(delaney's outfit for this part of the chapter)

It was another typical day in Miami and Delaney was hanging out with her friends at Shredder's Beach Club. Her jacket (well, Austin's that he let her keep), was hung over the chair behind her as she sat next to the blonde-haired boy. Trish, Ally, and Finn were sitting at the table. Finn had his arm wrapped around Ally's waist and she was leaning into him. Delaney was so happy they finally got together, they were perfect together.

"Sup guys," Dez greets, walking over to them with a smile. Delaney raises her eyebrows upon noticing the sweater he wore. It looked fine besides the fact one of the arm holes were in the wrong place. "What do you think of my sweater?" He does a spin to show off his sweater.

"It only has one arm." Austin noticed.

"I could take it or 'sleeve' it." Ally jokes, laughing at her own joke. Finn chuckles a little, rolling his eyes. "Is it just me or are my jokes getting better?"

"It's just you." Trish sheepishly replied. Finn kissed the top of Ally's head, smiling reassuringly at her when she rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Hey, guys," Carrie, a worker at Shredder's Beach Club and Dez's girlfriend, walks over to the group with a smile. "I made this sweater for my Dezzie. I'm taking a knitting class."

"Can you believe this is the first thing she ever knitted?" Dez asked in surprise and awe. Everyone acted as if they were surprised besides Trish, who was blunt as ever.

"What?"

"No way."

"Totally had no idea."

"You got to be kidding!"

"I have eyes." Trish muttered.

"Hey, babe, you ready to celebrate our one-month-iversary?" Finn asked with a grin, wrapping his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders. Ally smiled, nodding her head.

"Absolutely. We're going to the pickle factory!" She beams, taking Finn's hand when he stood and offered his hand to her. "Isn't Finny the sweetest?" She grinned, waving goodbye to their friends along with Finn, who was blushing as he led Ally out of Shredder's Beach Club. Delaney smiled as she watched them go, feeling a warm sense of happiness for her friends. It was nice to see love blossom right in front of her, especially between Finn and Ally, who seemed to complete each other perfectly.

Delaney chuckles. "Only Ally would be excited about a pickle factory." She laughed, shaking her head fondly. Ally's love for pickles was truly one of a kind. Delaney's gaze drifted to Austin, who was laughing along with the others. She couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat as she watched him. Ever since she realized her romantic feelings for him weren't going away any time soon and in fact growing each day, she kept noticing everything about him. Like the way his eyes lit up when he laughed or the way his smile made her heart melt. And how every little touch made her skin tingle. She was completely and hopelessly in love with him, and she couldn't stop her thoughts from straying to him.

"So, Laney," Austin said, turning toward her. "Wanna hit up the pier after this?"

Her heart did a little flip, and she nodded, trying to keep her excitement in check. "Yeah, that sounds fun!"

Trish, ever the observer, raised her eyebrows and smirks. "You two have been hanging out a lot lately. Anything going on there we don't know about?" She had a point, they had been spending a lot of time together. But Delaney and Austin were practically attached at the hip so it was normal for them to spend a lot of time together.

Delaney felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she quickly brushed it off. "Trish, we're just best friends." She replied, trying to sound convincing. But Trish wasn't buying it. She narrowed her eyes at Delaney, noticing the way she averted her gaze and the blush on her cheeks. She smirked, feeling a sense of satisfaction as her suspicions were confirmed.

Austin ignores the pang of hurt he felt at being friendzoned. Delaney doesn't know of his feelings for her since he had been too scared to do anything about it, plus she was way out of his league, but since realizing his romantic feelings, it hurt every time being called just her best friend. He forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. "Yeah, just best friends hanging out. Nothing weird about that, right?" He said, attempting to sound nonchalant despite the ache in his chest. Dez narrowed his eyes at Austin, earning a small glare from Austin, who mouthed to him to keep quiet.

Dez, of course, knew of his romantic feelings for Delaney. After all, Dez was his other best friend besides her and he confided in him with this stuff. He had been trying to get him to make a move for a while now, but Austin was too afraid. He didn't want to risk their friendship or ruin their relationship. And Delaney deserved the world and more, and he wasn't sure if he could give her that. So, he pushed those feelings aside and tried his best to move on. But it was proving to be harder than he thought. Because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop his feelings for her from growing stronger.

Trish, knowing full well her friends were oblivious, just smirks. She didn't miss the way Austin's smile didn't reach his eyes and the slight disappointment in his tone. Or the way Delaney tried to hide the blush on her cheeks and the look in her eyes. It was clear they both had feelings for each other, but they were either in denial or too afraid to admit it.

"Totally normal," Delaney replies, her cheeks still flushed. She shot a glance at Trish, who looked far too pleased with herself for Delaney's liking. "We just enjoy each other's company." She shrugged, her tone casual despite the way her heart was racing. She tried to play it cool, but the weight of her feelings for Austin was hard to ignore. It was like an electric current passing between them, and she couldn't help but feel that there was something more beneath the surface.

"Well, since everything is totally normal between you guys, Austin, I know the perfect girl to set you up with!" Carrie admitted with a grin.

"Ooh, me too!" Dez agrees, smirking and Austin sent him a small glare, silently pleading he wouldn't give away his feelings. He had thought that's what Dez was going to do and hoped that he didn't. "Yeah, she's tall, sweet, easy on the eyes. Sadly, she's taken." He grins, turning to Carrie. "Love you, babe. Boop." He booped Carrie's nose, earning a grin from her as they both snicker.

Austin felt relieved Dez didn't reveal anything about his feelings for Delaney. He had told Dez a few weeks ago that he was thinking about telling her his true feelings, but he chickened out. He knew he would regret it if he didn't say anything, but the thought of possibly ruining their friendship was too much for him to bear. Delaney had been his best friend for years, and he couldn't imagine his life without her. They shared a bond that was unique, and he cherished their relationship. He didn't want to do anything to jeopardize that. But he just couldn't help but imagine what it would be like being her boyfriend. Being able to hold her whenever he wanted, kiss her whenever he wanted, and share every little moment of their lives together. The thought made his heart race with both excitement and anxiety.

"Hey, Austin! You still with us?" Trish teased, snapping her fingers in front of his face. Austin blinked, shaking his head slightly to refocus.

"Yeah, totally. Just thinking. I'm good." He replied, forcing a casual smile. Inside, he was battling his emotions, the unspoken feelings swirling in his chest.

Delaney caught his gaze and held it for a moment, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, tilting her head to the side as she smiled a little. He felt that familiar flutter in his stomach. What if I just told her? But the fear of rejection loomed over him, making his heart beat faster. He looked away, clearing his throat and trying to calm his racing heart. He knew he had to tell her, or else it would eat him alive. But how could he when the thought of her not feeling the same way terrified him. He shook his head, glancing over at Carrie with a forced smile.

"So, uh, tell me about this girl." Austin prompted, trying to act interested. Truthfully, the last thing he wanted to do was talk about other girls. Especially when the girl he wanted to be with was right next to him. So close yet so far away. But with being afraid to lose her, maybe he should think about moving on. It's not like he probably would have a chance with Delaney anyway. For starters, she's way out of his league. Plus, they've been best friends for years, and she probably only sees him as a friend. His stomach twisted, and he sighed internally. He knew deep down it was the right decision, but it didn't mean it would be easy.

"You'd love her!" Carrie gushes. "She's just like me." She pauses as she realizes something and cringes. "Only kinda forgetful." Her eyes widen. "Oh, which reminds me, I forgot to turn off the dishwasher." She admitted sheepishly. She got up and walked over to where the dish washer was at nearby. Everyone turned when they heard the noise of the dish washer going on and Delaney's eyes widened at seeing soap and bubbles coming from the dish washer.

"I have a feeling her sister's probably not my type." Austin muttered, shaking his head. Carrie was a sweet girl, but she was a bit too...Quirky and eccentric for his taste. He loved her enthusiasm, but it often led to chaotic moments that left him wondering how she managed to keep track of anything at all.

Delaney laughed, shaking her head as she watched Carrie rush over to the bubbling dishwasher, her expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. Austin's gaze turned back to Delaney at her laugh, and he felt his heart skip a beat. Her laughter was infectious, and he couldn't help but smile at the way her eyes lit up.

"Maybe this will change your mind." Dez's comment gained his attention and he forces himself to look away from Delaney to look at Dez. Dez showed him a picture of Carrie's sister, but let's just say Austin wasn't interested.

Delaney was surprised by the photo. It showed Carrie's sister dressing like a nerd, complete with glasses, braces and wacky hair. "Wow, she loos...Unique." Delaney said, trying to be polite while stifling a laugh. She glanced over at Austin, who had a bemused expression on his face.

"Yeah, unique is one way to put it." Austin chuckled, shaking his head. He wasn't really sure what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn't that. "Yeah, she's definitely not my type." He told Dez.

Dez looks surprised. "Are you sure? Because I've met her and she's every bit of amazing as Carrie." With a dreamy look, he leaned his head on his hand after putting his elbow on the table and stared at his girlfriend. Delaney smiled, finding it sweet how in love the two were. They were adorable together. They were perfect for each other too with how quirky and eccentric they both were.

She glanced over where Carrie was along with the others, her eyes widening at the sight. She had thought maybe Carrie was fixing the dish washer, but she should've known better. Let's just say Carrie isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Carrie was now making snow angles in the soap and bubbles on the floor, giggling.

"Bubbles taste weird." Carrie admitted with a giggle as she sat up. Delaney, Trish, Dez, and Austin couldn't help but laugh. It was never a boring moment with Carrie around.

Delaney turns to Austin with a smile. "So, ready to go to the pier?" She asked, her excitement bubbling over like the soap spilling from the dishwasher. The thought of spending more time with Austin sent butterflies dancing in her stomach, and she couldn't contain her excitement.

Austin felt his heart swell at her smile, and he couldn't help but smile back. Her excitement was contagious, and he found himself nodding. "Yeah, I'm ready." He replied, his tone matching her enthusiasm. He stood, and she did too. They said goodbye to Trish, Dez, and Carrie before walking out of Shredder's Beach Club together. They headed to the pier, walking side by side.

Delaney and Austin strolled down the sunlit path toward the pier, the sound of waves crashing against the shore creating a soothing backdrop. The salty breeze tossed Delaney's hair playfully as she chatted animatedly about everything from her favorite beach activities to the latest movies she had seen. Austin listened intently, stealing glances at her as she spoke, mesmerized by the way her eyes sparkled with excitement. He could listen to her talk all day.

As they arrived at the pier, Delaney felt her breath catch at the sight. The ocean was calm, the sunlight dancing off the waves, and the sky was painted with vivid shades of pink, orange, and purple as the sun began its descent toward the horizon. The beach was busy, but there was a sense of peace and serenity that could only be found on a sunny afternoon. She had always loved the beach, and she knew Austin did too. They would come here often to surf and spend time together. It was their little slice of paradise.

They walked along the pier, stopping at one of the many vendors selling seashell necklaces and other souvenirs. Delaney gasped when something in particular caught her eye and she eagerly pulled Austin over to a small stall filled with handcrafted jewelry. Austin could care less when she dragged him around somewhere, he would go wherever she wanted, as long as he was by her side. The stall was vibrant and full of unique pieces, each one reflecting the beauty of the ocean. Delaney's eyes lit up as she picked up a delicate seashell necklace, admiring how the sunlight made it shimmer.

"Look at this one, Austin!" She exclaims, holding it up for him to see. The necklace was adorned with a small, iridescent shell that captured the light beautifully. "Isn't it perfect?"

"Yeah," Austin replies softly, his gaze flickering from the necklace to her. "Perfect." He wasn't looking at the necklace anymore. His eyes were fixed on her, and she was breathtaking. She looked so alive in that moment, her joy radiating in a way that made his heart race even faster than before. Austin swallowed hard, the weight of his unspoken feelings pressing down on him.

Delaney notices his gaze and smiled wider, misinterpreting his intensity as interest in the necklace. "I think I have to get this! It's like it was made for me!" she declared, her excitement infectious. Austin forced a chuckle, nodding absentmindedly as he tried to push aside his nervousness.

"Yeah, definitely go for it." He managed to say, but the thought of her wearing something beautiful around her neck only deepened his internal struggle. He wanted to tell her how he felt, to take that leap, but the fear of losing their friendship paralyzed him. 

After Delaney purchased the necklace, they continued walking, the sun dipping lower and painting the sky with brilliant hues. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, but all Austin could focus on was Delaney beside him, her happiness casting a spell that made everything else fade away.

"So, what's your favorite thing about the beach?" She asks, looking up at him with those sparkling eyes. The question hung in the air, but all he could think was how he wanted to say, You. You're my favorite thing about everything. You make my world brighter. But instead, he smiled, the weight of his unspoken feelings weighing heavily on his heart. "And you can't say surfing," She quickly added, smirking at him playfully.

Austin chuckles at her playful challenge, feeling the tension in his chest loosen just a bit. Delaney always had a way of making him feel lighter, even when his heart was heavy with unconfessed feelings. "Okay, fine," He conceded, taking a deep breath. "I guess my favorite thing about the beach is the freedom it brings. It feels like you can just let go and be yourself. No expectations or judgment."

Delaney smiles at his answer, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. Even though Austin is always himself, he still feels like he has to keep up appearances, but here, on the beach, he's free to be his true self, and she loves seeing that side of him. "I know what you mean," She says, gazing out at the ocean, the breeze blowing gently through her hair. "It's like the waves just carry away all your worries, and it's just you and the sea."

Austin smiles, his heart fluttering at the sight of her. He could watch her forever, her beauty and warmth captivating him completely. "Exactly," He agrees, his tone soft and his gaze tender. "You get it."

Delaney felt her cheeks heat under his intense gaze, her heart skipping a beat. She couldn't help but feel butterflies swirling around her stomach, and she tried to hide the blush that crept up her cheeks. They paused at the end of the pier, the ocean stretching endlessly before them, the waves lapping at the wooden beams. The air was thick with salt and possibility. Delaney leaned on the railing, her gaze fixed on the horizon, the setting sun casting a warm glow around her.

"What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done at the beach?" She asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had enveloped them.

Austin thought back to the time he taught her surfing for the first time. "Probably the time we tried to surf that big wave and you wiped out spectacularly," He teases, a grin spreading across his face as he leaned against the railing. "You were like a fish out of water!"

Delaney laughs, playfully shoving him. "Hey, I was learning! Besides, it was your idea to go after that wave!"

"True," He admits, laughing along with her. "But you were brave enough to try. That's what counts."

She smiles fondly, her eyes sparkling with the reflection of the glowing sun, her heart fluttering at his words. "You're sweet, Austin. I'm really glad we're doing this. It's so nice to spend time together, just the two of us."

His heart races again at her words and he can't help but return the smile. "Yeah, me too." He murmured. He took a deep breath, the moment feeling significant, electric even. This was his chance. But just as he was about to say something suddenly, Delaney was bumped into by a group of excited kids racing down the pier, laughter ringing out as they chased each other with ice cream cones in hand. They had just ran too close and she nearly fell if Austin hadn't caught her.

"Whoa, careful!" Austin chuckled, steadying her with a gentle grip on her arm.

"Thanks." Delaney smiled gratefully, her cheeks flushing.

"You good?" He asked, his eyes filled with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She assured him, her heart pounding. She wasn't sure if it was from almost falling or being so close to Austin. Probably both. She didn't feel fine. In fact, she felt her pulse quicken and her heart flutter. It was crazy how one touch could make her feel so alive, but it was a sensation she was quickly growing addicted to.

"Good." He breathes, relieved. He didn't want her to get hurt. Ever. "So, uh, where do you wanna go next?" He asked, changing the subject.

Her face lit up as she thought about all the fun things they could do together. "What about the arcade?" She suggested. She knew that Austin loved going to the arcade and she loved it too, but she also felt like they should do something he liked now since they checked out the cool shops on the pier which is what she liked to do sometimes. 

"Arcade sounds awesome, let's go!" Austin replied, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

As they walked towards the arcade, the air was filled with the sounds of laughter and the cheerful jingles of games. Delaney felt a rush of happiness as she glanced at Austin, whose face was lit up with enthusiasm. It was moments like these that made her appreciate their friendship even more.

Inside the arcade, bright lights flashed, and the air buzzed with energy. Delaney grabbed a handful of tokens from the counter, her excitement palpable. "What should we play first?" She asked, her eyes scanning the colorful machines.

Austin points toward the racing games. "How about a little competition?" He challenges, a playful smirk on his face. "Loser buys the next round of snacks!"

"You're on, blondie!" Delaney replied, her competitive spirit ignited. They hopped into their respective racing seats, and she couldn't help but sneak glances at him as they started the game. Austin's focus was intense, and she admired how passionately he played.

The game kicked off, and they both leaned forward, gripping the steering wheels tightly as they maneuvered through the virtual track. Delaney concentrated, but she couldn't shake off the thrill of having Austin beside her. The game roared to life, and the racing scene flickered on the screen. Delaney felt adrenaline pumping through her veins as she shifted gears and navigated the twists and turns. Austin was fierce in his determination, but she could see the flickers of amusement in his eyes as they played.

"Watch out, here I come!" Austin shouted, overtaking her with a sharp turn.

"Not if I can help it!" Delaney shot back, her competitive nature ignited. She accelerated, trying to regain her lead. They exchanged playful banter, laughter echoing around the arcade as the intensity of the race built between them.

As they sped through the virtual track, Delaney couldn't help but admire Austin's intensity. His brow furrowed in concentration, his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, and she found herself grinning at the sight of him so invested in the game. Each sharp turn he took sent waves of excitement through her, and she felt a mix of exhilaration and admiration for the boy beside her.

The finish line drew near, and with a burst of speed, Delaney pushes herself ahead, crossing it just milliseconds before Austin. "Yes! Victory!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands up in triumph.

Austin leans back, a mock look of shock on his face. "No way! You totally cheated!" He laughed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I did no such thing!" Delaney retorts, her heart racing not just from the competition, but from the thrill of the moment and the sheer joy of being with him. "You just weren't fast enough!"

Austin grins, feigning annoyance as he turned to her. "Alright, I admit it. You're the racing queen. But I'll get my revenge next time!"

Delaney beamed at him, the playful banter making her heart flutter. She loved how easily they could joke around, and each laugh felt like another thread binding them closer together. "I look forward to it, blondie." She teases, sticking her tongue out playfully. "So, since I'm the winner I say we go get ice cream."  

Austin couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Ice cream sounds perfect," He replies, feeling his own excitement build. "I'll race you to the stand!"

"Wha-" Delaney starts but couldn't finish as he took off running. She laughs, sprinting after him, the cool ocean breeze blowing through her hair as she chased him down the pier. She caught up to him, her competitive spirit shining through. They arrived at the ice cream stand, out of breath and laughing, their cheeks flushed from exertion. "That's not fair, you got a head start!" She accuses between giggles. "I'm the racing queen, remember?" Delaney teased, a playful glint in her eye.

He grins. "All's fair in love and ice cream." Austin teases back. "Besides, you're still the champion. I'll happily concede to you, Your Majesty." He bows playfully, earning a light smack on his arm from her. "Hey! What was that for?" He laughs, pretending to be hurt. "I was showing you respect!"

"You were being a dork, is what you were doing." Delaney corrects, but there's no malice in her words. She loves his sense of humor, and the way he always seems to make her laugh. "Now come on, let's get some ice cream before I decide to revoke your royal status."

"Alright, Your Highness." He replied with mock resignation, putting on a playful pout as they stepped up to the stand. The brightly colored tubs of ice cream glistened under the sun, each flavor beckoning them with promises of sweet delight.

They approach the ice cream stand, a large sign proclaiming "The Beach Scoop!" hanging over the small wooden structure. The menu lists an array of flavors, from classics like vanilla and chocolate, to more adventurous options like mango and pistachio. They look over the menu, their eyes wide with excitement. 

Austin glances at the colorful menu board curiously, his stomach growling in anticipation. "What flavor are you thinking?"

Delaney looks over the options, her eyes widening at the sight of the rainbow sherbet. "Oh, definitely this one! It looks like a party!" She beams, pointing to the vibrant swirl of colors. "What about you? Strawberry?" She guessed, knowing it was one of his favorites.

"Hmm, you know I love strawberry." Austin admits, grinning. "But I also love chocolate chip. Ooh, they got cookie dough too." He realizes as he scanned the menu again. "This is going to be tough!"

Delaney giggles. "You have to choose! You can't just try to get them all!" She playfully nudged him.

"Alright, alright," Austin said, putting on a mock-serious expression. "I'll go with the chocolate chip. You can't go wrong with that classic." He stepped up to the counter, and Delaney followed suit, her excitement palpable. 

After they both placed their orders, they stepped aside, waiting for the ice cream to be served. Austin glanced at Delaney, whose eyes sparkled with joy. It made his heart swell; moments like this felt perfect, and he wanted to remember every detail. When they got their ice cream, they decided to find a spot on the pier to sit and enjoy it. Delaney found a weathered bench overlooking the ocean. They settled down, the sounds of laughter and waves creating a comforting backdrop.

"Cheers!" Delaney grins, raising her ice cream cone in a mock toast. Austin clinked his cone against hers with a grin. As they took their first bites, the cold treat sent a chill through them, contrasting beautifully with the warm evening air. "Wow, this really is like a party!" Delaney said in awe, savoring the fruity burst of rainbow sherbet.

Austin chuckles. "I see what you mean. Mine's pretty good too, but you can't beat that rainbow explosion." He watched as she devoured her ice cream, the colors leaving a trail on her cheek. Without thinking, he reached over, gently wiping it away with his thumb.

Delaney froze, her breath hitching as she met his gaze. She was hyperaware of the way his fingers lingered against her skin, the warmth sending sparks of electricity coursing through her. Austin's heart raced as he gazed into her eyes, the moment feeling charged with possibility. He didn't mean to linger, but it was hard not to when his body was on fire at the slightest touch.

"S-Sorry," He stutters, quickly pulling his hand away, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "I didn't mean to...You just had a little..."

"It's okay." Delaney assures him, her own cheeks reddening. "Thanks." She looked away, embarrassed at her reaction as she busied herself with eating ice cream. 

Get it together! It was just a touch, no big deal. She mentally scolded herself, trying to regain her composure. She needed to pull herself together or else she would make a fool out of herself. She had been friends with Austin for years, and she wasn't going to let her dumb crush ruin their friendship. That's all it was, just a dumb crush. Right? 

Delaney took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart as they resumed eating their ice cream in comfortable silence. The sound of waves crashing against the pier mingled with distant laughter, creating a cozy atmosphere that felt like their own little world. As the sweetness of the rainbow sherbet danced on her tongue, Delaney couldn't help but sneak glances at Austin. He was focused on his chocolate chip cone, the sun reflecting off his hair, casting a golden halo around him. For a moment, she found herself lost in thought, her mind drifting to all the memories they had shared over the years—late-night talks, movie marathons, and countless adventures at the beach. Each one felt special, but now, with the warm sun and the gentle breeze, everything seemed to shimmer with potential.

After they finished their ice cream, they sat on the bench for a while longer, basking in the warmth of the setting sun and enjoying each other's company. They could have stayed there forever, lost in their own little bubble, but eventually, Austin reluctantly decided that they should head home. The sun had almost completely set, and the sky was painted with hues of purple and pink, a few lingering streaks of orange streaked the sky.

They made their way back to the pier entrance, their hands brushing slightly as they walked side by side. Austin felt his heart skip a beat, and he was overwhelmed by a desire to hold her hand, to feel the warmth of her skin against his. His eyes flickered over to her, and he noticed the faint blush that still lingered on her cheeks, causing his heart to race.

"Did you have a good time?" He asked, his voice slightly husky as they continued walking, his nerves threatening to bubble over.

"I did," Delaney replied, smiling softly. "Today was perfect. Thanks for spending it with me." Her tone was sincere, and he couldn't help but notice the hint of vulnerability behind her words.

"I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else." He admitted, his voice quiet but sure. The words were out before he could stop them, and the weight of his unspoken feelings settled around them, making the air feel heavy.

"I feel the same." She admitted quietly, her eyes meeting his. He could see the honesty in her gaze, and his heart swelled at the thought of her feeling the same way. A comfortable silence enveloped them as they continued walking, the rhythmic sound of the waves in the background echoing their unspoken connection. It was as if time stood still, and everything else faded away, leaving just the two of them amidst the soft glow of twilight.

Austin glanced over at Delaney, her profile illuminated by the fading sunlight, and his chest tightened with emotion. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him, how every moment spent with her felt like a dream come true. But he hesitated, unsure if he should take that leap into the unknown.

Delaney, sensing his gaze, turned to him with a curious smile. "What are you thinking about?" She asked, tilting her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

Austin's heart races, and he considered his words carefully. "Just...How lucky I am to have you in my life," He finally replies, his voice soft but filled with sincerity. "You make everything better, you know?"

Delaney smiles fondly, her heart fluttering as she nods. "Yeah, you make everything better too, Austin. You always know how to make me laugh, even on my worst days." Her voice was light, but there was a depth to her words that made Austin's heart swell.

A brief silence settled between them, filled with unspoken emotions that crackled in the air like static. They walked on, fingers grazing against each other again, sending jolts of electricity that made their hearts race. The sunset cast a warm glow on their faces, painting everything in shades of orange and pink, and for a moment, the world around them felt magical.

As they arrived at her house, the last remnants of daylight were beginning to fade, leaving the sky a dusky shade of blue. Delaney paused outside her door, turning to Austin with a smile.

"Today was amazing," She said softly, her eyes sparkling in the dying light. "Thank you for spending it with me."

Austin felt his pulse quicken as he gazed into her eyes, feeling drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He opened his mouth, but the words died on his lips. Instead, he nodded, unable to tear his gaze away from hers.

"Anytime." He replied, his voice quiet but filled with sincerity. Their faces were mere inches apart, the tension between them building like a pressure cooker. He could feel her breath on his skin, the electricity pulsing between them like a live wire. His eyes flickered to her lips for just a moment, his heart racing at the thought of closing that distance. Delaney seemed to sense the shift, her breath hitching slightly as her gaze darted to his lips before returning to his eyes, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty in her expression.

Austin knew this was the moment, the opportunity to tell her how he felt. If he could find the courage. If he could break through the fear and uncertainty. His heart was racing, and he could feel his palms begin to sweat, the pressure mounting as he searched her eyes, trying to read her emotions. He knew that if he didn't say something soon, the moment would pass. But the fear of rejection, the fear of losing her forever, paralyzed him. He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, of pushing her away.

He swallowed hard, taking a deep breath, steeling himself to speak. Just as he was about to, the door opened, revealing her father standing there. "Oh, you're back." He greets, a friendly smile on his face. "I thought I saw you guys walking up the sidewalk."

"Yeah, we're back," Delaney answers trying to mask her disappointment and nerves. She quickly recovers, giving him a warm smile. "We had a great time at the pier." She glances back at Austin, her eyes lingering on him for just a moment longer before shifting back to her father. The atmosphere shifted slightly, the moment they had been sharing interrupted but not entirely lost. "I'll see you tomorrow, Austie." She hesitates before she leans forward and kisses his cheek. "Good night." She murmured, her voice soft and sweet.

Austin felt his heart swell, butterflies fluttering around his stomach. He had a thousand thoughts running through his head, and none of them seemed to make sense. His heart was still racing, and his breath was caught in his throat. He opened his mouth to respond, but his words failed him, his gaze fixed on her. He manages a nod and a shy smile. "Night, Laney." He replied, his voice quiet and slightly hoarse.

She gave him one last smile, her eyes full of warmth and tenderness, before she turned and walked into the house with her dad. The door closed, and Austin was left alone, his heart still racing as the weight of his unspoken feelings settled around him.

He turned and started down the street, his thoughts swirling. His hand absentmindedly touched the place where her lips had been, the warmth of the kiss lingering on his skin. He wanted more, he wanted to kiss her, but he was afraid of crossing that line and losing her forever. Maybe he really should try to move on. He couldn't keep torturing himself like this, but the thought of someone else kissing her, touching her, made his blood boil.

The stars twinkled above, shining brightly, and he couldn't help but think of her. Delaney was a shining star in his life, illuminating everything around her with her laughter and warmth. As he walked, the cool evening breeze did little to quell the heat in his cheeks. Every moment from the day replayed in his mind, the sound of her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled under the sunset, and the brush of her hand against his. It was like a movie montage of everything he loved about her.

As he approached his house, he could feel the weight of his unspoken words pressing down on him, the reality of the situation settling around him. He could have told her how he felt. He could have taken that leap and risked it all, but the fear had held him back. While he got ready for bed, the thoughts swirled around his head, mixing with the memories of the day. He laid down, staring at the ceiling, his heart aching. It seemed like every time he tried to confess his feelings, the universe had other plans. It was almost like some sort of cruel cosmic joke. Or maybe it was the universe telling him it wasn't meant to be. His heart ached at the thought as he turned to lay on his side, his mind spinning with thoughts and worries. Though maybe if he moved on, he wouldn't be so haunted by the what-ifs and maybes.

As sleep finally pulled him under, a new resolve settled over him. Tomorrow, he was going to move on, once and for all....Maybe.