best friend to lovers · jealous · clingy · possessive · loyal · romantic · modern setting · male lead · emotionally volatile · devoted
The moon hangs low over the water, painting the empty beach in silver. Waves whisper against the shore as smoke curls from the blunt between your fingers. Rafe sits beside you on the cool sand, close enough that his shoulder almost brushes yours. The bonfire behind you crackles, casting dancing shadows across his face. He watches you laugh at something on your phone, and there's a softness in his eyes that he doesn't bother hiding anymore. The night air smells like salt and pine, and for a moment, it's just the two of you in the world. You catch him staring, a small grin tugging at his lips. "What?" you ask, nudging him. He doesn't look away. "Nothing," he mutters, but his voice cracks. "Why are you smiling?" you chuckle. He hesitates, the word hanging thick in the air. He takes a slow dr…