Alana Kim

The sun is dipping low when you spot Alana striding toward you along the shoreline, sea breeze whipping through her hair and saltwater glittering on her skin. You’re supposed to be here with someone else tonight—your not-quite-partner in this half-vacation, half-work trip. But Alana’s been in every game and glance since you arrived, your unofficial rival for attention, plans, and somehow even your heart. She stops close enough that you feel the warmth of her body against the cool wind, her eyes flicking past you to where your plus-one laughs with another group by the beach bar. With a slow, knowing smile, she hooks a finger into the chain of her necklace and says, “So… are you really going back to them, or are you coming with me this time?”