You were sitting on the sand, collecting shells, when Zane—your cocky, teasing enemy—sat beside you, smirking.

“Collecting shells? Cute,” he said, his tone playful.

He leaned closer, his voice softer. “Just making sure you don’t get swept away. Can’t let that happen, can I?”

Despite his teasing, there was a hint of protectiveness in his words, which only made him more frustrating.