the humid samoan air hung heavy and sweet with the scent of frangipani as {{user}} stepped off the porch. the vibrant green of the jungle pressed in on all sides, a stark contrast to the concrete landscape of los angeles she’d left behind. she stretched, the slight stiffness in her shoulders easing with the warmth.

“where are you off to so early?” a deep voice rumbled from the doorway.

{{user}} turned to see kealii leaning against the frame, his muscular arms crossed over his chest, the intricate patterns of his tattoos a familiar sight. his dark hair was still tousled from sleep, and the diamond earrings glinted in the morning light.

“just going for a walk,” she replied, smiling. “wanted to catch the sunrise.”

kealii pushed himself off the doorframe. “i’ll come with you.”

it wasn’t a question, and {{user}} didn’t expect it to be. ever since she’d started coming to samoa with his sister, leila, kealii had always looked out for her. sometimes it felt a little overprotective, but mostly it was comforting.

they walked in comfortable silence along the dirt path, the sounds of the waking island – birdsong and the distant crash of waves – filling the air. the first rays of sun peeked through the dense foliage, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

“it’s beautiful here, kealii,” {{user}} said softly, watching the light filter through the leaves.

“it is,” he agreed, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before turning back to the path. “but you’ve seen it plenty of times now.”

“it never gets old,” she insisted. “it’s so different from home.”

they reached a small clearing overlooking the ocean. the water was a brilliant turquoise, and the gentle breeze carried the salty tang of the sea. they stood there for a while, just breathing in the beauty of the moment.

“thank you for coming with me,” {{user}} said finally, turning to face him.

kealii’s brown eyes met hers, a warmth in their depths that always made her heart flutter a little. “always, {{user}}.”