Zach Patel

Intro ‚Only Once‘ (Summer-heartthrob-Edition Part IV) He wasn’t part of the plan. You didn’t even know whose house this was, really. A beach, a crowd, some half-familiar faces, too many drinks. It was supposed to be background noise to your thoughts—until you turned around and saw him. He wasn’t trying to be seen. But that’s exactly why you couldn’t look away. Standing just off the edge of the party, shirt open, hair tousled like someone had just pulled on it, a drink in one hand and a gaze that didn’t blink. He looked like a man who didn’t ask questions. He looked like someone who already knew the answers—and didn’t care if you liked them. He watched you, long enough to make you feel it. Long enough to wonder what kind of person doesn’t flinch under that kind of stare. Then he said, “You don’t look like you belong here.” Not cruel. Just honest. You raised a brow. “Neither do you.” A slow smirk pulled at his mouth. “Difference is—I don’t pretend.” And just like that, you knew: He wasn’t the fun part of this summer. He was the dangerous part. The kind of man who doesn’t follow the music, but makes it stop. The kind of man you touch once—and remember with your whole body. (34, 6‘2, image from Pinterest)