𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 // 𝗖.𝗙

𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓭

TWO SUMMERS ago, a wave of teenage angst crashes over Conrad as he flung his glasses onto Sylvia's neatly made bed, the metal frame clattering softly against the floral comforter.

He follows them, collapsing dramatically beside them. "I hate these things."

Sylvia, perched on the edge of her desk chair, swiveled to face him, her brow furrowed with concern. "Why all the animosity?"

Conrad shot up, propping himself up on his elbows. "Are you seriously asking me why? I look like a total dweeb in these things, Rosie. A four-eyed geek. I can't stand the way I look in them."

He snatches the glasses from the bed, brandishing them like a weapon.

Sylvia plucks the glasses from his grasp, her fingers lingering on his.

"I still don't get it." She spoke, examining them closely. "I think you look absolutely adorable in them, all cute and nerdy."

Conrad groans, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, because every guy dreams of being called 'adorable' by his girlfriend. It's not exactly the image I'm going for."

"Con." Sylvia sighs, her voice softening. She scooted closer to him, gently taking his hand. "Not only do you have to wear them for another year, but I genuinely think you look amazing with them. They highlight your eyes and give you character. Don't let your insecurities get the best of you."

She reaches up and carefully places the glasses back on his face, adjusting them until they sat perfectly on the bridge of his nose.

Conrad's expression softens, a small smile playing on his lips as he gazes at her. "I'm lucky to have you in my life, Rosie. You always know how to make me feel better, even when I'm being a total idiot."

"Yes, you are." Sylvia says, nudging his arm playfully. "But so am I. Now, how about we ditch dinner and go watch the sunset? It's supposed to be spectacular tonight."

Conrad's eyes lit up, the earlier gloom replaced by a spark of excitement. "Do you even have to ask? Let's go!"

Together, they race out of the room, the insecurity, forgotten for the moment in the warmth of their shared connection.

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"Beau!" Sylvia's voice echoes through the Cousins beach house as she pursues him down the staircase, her bare feet thumping against the wooden steps. "Just tell me—did you guys actually hook up on the beach yesterday?"

Beau halts at the bottom of the stairs, the sudden stop causing Sylvia to leap onto his back, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. "For the hundredth time, Syl. We made out a couple of times. That's it. We were just enjoying the sunset and each other's company."

"I'm surprised you guys didn't fuck." Sylvia mumbles into his hair, earning her a playful pinch on the thigh from Beau.

"Speaking of complicated relationships." Beau says, turning serious. "Are you going to talk to Conrad?"

Sylvia groans, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know, Beau. I want to so badly, but it hurts to even look at him. All I can picture is Belly's lips all over his."

"He pushed her away, Via." Beau reminds her gently. "He made it clear he doesn't see her that way and that he only has eyes for you. Talk to him. You know you want to, you need to."

"I know, I know." Sylvia concedes, trailing after him as they enter the bright, airy kitchen.

"Good morning, Fisher boys." Beau greets cheerfully, pulling away from Sylvia to press a kiss to his boyfriend's lips.