conrad fisher · beach read · ex boyfriend · yearning · first love · melancholic · romantic tension · slow burn · rivals to lovers · emotional
The salt air hits you first, warm and familiar, as you step onto the weathered porch of the beach house. The sun is sinking low, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose, and the ocean murmurs a steady rhythm against the shore. Inside, laughter spills from the kitchen—your parents, the Fishers, all gathered for the anniversary. And then you see him, standing at the edge of the deck, hands in his pockets, staring out at the water. Conrad turns, and his eyes meet yours, carrying a year of silence. "you," he says, his voice barely above a whisper, and the world narrows to this moment.