𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐓 ― rafe cameron

τριάνταέξι ; 36

song of the chapter:
PINK + WHITE ; frank ocean

Margarita and Rafe stepped out of the bathroom, the playful energy still lingering between them. She grabbed a few scattered pieces of clothing, tossing them into a pile in the corner of her room, while Rafe watched her with a quiet intensity.

"You're really just gonna leave that mess there, huh?" he teased, leaning against the wall, arms crossed.

She shrugged. "I'll deal with it later. I've got better things to do."

Rafe smirked, walking over and grabbing her by the waist, pulling her in close. "Like what? Hanging out with me all day?"

Margarita grinned, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. "Exactly."

They stood like that for a moment, the room silent except for the soft hum of the TV in the background. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, letting herself sink into the moment. It was rare for them to have such a quiet, peaceful morning together. Usually, things felt rushed, chaotic—whether it was her thoughts or the world around them. But today, everything felt still.

"You know," Rafe said softly, breaking the silence, "I don't get it. Why do you put up with me?"

Margarita lifted her head and looked at him, caught off guard by the question. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not exactly... the best person. And you could have anyone. I see the way guys look at you. You're way too good for someone like me."

She frowned, reaching up to touch his face gently. "Rafe, don't say that. You're not perfect, but nobody is. And I'm not with you because I want someone perfect. I'm with you because I care about you—because I see more in you than you probably see in yourself."

He searched her eyes, the usual cocky confidence fading for a moment as vulnerability took its place. "You really think that?"

"I know that," she replied, her voice firm. "But you have to believe it too."

Rafe exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You really are something else."

Before Margarita could respond, her phone buzzed again. This time it was Sarah, asking if she wanted to meet up later. She ignored the message for now, not wanting to break the moment.

"Come on," she said, pulling away from him and grabbing her bag. "Let's get out of here. The beach is calling."

Rafe grinned, grabbing his keys off her dresser. "Let's make today one to remember."

They walked out of the house together, the sun already high in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything. The day was warm, the air thick with the salty scent of the ocean as they made their way down the road in his car.

As they neared the beach, Margarita rolled down the window, letting the breeze whip through her hair. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the rush of freedom. Rafe glanced over at her, his hand resting on the gear shift.

"You good?" he asked, his voice low and relaxed.

She nodded, eyes still closed. "I'm good. I think today's gonna be a good day."

When they finally arrived at the beach, they grabbed their things and made their way to a quieter spot away from the crowds. The waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, and the warm sand felt soothing beneath her feet.

Margarita spread out her towel and plopped down, feeling the tension in her body begin to melt away. Rafe sat next to her, pulling her in close as they watched the ocean.