Maximo's POV

The sun had fully dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky painted with shades of purple and deep orange. The air was warm, yet there was something cool about it—like the island itself was in a state of perfect balance.

Kai was still by my side, his body pressed against mine, but I could feel his mischievous energy coming back. There was a playful light in his eyes as he looked up at me, and I knew what that meant.

"You know," he started, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I never thought I'd get stuck with such a clingy guy like you."

I raised an eyebrow at him, amused. "Clingy? Me?" I feigned shock, placing a hand over my heart like I'd been wounded. "I'm not clingy, babe. I'm just... enthusiastic. There's a difference."

He chuckled, the sound low and full of affection. "Enthusiastic? Really? Because the only thing you're enthusiastic about is staying attached to me 24/7."

I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around his waist. "Guilty as charged," I said, my voice teasing. "But can you blame me? You're just too damn irresistible."

Kai rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at his lips. "Flattery won't get you anywhere. But I'm still not letting you go, so I guess that makes us even."

I leaned in, kissing him lightly on the lips. "You think you're funny, huh? I'll show you who's in charge."

Kai grinned, clearly excited by the playful challenge. "Bring it on, Max. Let's see what you've got."

The moment his lips left mine, I spun him around, pinning him playfully against the soft sand, my body pressed firmly against his. His surprise was adorable, and I could hear him trying to stifle his laughter as he squirmed beneath me.

"You're crazy!" he gasped between giggles, his eyes wide with excitement. But his arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer, his lips finding mine again with a softness that completely melted me.

"I know," I murmured against his lips. "But you love it."

And before he could reply, I kissed him again—this time slower, more deliberate, letting the kiss linger. The feeling of his lips against mine was so familiar now, like coming home after a long journey. There was no denying it—we were so much more than just two soldiers who had shared a heated night. We were in this together. The realization hit me like a wave, and I didn't care if I was being clingy. If anything, I wanted more of him.

Kai pulled away after a moment, breathing heavily, and I could feel the playful tension shifting again, this time replaced with something deeper, something more tender.

"Max," he started, his voice softer than before. "I never thought... never thought I'd be here with you. Like this."

My hand traced his jaw gently as I looked into his eyes. "I never thought I'd be here either, Kai. But I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Kai smiled, the kind of smile that made my heart skip a beat. It was the same smile he had when we first met, the same one that made me want to know him more. But now, it was different—it was more confident, more sure. And damn, it was everything.

"So, what's next?" he asked, still wrapped up in the moment, his fingers running through my hair.

I leaned back slightly, giving him a mock-serious look. "What do you mean, 'What's next?' We've got the entire night ahead of us, love. And if you're not careful, I'm just gonna keep kissing you until you can't breathe."

Kai chuckled, clearly enjoying this playful side of me that was coming out more and more. "You think you can just boss me around, huh?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Who's bossing? You're the one who's at my mercy right now."

"Okay, okay," he said, his voice filled with teasing surrender. "I admit it. You've got me... for now."

"Good," I replied, my grin widening. I couldn't resist teasing him just a little more. "But don't get too comfortable. I'm always thinking of ways to keep you on your toes."

Kai leaned in, kissing me again, this time with a little more force. "I think I like it when you're in charge," he whispered, his breath warm against my lips. "Keeps things interesting."

I laughed, pulling him closer, my fingers running over the smooth skin of his back. "You have no idea, love. This is just the beginning."

We stayed there for a while, wrapped up in each other, listening to the sound of the waves and the occasional distant laughter from other vacationers. It felt like time had stopped—nothing mattered except this moment, except us. Kai was right there with me, his arms around me as if he was holding on for dear life, and honestly, I didn't want him to ever let go.

Finally, we got up, brushing the sand off our clothes, and made our way toward the beach bar. We sat down, laughing as Kai tried to shake the sand from his shorts, making an exaggerated motion like he was some kind of dancer.

"What's so funny?" I asked, grinning at him as I took a sip of my drink.

Kai smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "Just trying to act like I'm some kind of professional sand shifter. Did you see that?"

I snorted, unable to hold back my laughter. "You looked like a drunk flamingo trying to shake off some bad vibes."

He raised an eyebrow. "I'll have you know I've been practicing my flamingo moves. You're just jealous."

"Oh, please," I teased. "I'm more of a swan in the making. Elegance is key."

"Oh really? Swan, huh?" Kai laughed, leaning in closer, his voice lowering to a whisper. "Then why does the swan look like it wants to eat me alive?"

I couldn't help it—I kissed him again, because, honestly, I couldn't stop. This was too good.

"You're lucky I'm in a good mood," I murmured between kisses. "Or I'd throw you into the ocean for calling me a flamingo."

Kai grinned against my lips. "Try it. I'm pretty sure I can take you down and make you beg me not to."

"Don't tempt me," I warned, my hands gripping his sides as we both laughed together.

After our laughter died down, the world around us seemed to fade away. It was just Kai and I, the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore, and the soft breeze that kept tousling our hair. For once, it felt like nothing else mattered. The weight of our usual lives—the military, our missions, the responsibilities—had evaporated. In this place, there were no distractions, no expectations. Just the two of us, wrapped in our own little bubble of peace.

Kai leaned back, stretching lazily, his arms raised above his head. His muscles flexed beneath his shirt, and I couldn't help but stare for a moment, feeling the desire stir again. He was so damn beautiful, and he didn't even realize how much he was driving me crazy.

"Max," Kai said, his voice low, "let's just stay here forever, yeah? No missions, no rules. Just... us."

I smiled at him, walking closer until I was standing right in front of him. "I'd stay here forever if I could, but I think we have to deal with the real world eventually."

Kai rolled his eyes but didn't look annoyed—just amused, his lips curling up in that charming, teasing smile I loved. "Ugh, you're no fun. Can't we just pretend for a little while?"

"I'm down for pretending," I said, grinning as I gently grabbed his wrist, pulling him to his feet. "Pretending like you're not driving me insane with your teasing."

He laughed, playfully pushing me away. "Who, me? I'm just here enjoying the view, Max. It's not my fault you're so easy to tease."

I raised an eyebrow, stepping closer again, my eyes narrowing with playful warning. "Oh, you think I'm easy, huh?"

"Yeah," Kai said, his voice laced with mock arrogance, but his eyes sparkled with something deeper, something mischievous. "I think I've figured you out. You're a big softie."

Before I could respond, he pulled me toward the shore again, his fingers laced tightly with mine, his energy infectious. "Let's go for a swim. You've been all serious and moody since we got here. It's time to loosen up."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Seriously, you think I'm the one being moody? I'm pretty sure you're the one keeping me on edge."

"Me?" He put on his best innocent face. "I'm just minding my business, Max. You're the one with the crazy obsession with me."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress my smile. "Crazy obsession? Who said anything about that?"

"You're clingy, you're possessive, and you can't keep your hands off me. That's obsession, Max."

I smirked. "Call it whatever you want. I'll still be holding you tight tonight, so get used to it."

He grinned, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth banter. "If you insist." Kai winked at me before pulling me into the warm, inviting water.

As we waded deeper into the ocean, the coolness of the water mixed perfectly with the heat of the day. Kai splashed me playfully, making a face when I lunged toward him to splash him back.

"Hey!" he protested, holding his hands up to shield himself. "I didn't sign up for this!"

"You think you can just splash me and get away with it?" I grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. "You're in my territory now."

"Oh, really?" Kai laughed, pushing me back a little, the water splashing between us. He suddenly pulled me closer, his hands gripping my waist. "Then let's see if you can keep up."

And just like that, we were tangled up in the water, both of us laughing, struggling, and playfully pushing each other under. It wasn't just the physical aspect of it—it was the energy, the way Kai's presence filled up the space around me, the way he made everything feel so easy.

As we both surfaced, gasping for breath, I couldn't help but pull him close again, my hands sliding up his wet skin. There was something intoxicating about the way he felt in my arms, about the way he looked at me.

"Alright, alright," I said, chuckling. "You win. I'll stop teasing you."

"Finally," Kai teased, his chest heaving slightly from the effort of the swim. "But you know, you're not as fun as I thought you'd be."

I raised an eyebrow, my hands still resting on his waist. "Not fun? I've been keeping you entertained all night, haven't I?"

"Entertained, yes. But I need more than that, Max. You're a challenge, and I like it," he admitted, his voice suddenly quieter, more serious.

I smirked. "Good. I like being your challenge, Kai. You've got a lot more of that coming."

We stood there for a while, the water around us gently rocking as we just... existed in the moment. The carefree teasing, the laughter, and the intimacy—it felt real. Too real to ignore. Kai and I had grown closer over the past few days, and it seemed like the more time we spent together, the more I wanted him. Not just for the sex, not just for the fun moments, but for everything. The way he made me feel. The way I could completely be myself around him.

And when he suddenly turned to me, his face softening with an expression I had never seen before, I knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Max," he began, his voice surprisingly sincere. "I really like this... us. I like being here with you. I like how easy it is. No games. Just us."

I smiled at him, leaning in to kiss him gently on the lips, brushing his hair back as I did. "I like it too, Kai. No games. Just us."
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