The beach was buzzing with energy—waves crashing, seagulls calling overhead, the sound of laughter and shouting echoing across the sand.

It was a rare day off. No school, no stress. Just sun, surf, and the whole group sprawled across the shoreline like a bunch of overgrown kids.

Will was out in the middle of it all, running through the sand with that same easy, golden energy he always had. His shirt had been tossed somewhere near the towels ten minutes ago, revealing freckled shoulders and lean muscle, sun-kissed and glowing. He was barefoot, in nothing but swim shorts, hair tousled from the breeze and saltwater, and grinning like he was born to live in the sun.

He was playing volleyball with Percy, Leo, Jason, Thalia, and Reyna—and holding his own, laughing every time Leo missed and diving dramatically for every save, even when it wasn’t necessary.

Nico sat further back in the shade, legs crossed under him, a towel draped over his lap. Annabeth and Piper sat on either side, chatting about something half-intellectual and half-gossipy, but Nico wasn’t listening.

At all.

His eyes were fixed on the game.

Or more specifically, on Will.

Every time Will jumped, Nico’s gaze followed. Every time he laughed, Nico’s fingers curled slightly in the towel. His jaw was tight, lips pressed together like he wasn’t actively thinking about how good Will looked, flushed and sweaty, hair damp, freckles on full display across his shoulders and back.

“You’re staring,” Piper said suddenly, smirking behind her sunglasses.

“I’m not,” Nico replied quickly, way too quickly.

Annabeth hummed. “You’ve been staring for the past twenty minutes.”

“I’m just watching the game.”

Piper leaned over. “You haven’t blinked since he took his shirt off.”

Nico sank a little lower under the towel, eyes still absolutely not moving from Will’s broad back and golden skin. “Shut up.”

Will turned just then, laughing as Percy tackled Leo into the sand, and caught Nico’s gaze for the briefest second. He flashed him a sunny grin and shot him a wink—just subtle enough for everyone else to miss.

Nico’s ears immediately turned pink.

Piper and Annabeth cackled.

“You’re so obvious,” Annabeth said.

Nico tugged his hoodie up and muttered, “Whatever,” but didn’t look away.

Because really, how could he?

The sun may have been shining over the entire beach—but for Nico, the brightest thing out there was Will.