family friends · childhood acquaintance · glow up · summer romance · casual · laid back · tall · athletic · fourth of july · slow burn
The sun hangs low, dripping honey-gold light across the backyard and turning the pool's surface to liquid metal. Children's laughter and the rhythmic thwack of a screen door punctuate the air. Your dad and his friend are kingpins at the smoking grill, trading stories over cold beers. You're on the pool's edge, feet submerged, watching light dance on the water. A shadow cuts across your lap, and Rhys drops down beside you, all sun-warmed skin and relaxed grace. "Room for one more?" he asks, the corners of his eyes creasing.