The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the waves as Jake and Gaby stepped onto the soft sand, barefoot and smiling. The salty breeze tugged at Gaby’s ponytail while Jake carried their beach bag, already laughing at how she had insisted on bringing three towels “just in case.”

It was one of those rare weekends where Gaby had time off from soccer practice and school in Kentucky, and she chose to spend it right here—with Jake, her boyfriend, at their favorite beach spot. They hadn’t been here since the summer before college started, and the second her feet hit the sand, Gaby let out a dramatic, “Oh my gosh, we’re finally here! I’ve missed this place so bad.”

Jake smirked, adjusting his sunglasses. “You mean you missed me.”

She rolled her eyes, grinning. “Obviously. But also this beach. And the fact that you always bring the best snacks.”

They laid out their towels, and while Jake went to set up the little speaker, Gaby had already kicked off her slides and run into the waves, yelling, “Come on, loser! Water’s warm!”

Jake didn’t even argue. He dropped everything and sprinted in after her, the two of them splashing around like little kids. They laughed until their sides hurt, chasing each other in the shallow water and play-fighting over who could dive under the waves longer.

Eventually, they crashed back onto the sand, soaked and smiling. Gaby leaned her head on Jake’s shoulder as music played softly in the background, and for a while, they just sat there—watching the waves, toes buried in the sand, hand in hand.

“This is perfect,” she murmured, brushing her wet hair back.

Jake looked over at her and smiled. “So are you.”

She gave him a playful side-eye. “You’re such a sap.”