Previously

"Watch out!"

But it was already too late.

A sharp pain shot through my skull, a ringing sound filling my ears as the world around me tilted. My vision blurred, dark spots dancing in my sight.

I barely registered Thomas's panicked voice.

"(Y/n), look at me!"

And then—

Everything went black.

Present Time

I groaned, pressing a hand to my forehead as a dull ache pulsed behind my temples. It felt like someone had taken a hammer to my skull, and I wasn't sure if it was from the impact or the fact that I had been unconscious for two hours.

Two hours.

That's how long I had been out.

When I finally woke up, my head still pounding, I realized I wasn't alone.

Thomas.

He was the first thing I saw.

His face was hovering over mine, his brown eyes filled with so much worry that, for a moment, I wondered if I was still dreaming.

But then Dylan rudely interrupted my daze by bombarding me with questions.

"Are you okay? How many fingers am I holding up? Does your head hurt? Do you feel nauseous?"

I barely had the energy to respond, mumbling a series of "Yes" and "I'm fine, don't worry" just to get him to stop hovering over me like a concerned mother.

After what felt like forever and way too many concerned glances from everyone, Dylan finally backed off—but not before reminding me that if I needed anything, I should call him.

That was just Dylan's way of saying I was important to him. A brotherly thing.

Honestly, it felt a little dramatic. It wasn't like I got hit with a brick—it was just a volleyball.

Now, everyone was settled in the living room, watching a movie.

Well, they were watching.

I, on the other hand, couldn't focus on the screen without getting dizzy, so I finally gave up and leaned back against the couch.

The room was dimly lit, the only glow coming from the TV screen. The occasional burst of laughter or startled gasps filled the air, but I barely registered any of it.

I just wanted to sleep.

I shifted slightly, turning to Thomas. "I think I'll head to bed."

He immediately straightened. "I'll come with you."

I blinked at him. "Thomas, no, you stay here. I can handle myself."

He frowned, clearly not convinced.

I gave him a reassuring smile before getting up, my movements slow to avoid any more dizziness. I made my way toward the stairs, but before I could take another step, a warm hand suddenly wrapped around my wrist.

I barely had time to react before Thomas pulled me toward him, his arms wrapping around me in a firm yet gentle embrace.

My breath hitched.

His scent—something faintly woody and fresh—filled my senses as my cheek rested lightly against his chest.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he leaned in.

"Tomorrow night at the seashore. Meet me there."

And just like that, he pulled away, his warmth disappearing too soon.

I could only stare as he casually walked back to the couch like he hadn't just said something that completely messed with my head.

I stood frozen at the bottom of the stairs, still processing what had just happened.

What did he mean by that?

Why did he want to meet me there?

My heart pounded against my ribs.

I swallowed hard and turned toward the stairs, willing myself to calm down.

But the truth was—

I wasn't calm.

Not at all.

The Next Day

The sun was high in the sky, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt and sand as I sat outside, staring at the horizon.

Tonight.

Tonight, I would meet Thomas at the seashore.

And the thought made me nervous as hell.

I had no idea what to expect. Was he going to tell me something important? Was it just a casual meet-up? Why did it feel so... significant?

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice someone approaching until I heard a familiar voice.

"Hey."

I didn't have to look to know who it was.

"Hey, Thomas," I replied, turning to face him.

He sat down beside me, his gaze following mine toward the ocean.

"Are you ready to leave this place and move on to the next one?" he asked.

I thought about it for a second before replying. "As much as I'd love to stay here and enjoy the view, I know we have to move on. There are still so many places to explore."

Thomas hummed in agreement. "Yeah. There's always something new waiting for us."

I tilted my head slightly, studying him. "What about you? Do you want to leave this place?"

He turned to look at me, his brown eyes softening.

"I don't care where I am," he said quietly. "As long as you're there with me."

My breath caught in my throat.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, my heart hammering so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

I looked away quickly, but it was too late.

Thomas chuckled.

A low, knowing chuckle.

I felt his hand gently brush against my chin, tilting my face back toward him. His touch was warm, steady, sending shivers down my spine.

His gaze locked onto mine, and for a second, the whole world seemed to slow down.

Then—

He leaned in.

Not for a kiss.

Just close enough for me to feel the warmth of his breath, for his presence to completely overwhelm my senses.

He lingered there for a moment before pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead.

I froze.

Oh.

When he pulled back, his lips curled into a small smile.

"Later. At the seashore. Don't forget."

And just like that, he stood up, leaving me sitting there with a thundering heart.

I exhaled shakily, touching the spot where his lips had been.

What was happening?

What was Thomas doing?

I had spent so long convincing myself that whatever I felt for him was one-sided.

That what I wanted—what I wished for—could never actually happen.

But then he looked at me like that.

Spoke to me like that.

Held me like I actually mattered to him.

And suddenly—

I wasn't so sure anymore.