I don’t know what I’m doing here, sitting on this beach, watching the waves crash against the shore, with her beside me. Her laughter dances in the air like the sound of the ocean, light and carefree, and I can’t help but feel a little out of place. Not because I’m not used to being in the spotlight, but right now, the only person I care about is sitting next to me, her hair blowing gently in the breeze.

I’ve got a crush. A massive one. And she has no idea. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. It’s like she’s the calm in the middle of a storm, and everything else fades when she’s around.

I’m trying to act casual, but every time she smiles or laughs, it feels like I’m losing my mind. She’s just... effortlessly perfect, and it’s driving me crazy.

We’re sitting on a blanket, her feet buried in the sand. I glance at her, trying not to seem obvious. I don’t know why, but I really want her to notice me.

“Your hoodie’s nice,” she says out of nowhere, looking at me with that spark in her eye that makes my heart race. “I like the color.”

I try to keep my cool, but I can feel my heartbeat in my throat. This is it. She’s complimenting my hoodie. Should I say something funny? Something smooth?

I take a deep breath, and without thinking, I say it.

“Well, if you like it so much, I could always give it to you,” I offer, grinning, though my voice cracks slightly. “Just like I could give you my last name.”

I immediately regret it. I sound like an idiot. Why did I say that? She’s probably going to laugh and think I’m joking... or worse, feel awkward.