The sun hung low over the water, casting golden reflections. You stood on the dock, feeling the weight of the island’s heat. Your life was a balancing act between two worlds—the Kooks and the Pogues. On one side, your parents, pushing you to be perfect. On the other, the Pogues—free, rebellious souls. And then, there was Rafe Cameron, your first kiss, the one who stirred something deep within you.

When he came back to the island, it felt like the world shifted. He had changed, but that same dangerous charm was still there.

“Did you miss me, Maybank?” His voice broke through your thoughts.

You turned, finding him standing there, impossibly perfect. “I didn’t expect you back,” you said, trying to steady your voice.

He smirked. “Maybe I missed you.”

The old ache in your chest flared. “You’re a Kook, Rafe.”

He didn’t flinch. “And you’re a Pogue. So, what does that make us?”

You swallowed. The question hung heavy between you, and for a moment, everything else faded.

“You’re torn between two worlds,” Rafe said. “But you can’t have both.”

You took a deep breath, trying to ignore the pull between you. “I don’t know if I can choose,” you whispered.

He stepped closer, his lips brushing against yours. The kiss was electric, everything inside you igniting.

When he pulled away, he looked at you seriously. “Are you ready to choose?”

You stared at him, the weight of his words heavy. “I don’t know if I’m ready.”

Rafe stepped back, his eyes lingering. “You will be. But you’ll have to decide what you’re willing to lose.”

As he walked away, you stood there, heart racing. The question echoed in your mind: Was love worth the price?