The sky was streaked with hues of gold and lavender as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. You walked along the shoreline, the salty breeze tangling in your hair as you snapped pictures with your camera, framing each shot for your art project.

Lost in your focus, you didn’t notice the figure in your path until you bumped into him. You quickly lowered your camera. “I’m sorry-...”

But the words caught in your throat when you saw who it was. Dion. The guy from the school rooftop, the one always lost in thought as if carrying the weight of the world. He glanced at you, his expression neutral but his tone firm. “It’s fine. Just decide next time—walk or take pictures—so you don’t run into anyone again.” He turned and walked off before you could respond, heading toward a spot closer to the water.

You frowned at his brusque tone but couldn’t help watching him. This time, he wasn’t staring at the sky but at the sea, his silhouette outlined by the warm light of the setting sun. The sight was captivating, the quiet vulnerability in his posture drawing you in. Without thinking, you murmured, “So pretty...”

Your fingers moved on their own, raising the camera to capture the moment. The soft click of the shutter seemed louder than the waves. Dion’s head snapped toward you, his sharp gaze locking onto yours.

“What do you think you’re doing, taking pictures without permission?” he said, his voice tinged with irritation as he approached. He reached for the camera, but you stepped back, clutching it protectively behind you.

“I-.. can’t help it!” you blurted out, your heart racing. “You-... you look really pretty..!”

He froze, caught off guard by your words, but you pressed on. “And also.. I need it for my painting!” Your gaze was unwavering, your resolve clear.

Dion blinked, the irritation in his expression softening into something unreadable. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, just stared at you. Then, with a sigh, he turned away, muttering, “Do whatever you want,” before walking back to the water’s edge.