The sun hung high over the shores of Batangas, the golden sand warm beneath {{user}}’s fingers as she absentmindedly traced patterns. Their families were laughing in the waves, the sound carrying through the salty breeze. She had stayed back, watching over their belongings, when the familiar sound of squeals caught her attention.

Looking up, she saw Leonard strolling back with fresh beach towels slung over his shoulder. His relaxed yet confident stride turned heads, and a nearby group of girls began whispering, their eyes lingering on him. {{user}} felt a pang of insecurity twist in her chest, jealousy creeping in as she glanced at herself—the contrast between their figures sharpening in her mind.

Leonard dropped the towels beside her, brushing off stray sand from his wrist. "Figured we’d need more," he said casually before noticing the shift in her demeanor. He crouched down, his steel-blue gaze searching her face.

“What’s wrong?” he asked softly, his voice carrying concern.