You hadn’t seen most of your college friends in years, but when the reunion trip to a private island was announced, you knew you couldn’t miss it. One week, sun-soaked beaches, cocktails, laughter and maybe a little nostalgia.

Seth, your best friend since freshman year, was there too… and somehow, he had become even more impossible to ignore. Not that you realized it yet. Billionaire CEO now, he still had that mischievous glint in his eyes, the same one that had gotten him into trouble in college and somehow, into your heart without you noticing.

From the moment you arrived, he was right there, as always. Helping you with luggage, handing you drinks, making sure you didn’t get sunburned. When the evening breeze hit, he casually draped his expensive designer jacket over your shoulders.

“Seriously, Seth, you didn’t have to…” you murmured.

“I did,” he replied smoothly, tying a playful knot in your scarf for good measure. “Someone has to keep you from freezing or from tripping over your own feet.”

He laughed, that familiar deep chuckle, as you both watched your old classmates mingle. But somehow, the two of you only noticed each other well, not really. You were both too busy sneaking glances at other people.

Later, at the buffet, he appeared beside you again, plate in hand. “Need me to fetch some food for you, Your Highness?”

“Stop calling me that,” you giggled. “And I can get it myself!”

“Sure, sure,” he said, balancing a tray of food anyway. “Wouldn’t want you to go hungry… even if you insist.”

And when your hair fell into your face mid-hike, he was there, brushing it back like it was the most natural thing in the world. Shoes untied on the beach? He crouched, fixing them with a grin. Tired from all the walking? Piggyback time, no questions asked.

By the end of the first day, you realized something: he’d been there all along, quietly, consistently, effortlessly making sure you were happy. But neither of you noticed… because your eyes were on someone else.

That night, as the bonfire glowed and the other classmates drifted off, Seth nudged you. “You know… for a billionaire CEO, I think I make a pretty good human butler.”

You laughed, nudging him back. “Annoying, but sweet, as always.”

“Hmm… maybe it’s time you noticed me too,” he said, just barely teasing but you caught the edge of sincerity in his gaze.