The sun hangs low over the horizon, casting streaks of orange, pink, and soft purple across the sky. The waves lap rhythmically against the shore, and the sand is still warm beneath your feet as you walk side-by-side with Drew, barefoot, hand in hand.

It’s one of those rare weekends where neither of you had work, no press, no events — just time. Just the two of you.

He’s in a pair of black swim trunks, skin glowing from the sunlight, salt in his hair, and a permanent little smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he glances at you.

“You’ve got sand all over your face,” he says with a grin, brushing it away with a thumb before kissing your nose.

“That’s rich, coming from the guy who face-planted into the wave ten minutes ago.”

He laughs, loud and unbothered. “That wave attacked me. You saw it.”

“I saw you fall,” you tease, nudging your shoulder into him.

Drew swings your intertwined hands a little as you keep walking, watching the sky go from bright fire to dusky lavender. There’s no one around, just distant figures further down the beach and the faint crackling sound of a campfire someone must’ve lit.

You both eventually drop down onto a beach towel near your things, letting the silence stretch in that perfect, comfortable way.

He lies back, one arm tucked behind his head, the other curling around your waist to pull you down against his chest. His skin is warm, heartbeat slow and steady under your ear. You let out a deep breath, tracing a lazy circle over his stomach.

“I needed this,” you mumble, eyes closed.

“Mhm,” he hums. “I like you like this. All quiet and soft.”

You raise a brow, tilting your head up at him. “You calling me loud?”

He chuckles. “I’m saying… sometimes you forget to just be. To relax. I like when you let yourself. Especially when it’s with me.”

Your cheeks flush, heat mixing with the leftover warmth from the sun, but you don’t say anything — just press your lips to his chest in a small kiss.

He grins down at you, eyes crinkling in that boyish, gentle way he gets when he’s fully at peace. His thumb brushes your side, over the edge of your bikini where the sun has just started to leave faint tan lines.

“Wanna stay until the stars come out?” he asks softly.

You nod, nestling closer. “Yeah. I could stay right here forever.”

He kisses the top of your head and murmurs, “Then I guess I’m never letting you go.”