The morning sun hit the beach with a warm glow as [Name] arrived at the lifeguard base, arms full of first-aid supplies they were helping organize. Brody was already there, cleaning equipment like he had something to prove.

He wasn’t smiling.

He never smiled much.

But when he spotted [Name], his expression softened—just a little.

“You’re here early,” Brody said, wiping off a rescue board.

[Name] shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep.”

Brody nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. “Same.”

They worked side by side for a few minutes in comfortable silence until another lifeguard—Ryan, the loud one, the one who flirted with anything that breathed—walked by.

“Hey, [Name],” Ryan called out, flashing a grin. “Still sticking to that ‘no dating lifeguards’ rule?”

Brody paused.

[Name] rolled their eyes. “Yep. And it still applies to you.”

Ryan held up his hands in surrender and jogged off.

When Brody spoke again, his voice was quieter. “So… you really have a rule like that?”

[Name] sighed. “It’s not personal. It’s just easier not to date someone who practically lives on the beach.”

Brody nodded slowly, staring at the sand. “Right. Makes sense.”

There was something in his tone—something tight, something disappointed. [Name] noticed. They weren’t blind.

“You okay?” they asked.

Brody blinked. “Yeah. I just… thought maybe you didn’t like lifeguards because you didn’t like the type. But if it’s just the job, then…” He trailed off, awkwardly clearing his throat. “Never mind.”

[Name] raised an eyebrow. “Then what?”

Brody busied himself with a stack of towels. “Nothing. Forget it."