Getting Over Him

Sandcastles

Pran's P.O.V:
The sun hung low in the sky, painting everything in hues of gold and amber. The waves rolled calmly onto the shore, their rhythm matching the quiet hum of contentment in my chest. Pat's laughter broke the steady sound of the sea, loud and unrestrained, as he scooped up a handful of wet sand and shaped it into a lopsided mound.

"You call that a castle?" I teased, crouching down beside him. My fingers sank into the cool, damp sand as I began to sculpt something more refined—a tower with grooves etched into its sides.

"Hey, it's got character," Pat shot back with a grin, tossing a small shell onto the top of his creation like a crown. "Besides, it's not about looks. It's about heart."

"Heart doesn't win awards," I replied, though my tone lacked its usual sharpness. The beach had a way of softening me, of making it impossible to keep my walls up. Or maybe it wasn't the beach. Maybe it was him.

Pat leaned back on his hands, his face tilted toward the sky. The light caught on the curve of his cheek, his messy hair sticking out in every direction from the wind. He looked so carefree—so unlike the Pat who was always trying to be everything for everyone.

"Alright, Mr. Perfectionist," he said after a moment. "Let's make a bet. Whoever loses has to do what the winner says, how about it?"

I glanced at his creation, a chaotic mess of shells and driftwood, and then back.

I laughed and said, "guess you have to do what I say then."

Pat gave out a heartfelt laugh, "yes, I guess I can't win against you. So what'll it be?"

I hum while pretending to think, even though I already have an answer in mind. "I want to paint you..."

I got nervous while waiting for his answer when I felt his big arms wrap around my body. "Of course!" He exclaims while giving me a heartwarming kiss.

Pat's P.O.V:

The first thing I noticed was the warmth. It was soft, steady, and oddly comforting, like sunlight filtered through the clouds on a lazy afternoon. My eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the dim, golden light spilling into the room. The faint sound of the ocean's waves lapping against the shore reached my ears, blending with the soft rustling of the curtains as the breeze teased them.

I looked up to see the ceiling above me was made of aged wood, with knots and cracks that told stories of years spent enduring salty air. Slowly, I became aware of the faint scent of the sea, mixed with something else—something that never fails to make me smile and grounding.

My arm was draped over Pran's body, my hand resting against his warm, solid waist.

He was lying on his side, his back pressed against my chest, his head tucked just below my chin. His hair was a mess of dark strands, sticking out in all directions, probably thanks to the breeze sneaking in through the open window.

I chuckled to myself, as I'm the only one who'll ever see him like this. He would never let someone see him in such an unruly state.

His body rose and fell gently with each breath, and for once, his face looked... peaceful. No snarky quips, no raised eyebrow ready to question my every move. Just Pran, quiet and calm, like this was the most natural thing in the world.

My heart is fluttering, even though we have slept together many times before. This feels different... like beginning of something deeper. The way his body is curled up against mine, his steady breathing beside me—everything feels heavier with meaning, like the world has quieted just for us.I start stroking his hair, and I start to be thankful to the past me that decided to run away.

I slowly start to pull my arm back so that Pran doesn't wake up. I give him a light kiss on his dimple and I start to get ready for the day. I haven't worked out my much of what to do, but I will discuss it later with Pran. Our families would be looking for us as soon as they get word of our absences from college.

I go to the kitchen and I look in the fridge, and I get some eggs and bread out. I start to make scrambled eggs with toasted bread, then I place them on plates.

I sit on one of the chairs when I get a call from Paa.

"Good morning, what's-"

"Pat! You gotta move from where you are as soon as you can! Somebody already posted the photo of you two on the school board! Our parents are fucking mad!! Pran's parents came here asking what you did to their son! They already know you two didn't go to school today! They're going to start looking for you! Do whatever you have to, as long as you two are safe and out of reach from them! "

Paa hangs up without letting me ask any questions. So the secret's already out...