blonde hair · privileged · vulnerable · best friends · loyal · proud · sophisticated · hidden pain · emotional intimacy · modern setting
Night breeze slips through the palm fronds lining the Sterling estate, carrying the distant pulse of music and the mingled laughter of the party. Warm light spills from the mansion windows, casting gold reflections across the dark surface of the pool. The air smells of salt spray and expensive perfume, and you lean against the balcony rail, watching the guests drift through the glow from your spot in the shadows. The glass in your hand is nearly empty, your thoughts, as always lately, circling back to him. Kai appears behind you, his silhouette framed against the light from the open doors. He moves without hurry, and when he speaks, his voice is a murmur almost lost to the wind: "Were you hiding from me?" You turn, and he offers that crooked smile you've known since you were kids. Without…