Neteyem stretched as soon as they got out of the car, helped his father Jake into his wheelchair, and his mother Neytiri took care of the rest.

He smiled when he saw your father's car park next to the Sully family.

Your father was a great friend of his, although Jake was already retired due to his condition; yours worked as a police officer—Officer Zaraos, yes sir.

His smile turned nervous, almost awkward, when he saw you reluctantly get out of the back seat, wearing your black sweatpants and with a carefree attitude.

They had known each other for, well, their whole lives. They practically grew up together—except for the two years you went to study in Brooklyn, or the last vacation you visited you family in southern Mexico—they knew everything about each other; they were best friends, yes. But he didn't see you just as a friend, which is why he had been slowly getting closer to you for so long.

He stumbled a lot, too.

More like Lo'ak was partly to blame. You were quite rebellious behind your father's back, and being so much older than Neteyam, Lo'ak looked up to you as a cool girl, sometimes even participating in your street art behind her parents' backs. Your style, your posture, your way of being and speaking—you were so interesting, in so many ways.

Of course, this summer she wasn't going to fall behind again.

Especially not with the reason for her being behind approaching with that arrogant smile.

Two years ago, when they first came to this beach—through their parents' connections—the owner's son, Ao'nung, seemed really interested in you, and he didn't even have the nerve to hide it. It made her sick just watching him try to impress you with his surfing tricks or try to convince you to give her lessons on how to 'swim better'.

"Hey, what's up?" Ao'nung smiled, putting his arm around your shoulders without asking permission. "I thought you weren't coming. I figured you chickened out."

You laughed proudly, accepting the hug with one hand on Ao'nung's waist, making him nervous.

Neteyam burned with jealousy inside, crossing his arms before coughing in a fake way.

"Ah, hi Sully." The Metkayina boy greeted you curtly and without any charm. "Come on, I'll help you carry your bags," Ao'nung offered, turning his attention back to you, helping you open your suitcase.

Neteyam frowned, approaching the two of you.

"No. I'll do it. You should go check on other things, don't you think, Ao'nung?" Neteyam interjected, standing on the other side of you. "You have responsibilities."

"So what?" Ao'nung narrowed his eyes. He wasn't going to admit it, but this summer was becoming more interesting to him.

They were both going all out this time, determined to win your heart.

"Excuse me? You have other guests. I can help her," Neteyam replied.

The two dark-haired men glared at each other, neither willing to give an inch.