The waves crashed against the shore, sending mist into the humid air. Nate stood at the edge of the docks, staring out at the horizon. The sun had long since set, leaving only the moon's pale glow to illuminate the quiet waters. His fists clenched at his sides, the weight of the past still pressing against his chest.
Ava walked up beside him, her hands stuffed in the pockets of her hoodie. "You're thinking about it again, aren't you?"
Nate sighed, shaking his head. "Hard not to."
She studied him for a moment, her gaze softening. "We're in this together, you know."
Nate let out a short laugh. "Yeah, together until it all falls apart."
Before Ava could respond, Kaito's voice rang out from behind them. "Hey! You two coming or what?"
They turned to see Kaito and Ryuji standing near a small boat, its motor idling softly.
"We don't have all night," Ryuji added, arms crossed. "If we're doing this, we better go now."
Nate exchanged a glance with Ava before nodding. "Let's do it."
They climbed into the boat, the wood creaking beneath their weight. As Kaito steered them away from the shore, the town's distant lights flickered behind them. The island ahead loomed in the darkness, shrouded in mist and mystery.
Ava pulled her hood up, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is either the best idea we've ever had… or the absolute worst."
Nate smirked. "Guess we'll find out."
As the boat cut through the water, none of them could shake the feeling that they were heading toward something bigger than they could ever imagine. The tides had shifted, and their fates were already set in motion.