It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and the sun shone brightly over the island. You, Rafe, and his friends Kelce and Topper had decided to spend the day at the local boardwalk, ready for some fun in the sun.
As you strolled along the bustling boardwalk, the scent of fresh funnel cakes wafted through the air, making your stomach growl. "Can we get some snacks first?" you asked, looking up at Rafe with your best puppy-dog eyes.
He laughed, ruffling your hair playfully. "Alright, but just a little something to hold us over. I don't want you spoiled for dinner."
Kelce, who was walking a few steps ahead, turned around with a mischievous grin. "You know Rafe is all about that strict diet. But who can resist funnel cakes? They're practically a food group!"
You giggled, already bouncing in excitement as you led the way to the food stand. The four of you ordered a massive funnel cake, covered in powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate.
"This is the best!" you exclaimed, taking a huge bite and nearly covering your face in sugar. Rafe chuckled, shaking his head at you.
"You're going to have to be careful. You don't want to turn into a sugar monster," he teased, stealing a bite from your side of the funnel cake.
You swatted his hand away playfully. "Hey! This is mine!"
"Don't worry, I'll protect you from Kelce and Topper," Rafe said, giving his friends a mock glare.
Topper pretended to be offended, holding his hands up in disbelief. "Us? Steal from the adorable couple? Never!" he exclaimed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart.
You blushed at the compliment, feeling your heart flutter. "We're not a couple! We're just... really good friends," you insisted, shooting Rafe a playful look.
Rafe raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying your flustered reaction. "Right, just friends who share funnel cakes."
Kelce laughed, clearly having fun with your banter. "Alright, I'll let you two be 'just friends' for now. But I'm getting the couple vibes!"
After devouring the funnel cake, you wandered around the boardwalk, stopping at various shops filled with beach gear and souvenirs. You spotted a little stand selling colorful friendship bracelets and tugged on Rafe's arm, pulling him over.
"Can we get matching ones?" you asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Rafe looked at you, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Matching? You really want to make this official?"
"Yes! It'll be cute!" you insisted, glancing at Kelce and Topper, who were grinning ear to ear.
"Dude, I think you should totally do it. Nothing says love like friendship bracelets!" Topper joked, nudging Rafe playfully.
Rafe rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "Alright, let's do it. Just remember, if anyone asks, you're wearing mine to show it off."
You squealed with joy as you picked out two bright blue bracelets with little charms attached. After the vendor finished making them, you proudly tied yours around your wrist and held it up to Rafe.
"See? It's perfect!" you said, grinning from ear to ear.
Rafe slipped his on as well, and for a moment, you both just admired your matching bracelets. "I have to admit, this is pretty cute," he said, nudging you with his shoulder.
Kelce stood back, crossing his arms with a dramatic flair. "Aw, you guys are adorable! It's like I'm watching a rom-com in real life!"
You blushed again, but this time, Rafe wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close. "Just wait until we're all watching the sunset later. That'll be the real movie moment."
As you continued down the boardwalk, you spotted a booth selling temporary tattoos. You tugged on Rafe's arm, your eyes wide with excitement. "Can we get some? I've always wanted one!"
Rafe raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You want a tattoo? Just for today?"
"Yeah! It'll be fun! Come on, please!" you begged, turning your best pleading face toward him.
He sighed but couldn't resist your enthusiasm. "Alright, but only a small one. I don't want you coming home with a dragon tattoo on your arm."
You laughed, imagining how ridiculous that would look. "Deal! Just something cute!"
You all crowded around the booth, picking out little designs. Rafe chose a simple wave, while you opted for a tiny heart, excitedly watching as the artist applied the ink to your skin.
"See? We're all matching in spirit now!" you declared, showing off your new tattoo to the guys.
"Nice! Now you're officially part of the crew," Kelce said, giving you a high-five.
"Just wait until it washes off, and then we'll see who's still in the crew," Topper quipped, laughing.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the four of you found a perfect spot on the beach to sit. Rafe settled beside you, while Kelce and Topper plopped down on your other side, pulling out snacks and drinks for a mini picnic.
"Say cheese!" Topper exclaimed, snapping a quick picture of you and Rafe as you leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his body against yours.
You were beaming, completely content in this moment surrounded by your friends and the beauty of the beach. Rafe draped his arm around you, and you felt a flutter in your stomach.
"Best day ever," you murmured, looking up at Rafe.
He smiled down at you, his eyes softening. "Yeah, it really is. I'm glad we got to spend it together."
Kelce leaned in, smirking. "You two are too cute. Just don't forget about us little people while you're busy being all lovey-dovey."
You laughed, feeling a mix of warmth and embarrassment. "We're not lovey-dovey! We're just having fun!"
Topper chimed in, "Right, just friends who happen to match and hold hands." He pretended to gag, and you couldn't help but laugh along.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the water, you leaned your head against Rafe's shoulder, feeling completely at peace. "I love moments like this," you said softly.
"Me too," he replied, looking out at the ocean. "This is what it's all about—good friends and good times."
Kelce nudged you both, grinning. "And funnel cakes! Don't forget those! They're practically a food group!"
You giggled, glancing at Rafe, who rolled his eyes but was clearly enjoying himself. "Alright, alright. More funnel cakes it is," he said, standing up and holding out a hand to you.
You took it, feeling a rush of happiness as you walked together back toward the food stand, Kelce and Topper trailing behind with playful banter.
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, friendly competition at arcade games, and more snacks. You and Rafe exchanged shy glances, sharing inside jokes that made the two of you laugh uncontrollably.
By the time you were heading back home, your heart felt full. You knew this day would stay with you for a long time, a cherished memory of friendship and fun under the summer sun.
As you said your goodbyes, Rafe pulled you aside for a moment, a soft smile on his face. "I had an amazing time today," he said sincerely. "Thanks for being you."
You felt your cheeks heat up. "I had fun too! We should do this again soon."
"Definitely," he said, leaning in closer. "And I'm glad you're part of our little crew."
With a smile, you watched as he rejoined Kelce and Topper, your heart soaring at the thought of more adventures to come.
