There’s a tradition in the Outer Banks— every summer, just before the season turns, there’s one last bonfire.

Everyone shows up. Everyone drinks too much. Laughs too loud. Says things they wouldn’t in daylight. You didn’t plan on going. Not really. But then Rafe texted you.

Just three words: | You coming tonight?

And that was enough.

You told yourself it was nothing. Just friends. Just the the kind of rhythm you and Rafe had settled into over the past few months.

You still stood a little longer than necessary in front of the mirror before you left.

You arrived just as the fire was starting to catch, and the sky was starting to shift, the last of the sun sinking into the ocean.

You spotted him instantly. Rafe stood there like he owned the whole beach. Hoodie loose around his frame, jaw sharp in the low light. Beer in hand and this smirk on his face.

He saw you and tilted his chin up, that subtle gesture only he could pull off. The kind of look that didn’t ask why you came, because it already knew.

He didn’t say much when you joined him. Just gave you one of his long looks.

It started slow. Just a sway, laughter between sips. His hand found your waist without asking, and you let it. The music carry your bodies closer. He spun you once. You shoved his shoulder playfully. His smile widened, you didn’t look away.

It felt like you were the only two people on the beach.

Eventually, a few people sank into the sand with flushed cheeks and messy grins, settling around the fire.

And, of course, someone had already started Truth or Dare.

You sat close to him. Too close, probably. But no one said anything. You weren’t officially anything— not together, not apart.

The game went on. Silly dares. Stupid confessions. Everyone cheered or groaned, depending on the drama. It was easy, light, loud.

Then it was your turn.

“{{user}}!“, “Truth or dare?” Kelce called out.

You opened your mouth— but Rafe leaned in first, voice low and certain.

“Dare,” he said— for you.

Your eyes snapped to his. The group howled with laughter. Someone whistled.

You wanted to play it off. Joke. Say hell no. But Rafe was still looking at you, mouth curved in that half-smile he wore when he knew exactly what he was doing.

The dare wasn’t wild. It wasn’t even cruel. Just… sitting on his lap.

A little too intimate. A little too honest.

You did it anyway.

Your heart racing, lips parted, your entire body humming like you’d touched a live wire— he didn’t say a thing.

Not with words.

But his arm slung around your waist, pulling you closer His other and found your thigh. His gaze never left you.

Because this? This thing between you two?

It was already burning.