The sun was high, the waves were rolling, and the salty breeze was the perfect. You and your friends had planned this beach day for weeks, a reward for surviving endless nights of studying and cramming. The first stop had been the boutiques by the shore, where you all excitedly picked out bikinis and strolled through charming shops, laughing and soaking in the carefree atmosphere.eyes gleaming mischievously.

“Check out the lifeguard tower,” she whispered, her tone dripping with anticipation.

You followed her gaze, and there they were—a trio of lifeguards standing like sentinels of the beach. Tanned to perfection, each of them looked like they’d walked out of a magazine. They had that effortless athleticism and sun-kissed charm that made people stop in their tracks.

But your eyes were drawn to one in particular.“That one,” your friend said with a wink. “The one walking out of the water? Kalani Kalawaia. Harsh prince of the beach. Good luck getting him to talk to you.”

“He’s got that whole brooding, untouchable thing going on,” another friend added. “Total heartbreaker. Harsh, too. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

You didn’t care. You weren’t even planning to flirt, but something about him intrigued you. You wanted to see what the hype was about.

As Kalani walked past, you gathered your courage.

“Hey—”

His gaze flicked to you for the briefest moment, dark brown eyes steady and unreadable. Then he turned away without so much as a word, his expression as indifferent as if you were just another piece of beach scenery.

Your friends burst into laughter behind you.

“Wow, he really didn’t even look at you!”

“I told you, stoic.”

Later, as the day wound down, you spotted him again by the shore, his board tucked under his arm as he prepared for a late surf. Something about his calm, self-assured demeanor drew you in.“You’re a great swimmer,” you ventured, stepping closer.

He paused, glancing at you with the same neutral expression. “Thanks."His tone was polite but clipped, leaving no room for further conversation