That evening, the group wandered along the private beach. The air was warm, salt-laced, and soft from the fading sun. Simran's hair caught the breeze, her light summer dress fluttering against her skin.
Junaid walked beside her, close enough that her arm brushed his. Every brush sent sparks through her, and she caught him staring just a little too long.
Alzan zigzagged ahead, teasing her relentlessly. "Careful, sunshine, you're walking way too close to danger," he laughed, his fingers brushing hers in a playful dare.
Zain trailed slightly behind, silent but intense. He bent slightly to help her over a small rock, hand lingering on her waist a heartbeat too long. She felt heat rising and had to remind herself to breathe.
The next morning, Simran slipped into a soft off-shoulder sundress, the kind that hinted at curves without shouting them. Her hair bounced naturally as she descended the stairs to the breakfast terrace.
Junaid's gaze darkened when he saw her, low and smoldering, and Alzan whistled loudly. "Whoa, sunshine, stealing the morning sun, huh?"
Zain's grey eyes simply followed her, quiet and intense, making her cheeks heat as she realized how aware he was of every movement.
The friends chatted, laughed, and occasionally threw teasing remarks her way, but between the three boys, subtle tension hung thick in the air accidental touches, lingering stares, and the promise of private moments yet to come