The summer air was warm, the ocean sparkling like glass. Malibu Beach was busy as usual—kids screaming, surfers cheering, and lifeguards doing what they do best.

Brody was on duty, standing tall with his rescue board, eyes scanning the water like it was second nature. He looked calm, like nothing could shake him.

But you could tell something was off.

He kept glancing toward the entrance of the beach, like he was waiting for someone.

You walked up beside him, trying to keep your voice casual.

“Hey,” you said, smiling. “You’ve been staring at the entrance for like… ten minutes.”

Brody didn’t take his eyes off the crowd. “I’m not staring.”

“Sure,” you teased. “You’re just… watching the world.”

He finally looked at you, and you could see it in his eyes—something like nervousness, or worry, or maybe… anticipation.

“Something’s up,” you said.

Brody hesitated, then sighed. “Someone’s coming back.”

Your smile faded. “Who?”

Brody’s jaw tightened. “Someone I used to care about.”

You felt your heart twist a little. “Like… a crush?”

Brody looked away. “Yeah.”

You waited, unsure of what to say. You didn’t want to pry, but you also didn’t want him to carry the weight alone.

Then, the crowd at the entrance shifted. A familiar figure stepped onto the beach.

Your breath caught.

It was a girl—older than you remembered, but still the same. Same smile. Same eyes. Same vibe that made Brody look like a different person.

Brody’s posture stiffened.

His eyes widened.

He didn’t move.

You watched his face change—like he was trying to decide whether to run or stay.

The girl looked around, scanning the beach, and then her gaze landed on Brody.

Her smile widened.

“Brody?” she called out, walking toward him.

Brody’s mouth opened, then closed.

He looked at you, and you could see it.

He was torn.

The Reunion

Brody didn’t move.

The girl stopped in front of him and smiled warmly. “Hey, stranger.”

Brody swallowed. “Hey.”

You watched in silence as Brody’s face softened. His expression was no longer serious or focused. It was… emotional.

The girl’s eyes flicked to you, and she smiled politely.