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OMGG 19 PEOPLE IN ONE NIGHTTTT TYSMMM

Get ready for full sokeefeeee

A few days later, my phone buzzed with a message from Keefe. 

Keefe: Wanna go for a swim at the beach? 

I smiled, fingers flying over the keyboard. 

Sophie: Thanks, I'd love that.

"BIANAAAAI!!!" I shrieked, practically bouncing as I ran into our dorm. "OMG. Keefe just asked me on a date. Like, a real date-date. To the beach!"

Biana jumped up, grinning. "I knew he would! Okay, okay — we're going cute but chill. Bikini top with shorts — not too revealing, okay? And just a bit of light makeup. Beachy, not beauty queen."

"Got it," I said, my heart still racing.

Twenty minutes later, I stood in front of the mirror, tugging at the hem of my crop top and denim shorts. It wasn't fancy, but it felt like me — just a slightly more confident version. Biana gave me a thumbs-up, practically glowing with excitement.

When I reached the gate, Keefe was already waiting. He wore a white shirt, loose and slightly crinkled, and long board shorts. Casual, easy, perfect.

"Hey," he said, smiling that lopsided grin that somehow always made my chest flutter.

"Hey," I breathed back.

At the beach, he kicked off his sandals and pulled off his shirt in one smooth motion. I blinked. He had a six-pack. Like, actual abs. Not movie-level ridiculous, but real — and somehow worse because I wasn't expecting it.

He stretched casually, muscles shifting, and I nearly choked on air. Shaking off the surprise before he noticed, I peeled off my crop top too, revealing my bikini underneath. I wondered if he sneaked a glance, but I didn't dare look long enough to know.

"C'mon, let's swim," he said, tossing his shirt into the sand.

We spent the next hour laughing, splashing, dunking each other under the water like kids. Every now and then, our fingers brushed or our legs bumped beneath the surface. Each time, I felt a little spark of electricity.

By the time we climbed out and flopped onto the grassy hill just beyond the sand, my cheeks hurt from smiling. The sky above had turned a deep orange — the kind of color that only lasts a few minutes before slipping into dusk.

I turned to look at him for just a second. He was already watching me. Suddenly, everything else disappeared.

We lay side by side as the sky softened into navy, dotted with stars. The beach around us was quiet, just the waves whispering secrets no one else could hear.

Keefe shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow. His gaze searched mine like he was trying to read the thoughts I hadn't dared to say aloud.

"Sophie," he murmured, his voice barely louder than the waves. "I like you. I really like you."

My heart caught in my throat. The words weren't dramatic or perfect — but they landed deep inside me.

Without thinking, I reached up and gently cupped his face, my fingers resting along his jaw, thumb brushing across his cheekbone. Keefe inhaled softly at the touch.

"I like you too," I whispered. "So much it scares me."

He didn't speak. He didn't have to. His arms slipped around me, drawing me closer until there was no space left between us. The sand pressed cool against my back, and his warmth wrapped around me like a promise.

Then our lips met. It wasn't rushed or awkward. It was real. His lips moved with mine slowly, carefully — like we were learning a language we'd never spoken before, but somehow already understood.

I didn't know how long we kissed. Minutes. Maybe hours. (Don't worry it def wasn't hours) Time didn't feel real anymore; it had melted into the moment.

And all I knew — deep in my chest — was that I didn't want it to end. Not the kiss. Not the quiet. Not this.

Keefe's POV 

She was lying beside me in the grass, her skin warm from the sun, her hair still damp from the sea. The sky above us was fading into deep orange, and I couldn't look away from her.

I'd never been more aware of someone in my life.

The way she laughed when I splashed her. The way she brushed her fingers through her hair. The way her eyes flickered when she thought I wasn't looking.

I turned toward her, propping myself up just enough to really see her face — the soft curve of her cheek, the salt still clinging to her lashes.

"Sophie," I said, my voice catching just a bit. "I like you. I really like you."

I meant it so much it made my chest hurt.

She blinked, and for a second I thought I'd said too much — until her hand came up and gently cupped my face.

Her touch was light, but it anchored me.

"I like you too," she whispered. "So much it scares me."

Those words — God, those words — they hit me like a wave. All the breath I didn't know I was holding came rushing out of me.

I pulled her closer, sliding my arm around her waist, needing her near. Not just wanting her — needing her.

And then, our lips met.

Her mouth was soft, careful, like she wasn't sure it was real. I kissed her slow — memorizing every second, trying to make it last.

She kissed me back like she felt the same.

I don't know how long we stayed like that. I didn't care.

All I knew was that this — her, us, now — was something I never wanted to let go of. Not ever.

Keefe stopped by my dorm before heading to his own.

Sophie's POV

"Thanks for that," I said quietly.

He smiled, and I felt my heart flutter. I wanted to stay, but I couldn't linger too long.

Before he left, I leaned in and gave him a quick, kind of long kiss. My hand cupped his mouth while his arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me close.

"Bye," I whispered, then stepped inside.

As I walked into the room, I spotted Biana already waiting by the door.

"Spill," she demanded as soon as I closed the door behind me.

"We did it," I said, grinning but trying to act cool. "And that's all I'm saying. End of conversation."

Of course, she didn't stop there.

Biana's eyes sparkled, clearly not ready to drop it. "Wait, did you kiss? Like, really kiss? How was it? Was it awkward? Sweet? Fireworks?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the smile from tugging at my lips. "It was... honestly, better than I expected. Keefe's a good kisser, okay? Don't tease."

She gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "OMG, I can't believe this! You two are finally doing the thing! I'm so proud of you, Sophie."

I laughed softly. "Yeah, yeah. Don't make me cry or anything."

Biana nudged me playfully. "You're such a softie. But seriously, I want all the details — and you better keep me updated."

I shook my head, feeling warm inside. "Deal. But don't tell anyone else just yet, okay? Let me figure this out."

She winked. "Your secret's safe with me. But if you need a hype squad, I'm here."

I smiled, grateful for her. "Thanks, Bi. You're the best."

AHHHHHHHH. If only Ro was thereeee! Thank you for reading I'm trying update really fast!