You needed air—away from the noise, away from Amaya disappearing for the third time tonight. That’s when you see them.

At first it’s just two silhouettes near the water, close—too close. The way the girl leans in, the way the guy’s hands settle like he’s done it before. You slow, something in your chest tightening before your brain even catches up.

Then the girl laughs. Amaya.

Mateo’s hand slides up Amaya’s neck, and before there’s time to second guess it, he pulls her in. Their lips meet like it’s nothing—like there’s no one else in the world that matters. Like Malachi doesn’t exist.

The sound of the waves feels distant now, replaced by a sharp ringing in your ears. Your grip tightens around your sandals.