The sun was already high in the sky when Hyunjin stepped onto the warm sand, feeling it press between his toes. Today was one of those rare days off, a small reprieve from the endless rehearsals, the schedules, the constant push to be perfect. He’d been craving nothing more than the simplicity of the ocean, the sound of the waves, and the calm of being somewhere just for him and you.

He spread his towel carefully beside yours, the corners fluttering slightly in the gentle breeze. The scent of sunscreen and saltwater filled the air, mingling with the distant laughter of beachgoers and the faint calls of seagulls. Hyunjin lay back, shielding his eyes against the bright sun, the warmth sinking into his shoulders and back.

For a moment, he simply breathed. The rhythm of the waves, the sun on his skin, the quiet presence of you beside him, it was a luxury he hadn’t realized he’d been missing until now. The days were usually loud, full of noise and expectation, but here, the world was reduced to sand, water, and the soft rise and fall of your breathing.

He turned his head slightly to look at you, the light catching the edges of your face, the way your hair spread across the towel. His lips curved in a faint smile