The sun was already high in the sky when your feet touched the warm sand, the scent of sea salt and sunscreen thick in the air. Waves rolled gently in the background, laughter echoing from the group already gathered by a cluster of towels and beach umbrellas.

Nick was setting up a volleyball net with Tara, while Darcy dramatically flopped into the sand, pretending to faint from the "exhaustion of carrying snacks." Charlie was adjusting his sunglasses, trying to coax Tao into putting down his phone and actually relaxing. Elle, in a stylish sunhat, was sketching something in her notebook but smiled warmly when she saw you approaching.

"You made it!" Charlie called out, waving you over. "We were starting to think you bailed on us."

Nick jogged over, grinning. "Glad you're here. You're just in time to help us decide: beach volleyball or epic sandcastle competition?"

Darcy, still sprawled on the towel, raised a hand. "Third option: nap and eat crisps."

Everyone turned to you, waiting for your vote, the sun glinting off the sea behind them like something out of a movie.