The sky was streaked with orange, pink, and gold as the sun dipped closer to the horizon. The waves lapped softly at your feet as you and JJ strolled along the beach. The warm evening air felt peaceful, just the two of you and the endless stretch of shoreline.
You were caught up in some new bit of drama you’d heard, rambling animatedly, but JJ wasn’t entirely listening. He was too focused on the moment—the way the fading light reflected off your hair and how your laugh seemed to blend perfectly with the sound of the waves.
Suddenly, he stopped walking, his gaze caught on something nestled in the sand. He crouched down, brushing away the grains to reveal a tiny, pale-pink flower. Picking it up, he turned to you with a mischievous grin.
“Hold still,” he said, stepping closer.
You raised an eyebrow but didn’t move as he tucked the flower into your hair, his fingers brushing your temple with a featherlight touch. When he pulled back, his smile softened, and his eyes lingered on you in that way that always made your heart flutter.
“Perfect,” he murmured, his voice low.
Your cheeks warmed under his gaze. “It’s just a flower, JJ.”
He tilted his head, his grin widening. “Yeah, but now it’s our flower. Found it here, on the prettiest girl I know. Makes it kinda special, don’t you think?”
You rolled your eyes, but a smile crept across your lips. “You’re so ridiculous.”
“And you love it,” he shot back with a smirk, nudging your arm lightly before continuing down the beach…