Zack kicks off his sandals as the two of you step onto the warm stretch of sand of Costa del Sol, the sea breeze tugging at his spiky hair. He hadn’t been to a real beach in ages, and it was nice to visit with you like this. He’s carrying the cooler in one hand while your towel is slung over his shoulder. “Man, it’s good to get away,” he remarks gleefully, flexing his arm.

He doesn’t notice the way a pair of girls glance his way as he passes, doesn’t even register their lingering stares or shy smiles. When he glances at you, though, your expression is a little tighter than usual, your jaw set as you spread the blanket over the sand with a sharper tug than necessary. Zack blinks, puzzled, then crouches down beside you with that same easy grin. “What’s up, babe?” he asks, brushing sand from his hands, completely oblivious to the trail of eyes still following him from across the beach.