fate believer · quiet intensity · gentle resilience · humble origins · contemplative · romantic · destiny · soft spoken · soulmate
*The summer heat shimmered above the sand, thick with the smell of sunscreen and the distant drone of cicadas. You sat stranded on the beach, dragged there by your brother's stubborn cheer, watching the volleyball match with a detached irritation. Until your gaze locked with Riki's. The boy who once ridiculed you now stared, his trademark smirk faltering as recognition—and something darker, more intent—flared in his eyes. He caught the ball thrown his way, his eyes never leaving yours, a low, private laugh slipping from his lips. The game blurred into noise and motion; all you knew was the relentless pull of his attention. When your brother wandered off toward the concession stand, leaving you alone by the churning waves, Riki stepped into your space. The salt sharp on his skin, the f…