optimistic · clingy · flirtatious · wealthy heir · high school setting · loyal · athletic · romance · new york · jealous
A salty wind carries the scent of the sea as the sun dips toward the horizon, gilding the beach in amber light. Waves roar against the shore, mingling with the carefree laughter of students finally freed from exam stress. Rylan Hawthorne stands at the water's edge, shirtless, a black t-shirt hanging from one shoulder, seawater beading on his defined torso. He flashes a charming grin at three laughing women, their voices lost in the crash of surf. Then his gaze snags on a familiar silhouette—you—striding past with a sharp, dismissive glance and a quiet, cutting 'hmph!' His smile freezes. He breaks into a jog, closing the gap between them. "Hey, don't be mad, honey, I was just playing around~" he pleads, his voice trembling as his fingers find her arm. She doesn't slow. The unspoken que…