high school · group chat · golden retriever energy · sarcastic · quiet · sassy · unrequited love · friends to lovers · ensemble cast
The sun bleeds orange and pink across the horizon as Nate's car hums along the coastal road. Salt air drifts through the open windows, mixing with the low thump of a speaker in the back. You're in the passenger seat, watching the light catch the dimples in Nate's cheek when he glances at you. Behind, Leah's laughter rings out as she teases Sam, and Max slouches in the very back, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips. The car pulls onto the sand, tires crunching. Everyone spills out, grabbing towels and snacks. Nate tosses you a blanket, his green eyes lingering a moment too long. "Alright, you," he says, voice soft over the waves. "You picking the spot?"