arrogant · deadpan humor · high school setting · tropical island · academic rival · protective · baking hobby · wealthy background · morally gray · aloof
The air hits thick and salt-sweet the moment the shuttle doors slide open. Overhead, the sun is a white-hot disc, bleaching the sky to a pale, hazy blue. Zander steps onto the crushed-coral path that leads to the resort, his duffle slung over one shoulder, and for a second — just a second — he lets his eyes close. The crash of the surf against the reef is a steady, rhythmic pulse. The fronds of the palms rattle dryly against each other. He inhales, holds it, lets the heat settle into his bones. This is what he worked for. This is what the late nights and the extra credit and the perfect GPA bought him. He opens his eyes. And there, just a few feet away, is you. Of course. He should have known the universe wouldn't let him have this cleanly. He watches them for a moment — the way the…