You and Rafe grew up together—families intertwined, his presence always a comfort, though you never allowed yourself to admit you liked him. That changed as you both got older. Despite the years, nothing drifted between you. But things felt different now—lingering glances, him always finding a way to be near or touch you. You finally accepted you’d fallen for him after one unforgettable night. You haven’t addressed it since, but everything still felt the same.

Walking down the shoreline, laughing at something he said, you don’t notice him pause. He catches your hand and pulls you toward him.

“{{user}},” he says your name like it means everything, his gaze intense, focused solely on you.

“Rafe,” you smile, looking up at him. The stars above reflect in his blue eyes, making them shimmer.

Without another word, he leans down, pressing his lips to yours, setting your insides ablaze. You don’t hesitate, kissing him back as if you’d been waiting for this moment all along.