𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 // 𝗖.𝗙

𝖯 𝖨 𝖲 𝖲 𝖤 𝖣

WITH THE stealth of a seasoned spy, Sylvia eases the front door shut, the click of the lock echoing in the silent night.

She didn't want to wake Beau, didn't want to face the questions or the guilt.

A quick dash across the lawn, and she was at Conrad's car, tossing her bag into the back with a soft thud.

She turned to him, a hopeful smile gracing her lips.

"Hi." She breathed, leaning in close, the cool night air nipping at her exposed skin.

"Hi." Conrad responded, his smile mirroring hers.

He reached out, his hand gentle as he cupped her cheek, his thumb caressing her skin as he guided her lips to his.

Sylvia hummed into the kiss, a long-awaited connection finally made.

The phone calls and texts were mere shadows of this, the electric touch of skin on skin.

Their bodies craved this closeness, ached for the comfort only the other could provide.

Breaking the kiss, Conrad pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers with concern. "You're gonna freeze out there. Where's your coat?"

Sylvia pouted, a playful rebellion in her eyes as she fastened her seatbelt. "You know I hate bundling up."

"Too bad." Conrad countered, already pulling his sweater over his head. "You're gonna wear mine."

He extended the thick, grey sweater to her, the wool heavy in her hands.

With a dramatic huff, Sylvia obeyed, slipping her arms into the warm sleeves.

The moment the sweater enveloped her, she was immersed in his scent—a heady mix of vanilla, coconut, amber, and something else, something subtly forbidden—weed.

Sylvia didn't mind it though because the smell made her feel safe, calm and content.

She would do anything to feel the way she felt in this moment.

She hugged herself, burying her nose in the soft fabric, inhaling deeply. "I hope you know, you aren't getting this back."

Conrad shrugged, his eyes twinkling with affection as he started the car. "I like it on you better anyway."

He was happy, truly happy, a feeling that had been scarce lately with the pressures of college weighing him down.

Sylvia, as always, brought him a sense of peace, a sanctuary from the storm.

"So, beach?" Sylvia asked, tilting her head, a wide grin spreading across her face.

Conrad laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Of course."

The beach was their haven, their escape.

It was where they went when the world became too much, a place that held countless memories, stretching back even before they were officially a couple.

It was their place, and tonight, it was calling them home.

∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎∞︎︎

Sylvia's breath hitch as she step out of the car, Beau right behind her. She'd parked in Conrad's usual spot, the space where his beat-up Volvo usually sat—his lifeline to the world beyond campus.