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. . .It had been two years since the Cohens had moved to Berkeley, and ever since then, life had taken everyone in different directions. Seth and Ryan were both enjoying college, both visiting their parents and Sophie from time to time. Summer was still busy saving the planet and Taylor had explored pretty much every part of France passionately. Despite their busy schedules, the four of them had always managed to keep in touch, albeit sporadically. This time, they decided to meet up at their old favorite hangout — the diner in Newport Beach, before heading back to the Roberts’ mansion, where Julie and Kaitlin still lived with Ryan’s younger brother, Jackson. The sun was just about to set, and the all too familiar location was bathed in a golden light as Seth and Summer walked in, hand in hand. They spotted Ryan and Taylor already seated at their old signature booth. Taylor, ever the animated conversationalist, was gesturing wildly as she spoke, while Ryan listened with an amused but hesitant smile, nodding occasionally. “This should be fun,” Seth murmured. He raised his brows at the sight of his brother and his best friend both seemingly hoping for someone or something to rescue them out of their awkwardness. After Taylor had left for Paris, they kept in touch, with Taylor occasionally visiting Ryan at Berkeley once or twice, but when Seth addressed this directly about this very sensitive topic on the phone, Ryan had only let out a long sigh before mumbling something about both him and Taylor needing some time and space for themselves right now. He tried to press further when they’d visited their family a couple of weeks later, but without any success. "Well, well, look who’s here!" Seth announced with a grin as they approached the booth. "The brooding hero and the unexpected delight." Ryan looked up and smirked, shaking his head. "Nice to see you too, Seth. And, uh, hi to you too, Summer." Summer gave Taylor a quick hug and Ryan a sympathetic pat on the head before sitting down. "Unexpected delight? Seriously, Cohen? You make it sound like she’s a surprise dessert." Taylor laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, I’ll take it. Unexpected delights are always the best kind." Seth, ever the instigator, leaned forward, eyes twinkling with mischief. "So, what’s new with everyone? Ryan, still breaking hearts up north?" Ryan rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "More like breaking my back with all the studying. How’s the eco-warrior life treating you, Summer?" Summer shrugged, a playful smile on her face. "Saving the planet, one protest at a time. And sometimes, I’m even dragging Seth along for moral support." Seth grinned. "And by moral support, she means she needs someone to carry the snacks from time to time." The four of them laughed at his comment and Ryan shook his head with a wide grin spread across his face, the easy company they shared making it feel like no time had passed at all. However, the subtle but definitely noticeable tension between Ryan and Taylor hung over all of them like a huge cloud. Seth knew that Summer knew more about their break-up than he did, with Taylor willingly sharing every detail and Summer soaking it all up. Though his girlfriend didn’t tell him much, he knew that they’d ended things on quite complicated terms, with neither of them really wanting to let go of each other, but at the same time, both of them being too awfully shy to reach out first. Now, their interactions were filled with half-joking flirtation and lingering looks that didn't go unnoticed by him. "So, how’s Berkeley treating your family? Everything alright at the house? And what about college?" Taylor asked, her tone light, but seth was all too aware of her eyes briefly darting to Ryan’s, a hint of curiosity there. Seth leaned back, crossing his arms. "Ah, you know, it’s Berkeley. Lots of hipsters, overpriced coffee, and surprisingly decent weather." Ryan nodded, grateful for the neutral topic. "Yeah, it’s been good. And college’s awesome, actually. A lot of work, but, uh, it’s worth it." Taylor nodded thoughtfully, her eyes on Ryan. "You always did have that focused intensity. It’s impressive." Ryan smiled, a little shyly, not quite used to the direct compliments, even after all this time he spent with his huge, loving family. "Thanks, Taylor. And what about you? Still exploring every inch of the world?" Taylor grinned, her eyes lighting up. "Pretty much. I just got back from a trip to Japan. The cherry blossoms were amazing. You guys should have seen it." Summer leaned in, intrigued. "That sounds incredible! Maybe we should plan a group trip sometime." Seth, sensing the potential awkwardness, jumped in. "Yeah, imagine the four of us taking on Japan. We’d probably end up banned from half the country." Taylor laughed, the tension breaking slightly. "Oh, please. We’d be the perfect tourists. Ryan’s responsible, Summer’s organized, and Seth’s ... well, Seth’s Seth." Ryan chuckled, shaking his head. "I guess that makes you the wildcard, Taylor." Taylor smirked, her eyes meeting his. "Always." As the evening wore on and their conversations jumped from topic to topic, Seth and Summer occasionally exchanged glances, clearly aware of the undercurrent of tension between Ryan and Taylor. The half-joking flirtation was hard to miss, as was the way Taylor’s eyes sparkled whenever Ryan spoke, or the slight blush that crept onto Ryan’s cheeks when Taylor teased him. At one point, Taylor leaned in towards Ryan, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "So, have you tried any new hobbies up in Berkeley? Maybe taken up surfing?" Ryan shook his head, smiling. "Not really. I’ve been more focused on studying, really, but I did go hiking a few times. What about you? Any new adventures planned?" Taylor grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. "Always. I’m thinking of doing a road trip across Europe next. Maybe I’ll convince you to join me." Seth widened his eyes as he took a few sips of sparkling water. Ryan raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on his lips. "Oh yeah? And what would I be doing on this grand adventure?" Taylor shrugged, her tone light but her eyes serious. "Being yourself. That’s enough." Seth leaned over to Summer and whispered, "Do you think they even realize they’re flirting?" Summer smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Probably not. But it’s kind of cute, isn’t it?" “It’s disgusting.” “Stop it, Cohen, they’re cute!” “They’re not even aware of us being here anymore. Maybe we should book them a room.” The rest of the night continued with more laughter and banter as Ryan teased Summer about her passion for regional vegetables and Summer glared at him from across the table, threatening to poke his eyes out with her fork if he didn’t shut up. As they finished their meal and stood up to leave for the Cooper house, Seth threw his arms around Ryan and Taylor, pulling them into a group hug. "This was fun. Let’s do it again soon." Taylor smiled, her eyes lingering on Ryan for a moment longer than necessary. "Definitely. It’s so good to see you guys." Ryan nodded, a soft smile on his face. "Yeah, it’s been too long." As they walked out into the cool Newport night and to their cars, Seth and Summer exchanged knowing looks, clearly enjoying the dynamic between Ryan and Taylor. It was obvious that something was brewing between the two, even if neither of them seemed fully aware of it yet. Right before Ryan got into his car next to him, Seth couldn’t resist one last quip. "Next time, we should bring popcorn. Watching you and Taylor flirt like you’re still in high school is better than any movie." Ryan rolled his eyes, but couldn’t hide his grin. "Yeah, yeah. Just keep the commentary to yourself." Summer laughed, linking arms with Seth. "Only if you promise to finally ask Taylor out. It’s been, what? One and a half year since you guys unwillingly broke up to give each other more space? Come on, dude, it’s time to stop pretending." Ryan glanced at Taylor, who was just about driving away but turned to give him a small wave. He smiled, and Summer smirked when Seth gently poked his elbow at her. "Maybe I will," Ryan murmured to himself, and he waved back at her, clearly mesmerized. “Summer and me are staying in her old room for tonight. Maybe you can bunk with Taylor.” Ryan let out something that sounded like a mixture of a laugh and a grunt. “I’ll stay in Jackson’s room.” Summer shook her head in amusement as she rounded the car to get in the passenger seat. “I promised him to do that!” Ryan raised his arms in defensiveness. “He’s my brother, and I don’t get to see him that often.” “You got a point there, buddy.” Seth smirked and patted Ryan’s shoulder. “I’m gonna have to catch up with Kaitlin. You know, her and Taylor are super close, maybe she’ll know more.” He turned around and opened the car door, smirking when he heard Ryan’s panic-filled voice behind him. “What do you mean? What’s Kaitlin supposed to know?” Seth got into the driver’s seat. “About how you and Taylor keep dancing around each other like that and all. Did I mention it’s kind of disgusting watching you guys flirt all the time?” “You only just said something about bringing popcorn next time.” “Well, you only just said something about wanting to ask Taylor out again.” He waved at his brother once more before closing the car door shut. . . . Even though Ryan did actually spend the night in Jackson’s room and Taylor ended up sleeping in the living room with Kaitlin, everyone present in the house could feel the practically oozing electricity between the two of them. The next morning promised the perfect summer day ahead. Jackson, still only a year old, was babbling excitedly already and reaching for his toys when Ryan woke up, while Kaitlin and Summer were in the kitchen, sipping coffee and chatting about the latest fashion trends. Seth wandered in, looking amused as he ruffled his hair. "Morning, everyone. I was expecting to relive some classic memories in Summer's old room, but instead, I got a crash course in Kaitlin's exquisite taste in decor," he announced, a mock expression of betrayal on his face. Kaitlin laughed, handing him a mug of coffee. "Hey, you survived. And you got to sleep in a room with the best view in the house. Besides, my room is way cooler now." Summer grinned, nudging Seth. "Oh, come on, Cohen. We both know you loved the twinkle lights and the mountain of pillows." Seth rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "Yeah, yeah. As long as I have coffee, I can survive anything." The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, and it felt just like old times. The banter was easy, the laughter frequent. Ryan joined them, with Jackson on his hip and a wide grin on his face, and the room felt complete. "So," Seth started, a mischievous glint in his eye, "any plans for today? Maybe something that involves less exploring of teenage decor and more ... I don't know, beach time?" Summer smirked. "We're thinking of hitting the beach later. Maybe some beach games or a picnic if anyone's up for it?" Ryan looked intrigued. "That sounds perfect. It’s been a while since I spent a day at the beach." Taylor raised an eyebrow. "A day at the beach sounds great. I’m in." Seth grinned, nudging Summer. "Oh, this is going to be good. Just hanging out, enjoying the sun. What could go wrong?" Ryan rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "I'm looking forward to it. What about you, Taylor? Any beach game expertise?" Taylor shook her head, her eyes sparkling. "Nope, but I’m always up for trying new things. Just don't expect me to be a pro at any of them." Kaitlin chimed in, "Well, if we're going to the beach, we should pack a picnic. And sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen." . . . When they arrived at the beach half an hour later, Ryan and Taylor settled into a spot on the sand, while Summer and Kaitlin spread out a blanket and started unpacking the picnic. Jackson, in his tiny beach outfit, was more interested in playing with his plastic shovel and bucket. From the blanket, Summer and Kaitlin watched as Ryan and Taylor attempted to build a sandcastle with Jackson a few minutes later. Taylor, with her usual enthusiasm, was fully involved, and Ryan was clearly enjoying her company. The flirting, longing gazes and playful banter between them were impossible to miss. Seth joined them, bringing a frisbee. "Alright, who’s up for a game? Jackson's clearly the MVP of sandcastles, but maybe we can be champions in a different sport?" Taylor laughed, "I’m in. I haven’t played frisbee in ages." Ryan grinned, "Count me in too. But fair warning, I’m out of practice." The rest of the day passed in a comfortable blur of sunshine, beach games, and lots and lots of laughter. They played frisbee, built sandcastles, and splashed around in the shallow waves. Jackson clearly enjoyed the attention his older siblings and their friends were giving him, his giggles ringing out as he chased after the frisbee with surprising speed for someone so small. Back at the Roberts mansion, they all gathered in the living room, exhausted but happy. Seth sprawled on the couch, Summer curled up next to him. Ryan and Taylor sat close, their shoulders brushing, while Kaitlin rummaged the drawers for Jackson’s toys. Julie, arriving home just then, paused in the doorway, taking in the scene. "Well, isn't this a sight for sore eyes," she said with a warm smile. "It's good to see you all together again." Ryan stood and gave her a hug. "It's good to be back." They settled for watching an animated movie Jackson loved with his whole heart. He was situated on Kaitlin’s lap, clapping along happily. Ryan glanced at Taylor, who was watching the screen with a soft smile. He reached over, taking her hand in his. She looked at him, surprised but obviously pleased, and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Seth, noticing the gesture, smirked and leaned over to Summer. "Looks like the 'brooding hero' finally made a move." Summer smiled, resting her head on Seth's shoulder. "Took him long enough.". . .