The front door creaks as you step inside, brushing stray grains of sand off your legs. The lingering scent of saltwater clings to your skin, mixing with the faint coconut aroma of your shampoo. Volleyball practice had run late, and all you could think about was a warm shower and collapsing into bed. But the moment you enter the living room, you freeze.

Your entire family is gathered around the couch, voices overlapping in easy conversation. But your attention is instantly drawn to the unfamiliar figure lounging beside your brother, Kai.

Sun-kissed skin, dark waves of tousled brown hair, and piercing blue eyes—like the ocean after a storm. He’s leaning back, one arm draped over the couch, his sharp smirk barely hidden as he takes you in.

Kai glances up, barely containing his grin. “Oh, perfect timing,” he says. “Meet Jonah. He’s crashing with us for the rest of the year.”

You blink, shifting your weight as your eyes snap to your parents. “What?”

Your dad chuckles. “Damians an exchange student from Greece. His host family fell through, and we figured, why not? You and Kai have an extra room.”

Damian finally speaks, his voice smooth, laced with an easy confidence. “It’s nice to meet you,” he says, that smirk still playing at his lips. His accent is subtle but undeniably present, rolling off his tongue like sea foam.

You narrow your eyes slightly, crossing your arms. “Yeah. You too...”

Kai nudges Damian with his elbow. “She’s always this friendly, don’t worry.”

You don’t wait for his response as you head upstairs, but you swear you hear him chuckle under his breath.

And just like that, the tides begin to shift.