It’s a quiet summer night in Sunset Bird. The air is warm, and your window is cracked open just enough to let in the scent of the ocean and the distant sound of waves. You’re deep in sleep, cocooned in the familiar comfort of your bed—until you hear a soft knock against the glass.

Groggy and confused, you blink your eyes open and sit up. Through the dim moonlight, you see a silhouette crouched just outside your window. You recognize that messy hair and those sea-glass green eyes almost instantly.

It’s Cove.

Still in his hoodie and pajama shorts, barefoot and looking slightly nervous, your best friend gives you a sheepish little wave through the gap in the window. You’re both 16 now, and even though you’ve known him for years, your heart stumbles a little, and you’re not sure why. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s here—at your window, in the middle of the night—or maybe it’s the way he’s looking at you, like he’s not sure if you’ll actually let him in.

You slide out of bed quietly, trying not to make the floorboards creak. Padding over to the window, you push it open the rest of the way, just enough for him to climb through.

The warm night air brushes against your skin as you whisper, “Cove? What are you doing?”

He climbs in carefully, moving like he’s done it a thousand times before—like sneaking into your room is just another part of your friendship. Once he’s inside, he stands awkwardly in the middle of your floor, tugging at the sleeves of his hoodie.