Kayden

"The sun is beautiful," Leo exclaimed as we stared at the sunset framed between two palm trees.

"I told you it’s the most beautiful thing," I responded, grinning from ear to ear as we watched in silence.

The sky had turned into a painting of deep orange and soft pink, and the sun was slowly sinking into the sea. Golden light spread across the water, making the waves sparkle like they were carrying tiny pieces of fire. The horizon glowed, and for a moment, everything felt calm and warm.

Leo cleared his throat as he turned toward me. "I have to say, it makes the sun look really beautiful because..." he started, slipping into medical terms, his voice taking on that familiar Leo Ackerman tone.

"The sunset triggers a massive release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain. The warm wavelengths of light stimulate the pineal gland, reducing cortisol levels while boosting melatonin production in preparation for the evening. It creates a natural neurological state of calm and appreciation. That’s why it feels so peaceful. The human brain is literally wired to react positively to this specific light spectrum over the ocean."

I couldn’t help but laugh softly as I listened to him. Only Leo would turn a beautiful sunset into a full medical lecture. But that was one of the things I loved about him. Even when he was going through his own chaos, he still found a way to explain the world like it was a fascinating science project.

"You’re doing it again," I said, nudging his shoulder. "Making everything sound like a research paper."

Leo adjusted his glasses with a small smile. "Well, it’s true. Science makes it even more beautiful when you understand what’s happening inside your body while you watch it."

"I wish I had your brain," I said.

"Really?" Leo pointed at me. "You? Have the kind of brain that I have?"

I nodded.

He burst into laughter and shook his head. "Oh please, there is no way. Kayden, your brain would explode within the first hour. All the medical terms, the constant analysis, the way I connect everything to biology and chemistry... you would be begging for your simple, happy thoughts back."

I tried to respond, but he shushed me as he pulled his phone from his shirt pocket. Then he tugged me closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, and started taking selfies of us. He smiled brightly in every shot, then turned toward the sun and took a picture of the glowing horizon.

"This is..." he began, but his words were cut short by the ringing of his phone. He sighed and looked at me.

I took the phone from his hand and glanced at the screen. It was Miller. "Pick it up," I said, pushing the phone back into his hand.

Leo let out a deep sigh and looked at me like he wanted me to say something more, but there was no way they could resolve anything if they refused to speak to each other.

"Go on," I urged.

He groaned, then swiped to answer and put the call on speaker.

"Leo! Kayden!" It wasn’t Miller. It was Rhys. "Where the hell are you two?" he yelled. From the way he sounded, it seemed like he and Miller were already having the time of their lives. "Come to the beach! We’re going on a water ride—jet skis, banana boats, all that crazy stuff. Don’t dull the mood. Get here now!"

The call ended before either of us could respond. Leo and I exchanged looks.

"Did Rhys plan this ahead? What the hell is this ’ride’ thing?" Leo demanded.

I half-shrugged, then grabbed his hand, pulling him away from the palm trees and toward the beach. "Whatever surprise they have for us, we’re going to find out for ourselves."

Our walk to the beach was in silence.

When we finally reached the shore, Rhys and Miller were already waiting near the water. A sleek white yacht bobbed gently on the waves just offshore—and beside it were the first rides: two powerful jet skis.

"Did you plan this?" I asked Rhys the moment I reached him.

He nodded, then leaned down to whisper in my ear, "How’s Leo?"

"Still going through it," I whispered back. "How’s Miller?"

"Same," he replied.

We both turned toward Leo and Miller, who were already staring at us with matching suspicious expressions.

Leo pointed between Rhys and me. "I know you two are talking about us. Say it out loud or don’t say it at all."

Rhys and I exchanged a quick glance, then simultaneously raised our hands in surrender like we had rehearsed it. We burst into laughter at the same time.

"Let’s get on the first ride," I suggested, turning toward the two crew members waiting on the sand. They handed us life jackets and water goggles.

When it was time to climb onto the jet skis, Leo stepped forward and claimed the first one without hesitation.

I exchanged another quick look with Rhys. I was sure he had now seen Leo’s dominant side loud and clear.

We turned our attention to Miller, waiting to see if he would ride behind him.

To my surprise, Miller stepped forward without a word and climbed on behind Leo, wrapping his arms securely around Leo’s waist.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Rhys climbed onto the second jet ski, and I slid on behind him, pressing my chest to his back and holding on tight.

The moment the engines roared to life, a wild rush of excitement shot through me. We took off, slicing across the sparkling blue water. The wind whipped my hair back, and cool saltwater sprayed over us in glittering arcs.

"Hold on!" Rhys shouted as he leaned forward and accelerated.

I screamed with pure joy as the jet ski bounced over the waves, the thrill vibrating through my whole body. "This is insane!" I yelled, laughing between screams. "I love this!"

Not far from us, Leo was driving like he had been born for it. Miller’s arms stayed locked around him, and every time Leo hit a wave and the jet ski jumped, Miller let out loud, half-suppressed shouts that quickly turned into laughter.

Their jet ski zoomed close to ours, then circled around us playfully. Rhys grinned and chased them right back.

We raced side by side, spiraling around one another in wide, foamy loops. Every sharp turn sent fresh screams tearing out of all of us.

"Faster!" I shouted to Rhys.

Leo answered by revving his engine louder and cutting across our path, spraying us with a wall of water.

Miller’s deep laugh rang out, followed by a loud, exhilarated shout as they bounced over another wave. "Holy shit!" he yelled, his voice full of pure happiness.

At one point, Rhys slowed down and waved the crew member who had followed us on a small support boat closer.

A few minutes later, Leo shouted over the noise, "Picture time!"

We pulled the jet skis close together, bobbing on the water.

All four of us turned toward the camera, our faces glowing, hair wet and wild, huge smiles plastered across them.

Leo had one hand on the handlebar and the other resting over Miller’s arms around his waist.

Rhys raised the phone, his other hand resting lightly on my thigh.

We shouted as the camera clicked, taking a few more poses. Then, while Leo checked the pictures, I leaned toward Rhys and pointed at them.

"Look... it seems like they’re talking now."

Rhys smiled and nodded. "Maybe the rest of the rides can wait. Let’s head back and give them some privacy."

I nodded in agreement and leaned closer to him as he started the engine and turned the jet ski back toward the island.