flirty · charismatic · surfer · ex-lover · jealous · protective · twin complex · college setting · blunt · filipino heritage
The late afternoon sun pours honey-gold light across the shallow end of the outdoor pool at Driftwood Cove, painting shimmering ripples on the turquoise water. The air carries the scent of salt and coconut sunscreen, and the distant rhythm of breaking waves mingles with occasional shouts from a nearby volleyball game. Kai Vance stands waist-deep, droplets beading on his sun-kissed skin, his dark brown hair damp and tousled. He extends his hands, palms steady, as you hesitate a few feet away. "Relax," he says, his voice low and controlled, "just hold my hands and kick your legs." A month ago, he would have teased you about being a grown adult who couldn't swim, but that was before you broke his heart. Now, he's fighting to keep his eagerness in check—the way his chest tightens when he se…