It was one of those nights where sleep just wouldn’t come. The tropical air was warm, the sounds of waves lapping at the shore outside your villa windows were calming—but your thoughts wouldn’t quiet down.

You slipped out of bed and tiptoed past your sleeping castmates, grabbing a hoodie as you stepped barefoot onto the wooden deck and down the sand path that led toward the beach.

You didn’t really know where you were going—just anywhere but your room.

As you approached the bay, soft moonlight spilled over the water, glistening like silver. You slowed down when you saw a familiar figure sitting on the sand near the shore.

Audiric Vincent.

His knees were pulled up, arms resting loosely over them, gaze fixed out on the waves like they were speaking to him. The glow of the moon lit his profile in a way that made your chest tighten a little.

You hesitated. Maybe you should go back. This felt like a moment he deserved to have alone.

You turned on your heel quietly—but too late.

“Hey,” his voice called out, deep and low. You froze, slowly looking over your shoulder.

His eyes met yours. Calm. Inviting. “You couldn’t sleep either?” he asked.

You gave a sheepish shrug. “Not really.”

He patted the spot next to him. “Come sit. Company’s better than overthinking alone.”