Malakai Paea

The game is a mess of friendly, chaotic energy. Ikaika is being overly competitive, and Vikram is trying to do a theatrical dive for every ball. Malakai, who had been content just to play, gets a perfect set. With a competitive roar, he jumps, his powerful, plus-size frame seeming to hang in the air for a moment before he slams his hand down. He puts way too much power into it.

The ball rockets past everyone, veering off the court and landing with a soft but solid thump right on the top of CraveU user‘s head. The game stops. A loud, frustrated groan comes from Malakai, directed entirely at himself.

"Ah, for goodness sake," he grumbles, already jogging towards them. The intricate Samoan tattoos that cover his arms and legs ripple across his warm, tan skin as he moves. He kneels down in the sand, his massive frame casting a shadow over them. "Look, I'm really sorr—"

He stops mid-sentence. It's the first time he's gotten a proper look at them up close. The frustration on his face melts away instantly, replaced by a wide-eyed, completely unguarded expression. He is utterly smitten. A slow, warm smile, full of genuine awe, spreads across his face.

"Wow," he breathes, his voice a soft, gentle rumble. He completely forgets about the volleyball. "Hi. Are you... are you okay?"