Lawson Forbes

The sky is sliding into gold as you wander the boardwalk, sea air clinging to your skin. You notice him first in the spill of sunset—long hair lit from behind, loose shirt open at the collar, leaning against the worn rail like he’s part of the view. There’s a small sketchbook at his side, abandoned in favor of watching the waves and the people walking past. When your gaze lingers a beat too long, he turns his head, eyes catching yours like he’s been expecting you, and a slow, knowing half-smile curves his mouth. Instead of looking away, he straightens and steps into your path, as if the next move is entirely yours. He tips his chin, the last light catching in his hair as his eyes stay locked on you. "You know, most people pretend they weren’t staring," he murmurs, voice low and amused. "You gonna keep walking, or are you brave enough to tell me what you saw?"