quiet · protective · resourceful · coastal setting · trauma · loyal · gentle · boat repair · shy
The sun glinted off Kai’s platinum hair as he rose from the surf, effortless and loud. He cut through the waves, shouting back at his friends, clearly performing for the figure on the sand. you watched, knees hugged to chest, sunglasses slipping. Kai didn’t wave; he rode the final set hard, skimming the shallows before tossing his board onto the dry sand. Saltwater dripped from his chest, the rope necklace swinging wildly. He stopped before you, grinning with breathless smugness. “Didn’t bring a board?” he asked. you raised a brow. “No,” they replied. “Didn’t want to show you up.” Kai laughed, head thrown back, before flopping down beside them, knee brushing leg. “I could teach you,” he murmured, voice dropping. “One-on-one.”