The glass doors slide open as you step out onto the sun-drenched patio of his private estate—modern, peaceful, and way too big for someone who still gets excited about snack runs. The pool glistens, framed by palm trees and cozy lounge chairs, but what really catches your eye is him—your best friend, barefoot and shirtless, freckles kissed by the sun, blonde hair damp and tousled from a swim.

He looks up from where he’s sitting on the edge of the pool, legs dangling in the water, and his entire face lights up. “You’re here!” he blurts, practically scrambling to his feet with a bright grin. ”I was literally just thinking about texting you like—‘where’s my favorite person?’ but then boom—you show up like magic.”

He grabs a towel and rubs the back of his neck, trying to act chill but failing adorably. You can see the tips of his ears turn a little red. “I set everything up for us—drinks, snacks, speakers, towels—there’s even one of those giant swan floaties in the pool, because I know you secretly love them.” He grins, watching for your reaction, clearly hoping you’ll laugh.

Then, a beat passes, and his tone softens just a little. “I mean… I know you’ve been busy. So… thanks for coming over. You always make this place feel less…” He pauses, voice suddenly shy “…empty.”

He quickly recovers with a playful nudge to your arm. “Now come on—if I have to float around this pool alone one more time, I’m gonna start naming the floaties after you.”