Hidden Froggie Hearts

Chapter 23

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Megan rallied the group to get ready for their beach day. With the sun shining brightly outside, everyone quickly jumped into action, grabbing towels, sunscreen, and snacks while Megan felt a rush of anticipation.

"Let's go!" Kiara shouted, grabbing Megan's hand as they made their way to the beach. The group walked together, the sound of their laughter echoing along the path. Megan felt a spark of joy in her heart as she glanced over at John B, who was walking beside JJ, his playful banter lighting up the air around them.

Once they arrived at the beach, Megan's heart swelled as she took in the sight of the vast ocean, the waves crashing against the shore. It was beautiful and vibrant, just like the day ahead of them.

"First one to the water!" JJ shouted, sprinting towards the waves, followed by Kiara and Sarah. Megan watched them dash off, her heart pounding with excitement. She turned to John B, who had lingered back, still looking thoughtful.

"Are you coming?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her hair glimmering in the sunlight.John B looked at her, a soft smile forming on his lips. "Yeah, just taking it all in," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "It's a perfect day."

Megan felt a thrill run through her at his words. "Come on! The water feels amazing!" she urged, her enthusiasm bubbling over.

He chuckled, finally breaking into a run towards the ocean. "Alright, alright, I'm coming!"

They reached the water just as the others were splashing around, laughter and joy filling the air. Megan squealed as a wave crashed against her, soaking her legs and sending her into a fit of giggles.

"John B!" she called, beckoning him to join her. "You've got to feel this!"

He waded in, and the moment he was close enough, Megan splashed him playfully. He raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across his face as he retaliated with a splash of his own. Laughter echoed around them, and soon, they were all caught up in a playful water fight, their worries washed away by the waves.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they took a break, lounging on their towels, soaking up the sun. Megan found herself sitting between Kiara and John B, their shoulders brushing against one another. She couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach as she stole glances at him, wondering what he was thinking. She smiles softly and leans against him some more.

"So, what's the deal with you and the frog?" JJ teased, lying back and smirking at John B. "You seem pretty taken with her."

John B laughed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a mystery, man. She's just... different, you know?" He looked out at the ocean, a soft expression crossing his face. "It's like she has this spark. I can't explain it."

Megan's heart raced at his words, the realization hitting her that he was talking about her. She turned slightly, pretending to focus on the ocean, her cheeks warming under the sun.

Kiara nudged her with a knowing smile. "I think someone has a crush," she teased, and Megan felt her face flush even more.

"Maybe I do," John B said playfully, glancing in Megan's direction, his smile widening. "But she's elusive. I have to figure out how to win her over."

Megan felt a rush of happiness at his words, her heart fluttering at the thought of him wanting to pursue her. She stole another glance at him, and when their eyes met, she felt a spark of connection that made her stomach flip.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, games, and swimming. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the beach, they decided to gather around a bonfire. The flickering flames danced in the gathering darkness, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of magic and camaraderie.

Megan, feeling adventurous, made her way back to the water's edge to collect some seashells, hoping to find something special to keep. As she crouched down, she heard the soft crunch of footsteps behind her.

"Hey," John B said, his voice low and warm as he joined her by the shore. "What are you up to?""Just looking for shells," she replied, holding one up to show him. "I thought I'd find something pretty to take home."

He bent down beside her, their shoulders brushing as they both searched the sand. "You always seem to find the best things," he said, his gaze fixed on her, making her heart race.

Megan felt a surge of courage. "What if I told you that I'm actually a really cool frog?" she said playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

John B chuckled, looking over at her with that playful glint in his eye. "I'd probably say you're the coolest frog I've ever met."

She smiled back, feeling a sense of warmth between them. The playful banter continued as they searched, but Megan's heart was racing, feeling like the moments were more than just fun.

As they picked up shells together, Megan's thoughts drifted to the night before, and she felt a longing to reveal her true self to him. But for now, she would cherish this closeness, this laughter, and the warmth that bloomed in her chest whenever she was near him.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a beautiful glow across the ocean. Megan leaned closer to John B, their laughter mingling with the sound of waves crashing. It was a perfect day, and as the bonfire crackled to life, she knew that she would hold onto these moments forever—no matter what the future held.