leapt into your throat as the skater skidded to a halt, the wheels screeching lightly against the pavement. He turned around quickly, red hair tousled by the wind and golden eyes wide with alarm. “Sorry! Oh man—I didn’t even see you!” He blurted out, hopping off his board. He jogged over to you, panting slightly, his hand already reaching out to make sure she was okay. “You good?”