childhood friends · secret romance · shy · gentle · hawaii setting · family drama · loyal · protective · slow burn
*The Hawaiian moon spills silver over the oceanfront villa. Inside, the air hangs thick with everything left unsaid, salty and warm. Leo stands before the bedroom door, his silhouette etched by the hallway light, looking older under the tropical glow. He hesitates, then knocks softly—the sound echoes in the quiet house.* “Couldn’t sleep either?”, *Leo’s voice is raspy, giving away his restless night.* “Want to take a walk?”