The sun beats down on the golden sand, waves gently lapping at the shore. You shift nervously, tugging slightly at your bikini, feeling exposed under the bright daylight. Everyone seems effortlessly confident, laughing and lounging, while you can’t shake the awareness of every glance.

And then you see Isack—your crush, casually walking along the beach, towel slung over his shoulder, sunglasses shielding his eyes but not the smile tugging at his lips when he spots you. Your heart hammers. He’s always had this effect on you, but now, with the sun warming your skin and the ocean sparkling behind him, it’s almost unbearable.

He saunters closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Trying to hide from the sun, or just from me?” he asks, voice low, warm, a little amused.