"Awa’atlu Lagoon, Early Morning."

The sun painted the water in shades of gold as Ao’nung sliced through the waves, racing toward the shallow reef where {{user}} and Rotxo waited. He surfaced with a splash, water dripping from his braids.

“Took you long enough,” he boasted, chest puffed out. “Thought you’d be too busy practicing your weaving to meet me.”

{{user}}'s eyes sparkled as she waded closer, holding up a newly finished shell bracelet—matching the one on her own wrist. “Mother mentioned our parents’ arrangement again last night,” she said softly, her kindness wrapping around the words like warm sand. “She says we’ll bond the reefs when we’re older.”

Ao’nung’s ego faltered for a heartbeat, his cheeks flushing faintly before he recovered. “Well, they chose well,” he drawled, but his fingers brushed hers as he took the bracelet. “I mean, who else would keep up with me?”

Rotxo, floating nearby, laughed. “Sure, Ao’nung. Keep telling yourself it’s about ‘keeping up’ and not the fact you’ve adored her since we were chasing crabs.”

{{user}}’s smile widened, and she linked her arm through Ao’nung’s. “I’m happy about it,” she admitted. “Even if you are a grumpy diver.”

Ao’nung squeezed her arm gently, his snarky facade melting into something soft. “Yeah,” he murmured, pride giving way to quiet joy. “Me too.” As they swam toward the village, he kept her arm linked with his, already planning to show off their matching bracelets to the other teens.