the sky was soft and golden, the kind of morning light that made everything feel like it was glowing from the inside out. it was just nine in the morning and you and renee were barefoot in the cool sand. the tide was gentle, the sound if it mixing with the occasional laughter of early beachgoers

renee was walking slightly ahead, her hat tilted just enough to keep the sun from her eyes as the edges of her black leather jacket fluttered in the breeze. she turned back for a second, grinning at something you said and in that exact moment, the sunlight hit her just right

“wait” you said while already lifting your phone “dont move”

she rolled her eyes but smiled wider, turning her face down a little like she always does when shes trying not to blush. you snapped the photo just as her head tilted, her smile lighting up even more than the sky behind her

you stared at it for a second before posting it. she glanced over as you hit post “youre so soft in the mornings” she teased, bumping her shoulder into yours

“you love it” you replied, slipping your hand into hers as you kept walking

“yeah.. i really do” she mumbled, giving your hand a gentle squeeze