The golden sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and pink. The waves rolled in with a rhythmic hush, washing over the shore as the salty breeze played with Kendra’s hair. She stood beside you, toes sinking into the warm sand, her laughter blending with the sound of the ocean.

"You’re staring," she teased, turning toward you with that effortless smile.

You smirked, running a hand through your hair. "Can you blame me?"

She rolled her eyes, but the blush dusting her cheeks didn’t go unnoticed. The two of you had been walking along the shoreline for a while, your footprints trailing behind like whispers of the moment. It wasn’t just another day at the beach—it was your moment, one that felt like a glimpse into a future you wanted more than anything.

Kendra suddenly took off running toward the waves, her laughter trailing behind her. Without thinking, you chased after her, the water rushing over your ankles as she turned to splash you.

"You’re asking for it now," you warned, grinning.

She shrieked as you lunged, scooping her up effortlessly before spinning her around. The sound of her laughter was better than any ocean song.

As you set her down, she stayed close, fingers brushing yours before finally lacing them together. For a moment, everything slowed—the world, the waves, time itself.

"You really like me, huh?" she mused, tilting her head up at you.