The victory laughter rippled through the beach, bright and unrestrained. Yu's pale swimming shirt clung damply to his body, saltwater dripping from the hem as he tilted his head back, laughing. The sunlight hit just right—turning the thin white fabric nearly transparent.
It happened fast. Lila's smile faltered. Marco's words caught in his throat.
And Isaac—closest to Yu—noticed first.
The outline of Yu's lean torso glimmered through the cling of wet fabric. The faintest marks, soft shadows of fading bruises and hickeys, scattered across his collarbone and the upper line of his chest—barely there but unmistakable if you looked long enough.
Isaac's breath hitched. He reacted before he could think. He pulled off his short-sleeved jacket and stepped forward, tone firm but gentle.
"Here. Put this on before the cameras roll again."
Yu blinked at him, startled, then smiled faintly.
"Thanks, but—"
"Please."
Isaac insisted. His tone left no room for argument.
