The last bell echoed through the classroom, signaling the end of the term. I pushed my books into my bag and started clearing my desk, feeling the quiet excitement of summer break bubbling beneath my usual calm. Lila was already gathering her things, and Sam was by the door, chatting with a few others.
I caught Lila's eye and waved her over. "Hey, so, summer break plans?"
She grinned, dropping her pencil case into her backpack. "Family's heading to the beach for a week. I'm so ready for no alarms and salty air."
Sam shrugged, "I'm sticking around town mostly, maybe some gaming marathons."
I smiled, imagining my own break. "Sounds good. I might just relax, catch up on reading… and maybe spend some time with Nico."
The three of us exchanged a few more laughs before saying our goodbyes and heading out into the warm afternoon. I stepped outside the school building and found a quiet spot near the entrance, my eyes scanning the robotics building.
Nico was usually the last to leave, buried in whatever project had him glued to his workstation. I waited patiently, watching students trickle out, hoping he'd come soon so we could walk home together.
Just as I was starting to wonder if I'd have to head home alone, the robotics building's door swung open. There he was, Nico, his face lighting up as he spotted me waiting.
"Hey, Nyx!" he called out with a grin, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "Finally done for the day."
I smiled back, feeling a little flutter. "About time. I was starting to think you'd never leave."
He laughed, stepping closer. "You know me. Can't get enough of the lab. But summer break's coming up, I'm taking a week off. Thought it'd be nice to spend some time just... not thinking about work."
"That sounds perfect," I said, falling into step beside him. "We should do something fun."
Nico nodded. "Definitely. Got any ideas?"
I shrugged, a smile tugging at my lips. "Nothing set yet, but I'm sure something will come up."
We walked out of the school gates together, the warmth of the afternoon sun wrapping around us as summer finally felt close enough to touch.
As we walked side by side, the familiar rhythm of our footsteps blended with the distant hum of the city winding down for the day.
"So," Nico started, glancing at me with that playful spark in his eyes, "what are you thinking for the break? Any wild plans?"
I chuckled softly. "Honestly? I'm just hoping for some peace and quiet. Maybe catch up on reading. You know, the slow life."
He nodded, his smile softening. "Sounds nice. I could use that too. Maybe we could find a little getaway? Somewhere with no emails, no deadlines... just us."
The idea settled warmly between us, like a secret promise.
I looked up at him, the sun casting a golden glow over his face. "I'd like that."
Nico squeezed my hand gently. "It's a plan then."
The walk home suddenly felt lighter, the weight of school and work slipping away with every step.
We stepped inside, the familiar scent of home wrapping around me like a soft blanket. Nico headed straight for the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves with that focused look I loved.
"I got this," he said with a grin. "You just relax."
I smiled, dropping my bag by the door and sinking into the couch. Watching him move around the kitchen was like watching a dance, effortless and comforting.
"Any idea what you're making?" I asked, curious.
He glanced over his shoulder. "Pasta with that spicy tomato sauce you like. Thought we'd keep it simple."
I nodded, already feeling the warmth settle in the room. "Perfect."
As the meal cooked, we talked about our plans for the break, a week away from the usual grind.
"I put in a leave request for the whole week," Nico said, stirring the sauce. "I want to make the most of it."
I bit my lip, excited. "Where do you want to go?"
He shrugged, eyes sparkling. "Somewhere quiet. Beach, mountains, your call."
I grinned. "Beach it is. I've been craving salt air."
Dinner was cozy, laughter filling the space between bites. Later, we settled in front of the TV, a movie queued up but our conversation still the main event.
"I'm really looking forward to this," I admitted, leaning into him.
"Me too," Nico whispered. "It's been a long time since we just... slowed down."
I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. For once, the future felt simple. Just us, a quiet week, and maybe a little magic in between.
The movie played on in the background, something light and comedic, but our attention was only half on it. I stretched my legs across the couch, Nico sitting beside me, absently playing with the hem of the blanket over my lap.
"I've been thinking," he said, reaching for the popcorn bowl. "Where do you wanna go? White sand beach? Mountain cabin? Or… both?"
I tilted my head toward him. "Definitely the beach. I need the sea to melt away this semester."
He was about to respond when his phone buzzed on the coffee table. He leaned forward, squinting at the screen. "Huh. Speak of the devil."
"Who is it?"
"Mr. Francoise," he said, already swiping to answer. "Hey, sir. Good evening!"
I sat up a bit, curious.
Nico chuckled softly as he listened. "Yeah, I just filed my leave… Yes, a week off. Nyx just finished her semester, so I thought… Mm-hmm."
He glanced at me, brows raising in surprise. "Seriously? Are you sure? That's… really generous."
I mouthed, "What?"
He held up a finger. "One second, sir." Then he cupped the mic and whispered to me, "He's offering his beach house. Says it's just sitting there unused."
My eyes widened. "Private?"
"Completely."
I gave a tiny, enthusiastic nod.
Nico smiled and went back to the call. "Thank you, sir. Really. We'll take good care of it… Yeah, I'll send a message before we head out. Appreciate it."
He ended the call and tossed the phone gently onto the cushion. "Well, guess that's settled. We've got a beach house to ourselves."
"Just like that?"
He shrugged, grinning. "Sometimes the universe says yes."
I leaned back into the couch, heart already beating a little faster at the thought. "Then let's take that yes and run with it."
The next morning, our little house buzzed with a subtle energy. Nico was humming as he folded clothes into a duffel bag, occasionally asking if I needed space in it. I was on the floor nearby, surrounded by sunscreen, swimsuits, my sketchpad, and my favorite oversized hoodie. Essentials.
"Do we bring snacks?" I asked, holding up a pack of instant noodles with a thoughtful look.
"We'll be by the beach, not stranded on an island," Nico said, smiling as he walked past to grab our towels. "Still... bring them. In case we get lazy at midnight."
"Already packed," I grinned, tossing it into my bag.
He returned with a reusable grocery bag and waved his phone. "I already scheduled a delivery to drop off groceries there before we arrive. Francoise gave me the code to the gate and the caretaker's number. We're covered."
I let myself fall back onto the rug with a sigh. "This is really happening."
Nico plopped down beside me and nudged my foot with his. "It's gonna be good. Just the two of us. Ocean air. No distractions."
I peeked at him with a lazy smile. "You're not allowed to bring your work."
"I didn't even pack my laptop."
I blinked. "Who are you and what have you done to my boyfriend?"
He leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. "You're the only thing I plan to focus on this week."
The day we leave for the beach, the sun hadn't fully risen when we locked the apartment behind us. Our bags were packed in the trunk of the car, and Nico adjusted the GPS as I slid into the passenger seat with my coffee.
The streets were quiet, bathed in golden light, and the hum of the engine mixed with my sleepy thoughts.
"Five hours, give or take," Nico said, stealing a glance at me. "Think you can handle the road trip without asking if we're there yet?"
"No promises," I mumbled, already leaning against the window, eyes fluttering shut. "But wake me when we're near the waves."
He reached over and squeezed my hand.
"Deal."
The sun was already high by the time the winding coast road gave way to a narrow gravel path, flanked by tall palms and the scent of salt in the air. Nico slowed the car, and my heart fluttered as the first glimpse of the ocean shimmered through the trees.
"Whoa…" I murmured, sitting up straighter.
At the end of the path stood a two-story beach house with whitewashed walls and wide wooden decks, overlooking an untouched stretch of golden sand. Not a single soul in sight. Just the sound of the waves.
Nico pulled the car to a stop, killed the engine, and smiled at me.
"We're here."
I stepped out and let the ocean breeze hit me. It was warm, gentle, and carried that unmistakable scent of salt, sun, and freedom.
"This… is perfect," I whispered.
He walked around the car to my side, grabbed our bags, and gestured toward the house. "Francoise really outdid himself. He said no one else will be around. We've got the place to ourselves."
We walked up the steps, and the caretaker, an older man with sun-darkened skin and a kind smile, greeted us briefly, handing Nico the keys and assuring us everything was stocked and ready before quietly disappearing down the path.
Inside, the house was breezy and open, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the endless ocean view. Pale wood floors, soft linen drapes, and a cozy couch that looked like it had been made for long, lazy naps.
"Let's not go anywhere for the next hour," I said, dropping my bag near the couch and spinning in a slow circle to take it all in. "Let's just… exist here."
Nico wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. "I could get used to this."
I leaned into him, my eyes fixed on the horizon. "We don't need much, do we?"
"Nope," he murmured. "Just this. Just us."
Outside, the waves rolled in like clockwork, steady, soothing, and endless. Just like the quiet rhythm I'd started to find with him.
And for the first time in a long while, everything felt still.
Night had begun to settle, painting the sky in hues of deep violet and orange. A faint glow lingered on the horizon as the waves shimmered under the rising moon. Inside the beach house, the windows were open, letting in the scent of the sea and the soothing rhythm of water on sand.
Nico was barefoot in the kitchen, wearing a loose white shirt and shorts, focused on plating our dinner, grilled shrimp, some pan-seared vegetables, and a bottle of wine already breathing on the table.
I leaned on the doorframe, arms crossed, watching him with a grin. "You're really committing to this beach aesthetic, huh?"
He glanced back over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smile. "Says the girl in my oversized hoodie who's done nothing but raid the snacks."
"I'm in vacation mode." I padded over barefoot, bumping my hip against his as he set down the last plate. "You can't expect me to be productive on day one."
"You mean you won't be productive the entire week," he teased.
"Details." I plucked a shrimp from the plate before he could protest and popped it in my mouth, backing away with a triumphant smirk. "Mmm. Not bad, Research Boy."
Dinner turned into a casual affair on the deck, toes buried in sand, fingers brushing more often than not, and soft laughter lingering between sips of wine. Afterward, we kicked off our shoes and wandered toward the shoreline, the moonlight painting the waves in silver.
"You know," I said as we walked, "I've always dreamed of a trip like this. No noise. No city. No school. No data logs."
"No schedule," he added. "No deadlines."
I looked over at him, saw the ease in his expression that rarely showed when he was knee-deep in tech. "You look… lighter."
He caught my hand in his. "Because I am. Because I'm here, with you."
We stopped walking. The wind tousled his hair and carried the distant sound of the tide. He stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
The tension that always sat beneath the surface of our days melted in that moment. No distractions. No expectations.
Just us.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" he asked, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"That you're about to start a water fight?"
He blinked. "No, but now I am."
I gasped and tried to step back, but too late, he scooped a handful of water and flicked it at me.
"You're dead, Nico!"
Laughter filled the air as I chased him across the shore, the two of us drenched and breathless by the time we collapsed onto the sand, lying side by side, staring at the stars above.
I turned to him, catching his gaze.
"You know," I whispered, "you keep doing things like this, and I might just fall harder."
He leaned in, lips brushing mine. "Then let's not stop."
The tide had rolled in closer now, brushing up to the edges of the beach towels Nico laid out earlier. We were still lying there, the stars above scattered like flecks of silver dust, the sound of the sea the only thing daring to interrupt the quiet hum between our breaths.
He turned onto his side, elbow propped, head resting on his hand as he looked at me. His fingers reached out and gently trailed a line from my forehead down the side of my face.
"You're really something else, you know that?" he said softly.
I smiled, eyes half-lidded. "I could say the same. I mean, who knew the robotics boy had a romantic in him."
He chuckled, "He's exclusive. Only shows up for one person."
The glow from the beach house gave us just enough light to see each other's expressions, but not enough to take away the intimacy of the night. A breeze swept over us, cool and teasing, sending a little shiver up my spine. I curled closer, and he didn't hesitate, just opened his arms like he'd been waiting all along.
"Come here," he murmured, and I shifted, tucking myself into his side.
His hoodie still smelled like detergent and salt, and the warmth of him felt like home. His chin rested against the top of my head as we stared out toward the horizon.
"Do you ever wonder," I said, voice barely above a whisper, "what it would be like if time just… stopped? Right now."
He was quiet for a moment. Then his voice hummed softly, "If it did, I wouldn't mind. Not at all."
I looked up at him, and his eyes met mine, clear, full of something deeper than all our silly teasing and playful jabs.
He leaned down, lips barely brushing mine.
It was soft. Lingering. Like the tide caressing the shore, never rushing, just… staying. One kiss that bled into another, and another, until we were both smiling against each other.
When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine.
"I love you, Nyx," he whispered.
I closed my eyes. "I know. I feel it. Every time you look at me like I'm the only thing in your world."
"You are."
The moonlight framed him like a painting. My heart beat steady, grounded in this moment. No distractions. No chaos. Just Nico, the stars, and the ocean whispering its approval nearby.
His lips returned to mine with a little more certainty this time, the kind that didn't ask permission, just knew. I didn't stop him. Didn't want to. His fingers slid into mine, lacing our hands together as if to say I've got you.
Somewhere between laughter, whispering my name, and the feel of his hoodie being slipped over my head, the world narrowed down to just us, quiet, rhythmic, and alive under the stars.
There were no walls here. No expectations. Just Nico and me, hearts tangled up, the sea our only witness.
When I woke the next morning, the sun had already begun its slow climb over the water, casting golden streaks across the soft sheets wrapped around us. My limbs felt heavy, comfortably worn from the night before. Nico was still fast asleep beside me, hair tousled, one arm draped loosely around my waist.
I turned my head to look at him. He looked peaceful, lips slightly parted, chest rising and falling in that steady rhythm that always managed to calm mine.
A smile found its way to my lips as I gently brushed a strand of hair from his face.
"Still hogging the blanket," I murmured with a teasing huff.
He stirred, eyes fluttering open just enough to catch me trying to sneak a kiss. "Caught you," he rasped.
I grinned. "Not sorry."
He pulled me in, burying his face into the crook of my neck, voice muffled and still thick with sleep. "Let's stay here forever."
And honestly… in that moment, I kind of wanted to.
But the waves outside had other plans, calling us back to the day. Calling us back to life.