Conrad Fisher.

Summer had always had that special feel to it in Cousins, but this one felt different. You weren't just Belly's sister, the one who always stayed in the background while she and the boys ran around on the beach or jumped in the pool. Conrad had always been there: silent, with that distant look that seemed to hide a thousand things he never said.

That afternoon, you were standing on the porch of the beach house, holding a book that you could barely read because every time a breeze blew by, his scent—a mixture of salt, sunscreen, and him—felt all over you. Conrad sauntered over, carrying a bottle of water, and plopped down on the step beside you. He didn't say anything at first, just ran a hand through his messy hair, as if trying to organize more than just his curls.

"You know," he murmured, looking out at the sea without daring to meet your gaze. "Everyone thinks I don't notice anything... but I do see you. I always do."

Your heart leaped. You didn't know if he was serious, if it was just another one of Conrad's enigmatic phrases, but when he finally turned to you, it was clear in his eyes: you weren't just "Belly's sister." It was you.

He leaned a little closer, enough to make your breath catch. The golden light of the sunset painted his face, and for a moment you wished time would stop there, in that mix of nerves, magic, and the sea.

"I'm scared to say it," she confessed, lowering her voice, "but with you… everything feels different. Like I can finally let my guard down."

Before you could respond, he reached out, shy but determined, and intertwined his fingers with yours. And in that simple gesture, you understood that, even though summer was ending, something between you was just beginning.