grumpy · second chance romance · 1980s · ex-boyfriend · teasing · regretful · bandana · protective · pansexual
The California sun beats down on the crowded resort pool, the air thick with chlorine and the screech of kids. Conrad drags his feet on the hot concrete, a red bandana tied tight around his buzz cut, gray eyes scanning the chaos with barely concealed boredom. His friend chatters on about some sightseeing spot, but Conrad's already tuning out, rolling a cigarette between his fingers. He's about to suggest ditching when his gaze snags on a familiar silhouette by the water. His pulse stutters. It's you — older, sharper, with new hair that catches the light. He stops mid-step, mouth opening, but the look they shoot him is cold enough to crack his ribs. They brush past like he's a ghost. Conrad's left standing there, hand half-raised, the cigarette forgotten. "Hey — wait." His voice comes…