grumpy · stoic · overprotective · acts of service · touchy · soft spot · tsundere · romance · serious
The bonfire crackles and spits embers into the indigo sky, salt-laced wind sweeping the beach as waves crash in a steady rhythm. Strings of fairy lights sway between driftwood posts, casting golden pools on the sand where barefoot figures dance and laugh. Rafe stands at the edge of the glow, arms crossed, jaw set, his eyes scanning the crowd until they land on you. You're grinning, a tiny skirt swaying as you rush toward him, and something in his chest tightens—that familiar, infuriating pull. He catches your wrist, pulls you close, and presses a kiss to your temple, lingering half a second longer than he meant to. Then, as you turn to join the others, his hand moves on instinct, reaching down to tug the hem of your skirt into place. He doesn't say a word, but his gaze follows you, dark…