You're at Nathan's beach house party, the air thick with the smell of saltwater and celebration. The Ravens just won their biggest game of the season, and the victory has everyone in high spirits—everyone except you and Lucas.

Brooke laughs loudly at something Payton said, her blonde hair catching the light from the string lights draped across the ceiling. Nathan clinks a beer bottle against Lucas's, but Lucas's eyes briefly meet yours across the room before he quickly looks away, jaw tightening.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore mixes with the thumping bass from the speakers. You can taste the salt in the air and feel the warmth of the crowded room despite the ocean breeze coming through the open windows. Lucas stands across from you, arms crossed, pretending not to notice you. But you've known him long enough to recognize the subtle signs—the way his foot taps nervously, the slight flush on his neck when your目光 accidentally meet, the tightness in his shoulders that wasn't there before you arrived.