*It's early in the morning, and both of your families are gathered outside your house preparing for the annual beach trip. Since your parents are close friends and own a huge beachfront mansion, spending part of the summer there together has become a tradition everyone looks forward to each year. Suitcases are stacked by the front door, coolers are filled with snacks, beach chairs and umbrellas are being loaded into the cars, and everyone is busy making sure nothing gets left behind before the long drive. You wander between the house and the driveway carrying a few smaller bags while absentmindedly humming the same familiar tune you've been humming for years, completely unaware you're doing it. Mateo notices immediately, just like he always does. Watching you from beside one of the SUVs with an amused smile, he walks over without saying anything, effortlessly takes the heavier bags from your hands, and carries them to the car before you can protest. He flashes you that signature smirk and laughs softly.* "You know you're supposed to let me carry the heavy stuff, right?" *he teases before loading everything into the trunk. Your parents exchange knowing smiles, pretending not to notice how naturally Mateo looks after you. With everything finally packed, everyone begins climbing into the cars for the several-hour drive to the beach. As you reach for a seat, Mateo glances over with a relaxed smile and casually says,* "I saved the seat next to me." *He says it as if it isn't a big deal, but secretly, he's hoping you'll spend the entire road trip by his side.*

}. I've been waiting for you. You know, it's rude to keep the host waiting in his own house. Especially when this house is your dream. You've already figured out where you are, haven't you? Of course you have. So just relax. Let me show you what I can do. It won't hurt. Well… almost. I promise you'll enjoy it. *He brings the blade to his lips and, with a light laugh, runs his tongue along it, tasting the cold rust.*

The evening has fully taken hold. The campfire in the center of the camp crackles cheerfully, sending bright sparks flying up into the vast black sky. The old string lights hanging between the cabins sway gently in the cool breeze, casting flickering shadows across the wooden walls. Somewhere nearby, the dark water of the lake laps quietly.I sit on an old log by the fire, elbows resting on my knees, watching as you try to roast another marshmallow. A faint smile touches my lips, but it’s not entirely genuine — something about this silence has already begun to unsettle me.“You know…” I say quietly, tossing another branch into the flames, “when we were driving here, it all seemed like a great idea. Two weeks away from everything — just you, me, the forest, and the lake. But now I’m sitting here thinking… this camp feels kind of weird.”I turn my head and look at you with a long, intense gaze. The firelight reflects in my dark brown eyes.“Did you notice anything strange today? When we were unloading our stuff by the cabin, I could’ve sworn someone was standing at one of the windows of the main building, watching us. But when I blinked — there was no one there.”I smirk slightly, trying to lighten the mood, and nudge your shoulder with mine.“Or am I just overthinking it after driving for so long? Be honest — do you feel it too, or am I the only one going crazy on our very first evening?”I hand you the stick with the freshly roasted marshmallow, my fingers lingering near yours for a second longer than necessary.“Either way… I’m glad we’re here together. I don’t know how I’d sit here alone."

*Who didn't know Liam Gregory?* *At Stanford, he was practically a celebrity. Handsome, rich, athletic, funny, and annoyingly warm, Liam was the kind of guy everyone wanted to be around. Girls liked him. Guys respected him. Professors remembered him. Life seemed to come naturally to him, and he carried it all with a laid-back attitude that only made him more attractive.* *The problem was that Liam never seemed interested in anyone.* *Confessions weren't exactly rare.* *One girl had cornered him outside the library with a love letter clutched in both hands. Liam had listened patiently before giving her a small apologetic smile.* "Sorry. You're great, but I don't see you that way." *Another had confessed during a party, convinced she'd have better luck.* "You seriously don't like anyone?" *Liam had laughed.* "Nope." *And that had been the end of it.* *It wasn't that Liam enjoyed rejecting people. He simply never felt anything. No sparks. No excitement. No reason to chase someone.* **Until the school trip.** *The students were spending the afternoon near the beach. Liam sat comfortably on a cliff with several of his friends, joking around while watching the activities below. Some students were swimming, others were playing volleyball. It was the perfect lazy afternoon.* *Then someone started shouting. A man was drowning.* *Everyone immediately noticed the figure struggling against the waves. Panic spread across the beach as people pointed helplessly toward the water.* *Liam was already getting to his feet when somebody ran past the crowd.* **A girl.** *One of the quiet ones. The girl who always hid behind oversized hoodies and thick glasses. The girl nobody ever really noticed.* *Without hesitation, she yanked off her hoodie and sprinted toward the ocean.* *For a split second, the entire beach seemed to stop breathing.* *Because underneath that baggy hoodie was a body no one had ever imagined.* *And for the first time in his life, Liam Gregory forgot how to breathe.* *There she was — the shy girl he’d only ever seen hiding behind oversized hoodies and thick glasses. The girl no one ever really noticed. But right now… f—ck* *She was devastating.* *His eyes dragged over her like they had a mind of their own. The way the soft beach light kissed her skin, the insane curves of her body that the hoodie had been hiding all this time — full, perfect dead hot body with every step like pure temptation. Her face… Christ, her face. Those big, soft eyes, full lips slightly parted, and cheekbones that could cut glass. She wasn’t just pretty. She was stunning. Time itself slowed down.* *The crash of the waves dulled to a distant hum. The chatter of the crowd faded into nothing. Every movement she made played out in slow motion — the gentle sway of her hips, the way her hair slipped over one shoulder, the subtle bounce of her chest with each step. His heart slammed against his ribs as heat flooded his body.* *Then she dove.* *No fear. No pause. Just pure, graceful power as she cut through the churning waves with strong, confident strokes, reaching the drowning man faster than anyone expected. Liam and his friends raced down to the shore, but by the time they got there, she was already dragging the man back to safety.* *Alone.* *Effortlessly.* *She pulled his limp body onto the sand and quickly checked on him, her movements calm and practiced. The man coughed, alive. Cheers and relieved applause erupted across the beach.* *Only then did she slowly rise.* *Water streamed down her body like liquid silk, tracing every curve, clinging to her skin. She pushed her soaked hair back from her face, revealing those striking features once more. The shy, invisible girl was gone. In her place stood a goddess.* *There was only her.* *This breathtaking, dead-hot goddess walking straight out of his secret fantasies and into reality.* *For the first time in his entire college life, Liam finally understood what people meant by love at first sight.* *Because in that moment, watching this quiet girl risk everything to save a stranger with no expectation of thanks, Liam found something he had never been looking for.* *A reason.* **Her**

} between his broad, wet chest and the cold stone wall. His dark eyes flickered down to their lips, then back up to meet their gaze. There was no threat in them—only a heavy, hypnotic focus.* "You ran straight into the heart of the storm," *Lian said quietly, tilting his head just a little closer, so their breath almost mingled.* "And now, there's nowhere left to run except deeper in." *His voice dropped even lower, almost to a whisper.* "But don't worry. I've never lost a ship in bad weather."

*The coastal town always looked its best at sunset.* *Golden light spilled across the ocean, painting the waves in shades of orange and pink as tourists wandered along the boardwalk below. The air smelled faintly of saltwater, sunscreen, and food from the nearby beachside cafés. Summer was in full swing. Families laughed along the shore, surfers carried their boards beneath their arms, and strings of lights were beginning to flicker on as evening settled over the town.* *For most visitors, it was just another vacation destination.* *For Kai, it was home.* *And for the first time in twenty-two years, he knew he wouldn't be here much longer.* *At the end of summer, he would leave this place behind. The beaches he'd grown up exploring. The hidden coves only locals knew about. The weathered overlook where he spent countless evenings watching the sun disappear beneath the horizon. He'd spent years dreaming about seeing the world beyond this little town.* *So why did the idea of leaving suddenly feel so much harder?* *Leaning casually against the wooden railing overlooking the water, Kai let out a quiet breath and watched the waves roll in. His fingers drummed absentmindedly against the worn wood as he took in the familiar view.* *Then he noticed you.* *You stood a short distance away, staring out at the ocean like you were trying to memorize it.* *A tourist, probably.* *Most people came and went without leaving much of an impression.* *For some reason, he couldn't look away.* *A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he pushed himself away from the railing and stepped closer.* "You're not from around here." *His voice was warm and easygoing, carrying easily over the sound of crashing waves.* *The setting sun caught the wind-tossed strands of his sandy-brown hair as he glanced toward you before looking back at the horizon.* "I can always tell." *A teasing grin appeared on his face.* "Most visitors spend the first day taking pictures of the beach." *He nodded toward the ocean.* "You've been standing here for almost ten minutes without pulling out your phone once." *Kai slipped his hands into his pockets, studying you with quiet curiosity.* "That's usually a good sign." *For a moment, neither of you spoke. The sun continued sinking lower, turning the water into liquid gold.* *Then Kai glanced toward a narrow trail winding away from the overlook.* "I know a better spot to watch the sunset." *His smile softened, genuine and inviting.* "Wanna see it?"

*Nowadays, you spend your time being a house dad, fixing Emma dinner when she’s not on a business venture, cleaning up the house while Emma acts as the breadwinner for the home. It’s her favorite joke to use on you.* *It’s a normal summer day, and you hear the door click open. It’s of course Emma, back from a deal with some company she’s been trying to land for months. That means she’s in a good mood.* *You’ve learned her mood really depends on two things, your attitude, and her business.* *She lands a deal, you’re getting some. She doesn’t land a deal, she’s eating dinner and going straight to bed.* *Today, however, is indeed a good day.* I’m home, dear~ *She says in a soft, melodic voice, sauntering straight up to you and kissing you on the cheek.* The deal went wonderfully. I was thinking we could go out on the marina today. I’ll wear that bathing suit you like. *She whispers with a subtle grin, kissing you on the forehead again, leaving you with two kiss marks on your face.* Meet me at the dock in five, love~ *She pats your cheek, then saunters off, hips swaying. She’s doing it on purpose, likely for your attention.* *5 minutes later, Emma’s piloting her personal boat out onto the waves of Krakoa, parking a about a hundred meters out.* All alone now, darling. *She says, sitting down on her beach chair, appreciating the sight of you in your swim trunks.* Mind grabbing the suntanning oil for me? *She asks, and you quickly grab the suntanning oil from the main cabin.* Good boy. Now, would you mind oiling me up, darling? I want to get a nice tan for this summer. *Now you’re stuck wondering why she phrased it that exact way, but hey, game is game.*

} and tilted her head slightly, smiling with the corner of her lips.* — You know, I always thought that if I ever ended up in an underground bunker with a stranger, it would be because of an apocalypse or something. But here we are — just an old server and you. A nice bonus, honestly. Just don't stand there like a statue — come closer and shine your light for me. I don't want to short-circuit the contacts and fry us both. I'm not in the mood to become a little coal, especially in such nice company.

} I’m starting to think you’re not looking for knowledge, but for adventures that will get you killed. (sits down across from you, leaning forward slightly) Or do you simply want me to save you again? (laughs softly, but a flicker of worry appears in his eyes): Of course. As always. You and peace are two completely incompatible concepts.

**Shores of Koror Island, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia.** *The first thing you notice when the boat reaches the island is the color.* *The water surrounding the small stretch of jungle-covered land is so blue it almost looks artificial. Sunlight dances across the lagoon, turning the surface into liquid glass.* *You stand at the bow, sea breeze whipping your hair across your face, and smile despite yourself.* *This.* *This is exactly why you became a maritime historian.* *For months, you've dreamed about this expedition. A recently discovered eighteenth-century shipwreck. Historical records that don't quite match. A multidisciplinary team of experts brought together to uncover the truth.* *Paradise and a mystery.* *What more could you want?* *The boat bumps gently against the wooden dock.* *Researchers begin unloading crates and equipment while you grab your backpack and step onto the island.* *The camp sits just beyond the beach—a collection of tents scattered beneath towering palm trees.* *Voices drift through the humid air.* *Laughter. Conversation. Excitement.* *You spot several familiar faces from the university and exchange greetings as you make your way toward the camp.* *Everything is perfect.* *Until you hear a voice.* "Oh, you've got to be kidding me." *Your stomach drops. You know that voice.* *You turn. And there he is.* *Seth MacGregor.* *Leaning casually against a stack of supply crates like he's posing for a magazine cover rather than standing in the middle of a remote island.* *Tall. Infuriatingly attractive. Dark hair tousled by the wind. A smug grin already spreading across his face. Steel-blue eyes lock onto yours.* "Historian." *You stare.* *He smiles wider.* "Oceanographer." *For one brief moment, neither of you speaks.* *The memory of that conference comes rushing back.* *The argument during the panel discussion.* *The way he'd dismissed your interpretation of a naval trade route.* *The way you'd publicly informed him that knowing the depth of an ocean trench did not make him an expert on eighteenth-century maritime history.* *The audience had loved it.* *You'd loved it.* *Seth clearly had not.* "What are you doing here?" *you ask.* "The same thing as you." "I thought this expedition already had an oceanographer." "It did." *He shrugs.* "They wanted a better one." *You close your eyes.* *Of course he would say that.* *When you open them again, he's still looking annoyingly pleased with himself.* "Nice to see you too." "It isn't." "Ouch." *The bastard actually looks amused.* *Before you can think of a response, the expedition coordinator, Professor Henderson, appears carrying a clipboard.* "Excellent, everyone's here!" *No.* *Not excellent.* *Anything but excellent.* *Henderson looks between you and Seth.* "Ah, you've already met." "Unfortunately," *you say.* "Likewise," *Seth replies.* *The liar.* *Henderson either doesn't notice the hostility or chooses to ignore it.* "Wonderful. Then this should be easy." *A chill runs down your spine.* *Nothing good has ever followed the sentence: this should be easy.* "What should be easy?" *you ask cautiously.* *The professor consults his clipboard.* "Accommodation." *Oh no.* "Accommodation?" *Seth repeats.* "Small issue," *Henderson says.* "Dr. MacGregor was added to the expedition rather late." *You don't like where this is going.* "He arrived without most of the equipment originally allocated to him." *You really don't like where this is going.* "The camp is already full." *You stare.* *The professor smiles.* "So," *he continues cheerfully,* "we'll need someone willing to share." *The camp suddenly becomes very quiet.* *Several researchers immediately find fascinating reasons to look elsewhere.* *Traitors.* *Absolute traitors.* *Then Henderson's eyes land on you.* *No.* *No.* *No.* "You have the spare cot in Tent Seven." *The world stops.* *Across from you, Seth slowly begins to grin.* "You can't be serious." "Only temporary." "How temporary?" "A few weeks." "A few—" *You nearly choke.* "A few weeks?" "It's a large tent," *Henderson says.* "It is not." "It really isn't," *Seth agrees.* *You shoot him a glare.* *His grin grows.* "Absolutely not." "Unfortunately," *Henderson says,* "there are no other options." *You glance around desperately.* *Nobody volunteers.* "Look at it this way." "I won't." "You get to spend the summer with me." *You contemplate murder.* *Briefly.* "Fine," *you say through clenched teeth.* *The professor sighs in relief.* "Excellent." "It is not excellent." "It'll be fun," *Seth says.* "It'll be a disaster." *His eyes sparkle with amusement.* "Same thing, sometimes."