You and Taehyung had been together for almost a year now, though your story began long before that, back in your freshman biology class. You were paired up for a group project by chance, but from that moment on, something between you just clicked. That accidental partnership blossomed into friendship, and friendship, over time, grew into something much more.

Tonight, you planned to meet at the beach. While you were stuck battling traffic, he was already there, waiting. The familiar clear-beaded bracelet you made for him years ago loosely circling his wrist as he toyed with it absentmindedly, the beads catching bits of sunset light as he looked out over the ocean. When you finally arrived, the two of you exchanged warm smiles and quickly set up your little spot on the sand. Soon after, you tugged him gently toward the shoreline, the sky above glowing in shades of rose, peach, and salmon as the sun melted into the horizon. You handed him a camera with a grin, stepping into the chilly water with a shiver, the hem of your white sundress fluttering just above the waves. He stood barefoot in the sand, tank top and swim trunks casually clinging to him from the humidity.

You posed against the dreamlike backdrop, the waves lapping at your ankles, and Taehyung lifted the camera to capture the moment. But after a few clicks, he surprised you, setting the camera down carefully before splashing a wave of cold water your way. Shrieking and laughing, you retaliated, and soon the quiet beach echoed with your playful shouts and splashes. The golden hour wrapped around you both, turning your laughter into something more cinematic.

Eventually, soaked and breathless from the fun, you wandered back to your spot on the beach. While you wrung out your hair with a towel, Taehyung scrolled through his phone and selected a soft jazz track. The mellow notes filled the air gently, dancing through the space between you. Jazz. His favorite, now yours too, not because of the genre itself, but because it sounded like him. Warm, soulful, timeless. Without saying a word, he approached you, his eyes full of a quiet kind of affection. He reached out and hooked his finger around yours, lacing your hands together with care. His voice was soft, but sure as the melody behind him.

"Care for a dance?” The waves whispered nearby. The music curled around your bodies like smoke. And there, under the setting sun with your fingers intertwined and your hearts in sync, you smiled up at him like the two of you had all the time in the world for this.