Chapter 4 The Beach

The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water. The ocean stretched out endlessly, the soft sound of waves hitting the shore mixing with the quiet air. It felt like time was slowing down, and everything around us was perfectly still.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Tristan said, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked over at him, his gaze fixed on the sky, eyes reflecting the soft hues of the sunset. I nodded, letting out a content sigh.

We settled on the blanket we'd brought with us, and Tristan passed me a sandwich from the picnic basket. "You somehow make a simple sandwich taste like it came from a five-star restaurant," he joked, a playful smile on his face. I smile.

I chuckled, taking a bite. "It's all the love I put into it," I teased giving him a flying kiss as I take a bite.

He raised an eyebrow, looking impressed. "Love, huh? Guess I'm lucky."

"Actually yes, you're very, very lucky to have someone like me. I am the most magical girlfriend one could have", I chuckle at my own stupid words.

Tristan stares at me first with a fed up reaction but then joins my laughter filling my heart with warmth.

Everything felt peaceful, like nothing else mattered in that moment.

I remembered how, just a few days ago, Tristan had casually walked into the kitchen while I was getting things ready for the day. He had looked up from his phone and, without missing a beat, asked, "Hey, I was thinking of heading to the beach this weekend. You wanna join me? Let's go together and catch the sunset?"

His voice had been casual as usual, but there was a hint of pleading by his side that wanted me to say yes. I chuckle at his cuteness as I reply, "Yeah, I'd like that."

He smiled happily like a lovesick puppy. His smile had been the kind that made everything feel right. "Great. I'll take care of everything", he exclaimed excitedly.

.

.

.

After we finished eating, Tristan pulled out his camera, raising it to his eye. "Let me capture you in this light," he said, his voice soft.

I smiled, letting him take a few shots. "Guess I'm your model now," I said, playfully.

"Always," he said, grinning. "You're perfect for the shot."

I leaned back, letting him do his thing. The sunset bathed everything in a warm, golden glow, and I couldn't help but feel like the world had paused just for us. It was one of those moments you wanted to hold onto forever.

I pulled out my sketchbook, feeling the familiar weight of it in my hands. I started sketching the sunset, then added the outline of Tristan, the last light of the day casting soft shadows across his face. Drawing him was easy, like he was meant to be there in that moment, as though I wasn't just capturing the scene, but something deeper.

After a few minutes, Tristan leaned over to look at my sketch. "I like it," he said, his voice quiet.

I shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed. "It's just a sketch."

He shook his head, smiling. "No, it's beautiful."

We stayed there for a while, just enjoying the silence, the waves, and the changing sky. Eventually, Tristan stood up and stretched, then held out his hand. "Let's take a walk," he said, his voice light.

We wandered down the shoreline, the cool water rushing over our feet. After a bit, my legs started to get tired, and I slowed down, trailing behind him.

Tristan noticed right away. Without a word, he crouched down in front of me. "Alright, no more walking for you," he said, scooping me up onto his back with ease.

I gasped in surprise, laughing as I wrapped my arms around him. "Tristan! What are you doing?"

"You looked like you needed a break," he said, grinning as he straightened up. "Besides, when else am I going to get to carry you like this?"

I smiled, feeling his warmth against me as he jogged down the beach. The breeze ruffled my hair, and for a moment, I closed my eyes and let the world fade away, enjoying the simplicity of the moment. Nothing else mattered but the two of us, the ocean, and the fading sunset.

As he set me down near the edge of the water, the sky had darkened, and the stars were starting to appear. Tristan turned to face me, his gaze soft but intense. His hand gently cupped my cheek, and I felt my heart race. His touch was warm, and I could see everything in his eyes.

Without saying a word, he leaned in, his lips brushing mine gently at first. It felt like the world had paused for that kiss. Then, as if it was meant to be, the kiss deepened, slow and sweet, like we were the only two people on Earth.

When we finally pulled away, our foreheads rested against each other. My heart was pounding, and my hands were still on his shoulders, holding on to the moment. He smiled, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm glad you're here."

I smiled back, my voice just as soft. "Me too."

And in that moment, with the sound of the waves crashing nearby and the stars above, I knew that everything had changed between us.