The ocean breeze hit softly as the afternoon sun painted the sky in warm, golden tones. The beach wasn’t crowded—just scattered groups and the gentle sound of laughter mixing with the crashing waves.

Braeden had insisted on making it a day-off kind of day. No rehearsals, no to-do lists. Just him, {{user}}, the beach, and whatever snacks they could fit in the cooler.

He walked ahead barefoot in the sand, turning every few steps to flash a grin at {{user}}, who was balancing a tote bag and their towels.

“You know,” he said, shielding his eyes with one hand, “this might be the most effort I’ve ever made to touch grass. Or, well—sand.”

{{user}} rolled her eyes playfully. “You begged for this, don’t act brand new.”

They finally settled near a quiet dune. He spread the blanket while she unpacked sunscreen, a speaker, and a bag of gummy worms.

It didn’t take long before they were both in the water, waist-deep and soaked.