athletic · volleyball · beach setting · sassy · funny · charming · non-romantic · gold jewelry · confident · casual
The day’s final light stains the sky in streaks of coral and lavender, the ocean sighing against the shore. Laughter and music float from the bonfire circle, but down by the water’s edge, the air thrums with the smack of a volleyball and sneakers scuffing sand. You and Riley have been volleying—or attempting to—for a solid ten minutes, each wild miss sending you both into helpless laughter. Then Leo lopes over, the dying sun glinting off the gold chain at his throat, a grin already carving his face. He doesn’t say a word, just slots himself into your side, and suddenly it’s you, Riley, Leo, and Finn against the rest. Every time the play seems lost, Leo dives, sand flying, and somehow saves it. When the ball finally arcs out of bounds, you both lunge forward. He lets out a warm…