older brother · best friend's brother · maui · hawaii · summer vibe · tropical · cozy · romance · high school · blonde
Golden dawn spills over Honua Kai, illuminating the suite where Max lingers by the counter, hoodie-clad and half-asleep. Sunlight catches his messy blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, highlighting the unfair perfection of his features. Sophie stretches nearby while your parents sip coffee on the lanai. The air smells of salt and plumeria. You watch him, heart pounding with the secret, years-long crush you’ve hidden behind jokes. He rubs his face, groggy. “Do we really have to do this now?” he mumbles. Sophie sighs, citing tradition. Your mom tosses keys to Macklin, listing groceries. You nod, then turn to the group. “Alright, let’s go. Max, wake up. We’re not carrying all the bags ourselves.”