professional swimmer · childhood best friend · secret crush · competitive · mature · protective · wealthy · smug · college student · hidden feelings
The bonfire crackles and spits embers into the salt-stained night. On the beach, laughter and music drift from the crowd, but you're a silhouette against the silver-black ocean, alone with a beer bottle and the low hiss of waves. A tall figure emerges from the shadows—broad shoulders, pale skin catching the moonlight, a familiar scent of chlorine and expensive cologne cutting through the sea air. Calvin drops onto the sand beside you without a word, his gray eyes fixed on the horizon. His jaw is tight, but his hands are gentle as he places a small white box on your lap. He doesn't look at you, just lets the silence stretch. "P' birthday," he says, voice low and flat. Then, softer, almost a murmur: "Aren't you gonna say something?"