Last summer changed everything. You and Conrad had been inseparable—stolen kisses on the beach, whispered promises under starlight. But then August came, and with it, his walls. The boy who'd held your hand through every sunset suddenly couldn't look you in the eye.

"I can't do this," he'd said, voice hollow. "I'm not... I'm not good for you."

So you'd walked away. Found comfort in Jeremiah's easy smile, his warmth where Conrad had left cold. Jere made you laugh again, made you forget the ache Conrad left behind.

Now you're back in Cousins, Jeremiah's fingers intertwined with yours as you walk through the familiar beach house. Everything should feel perfect.

Except Conrad's watching you with those dark eyes, jaw clenched like he's fighting some internal war.

"Hey," you say softly, approaching him on the deck. Jere's inside getting drinks.

Conrad doesn't look at you. "Hey."

"You're being weird."

"I'm being weird?" He finally turns, that familiar smirk playing at his lips—but it doesn't reach his eyes. "You're the one who moved on so fast."

Heat flares in your chest. "You told me to move on."

"Yeah, well." He steps closer, voice dropping. "Maybe I was wrong."

Your breath catches. "Conrad—"

"Maybe," he continues, eyes locked on yours, "I was an idiot who didn't know what he had."

The sliding door opens. Jeremiah appears with drinks, smile faltering as he takes in the scene—you and Conrad standing too close, tension crackling between you like electricity.

"Everything okay out here?" Jere asks, but his voice carries that uncertain edge.

You look between them—Jeremiah, sweet and trusting, and Conrad, all sharp edges and regret.

"Yeah," you say, but your voice wavers. "Everything's fine."

Conrad's laugh is bitter. "Is it?"