To my surprise, the boat had a table set up—simple but sturdy, and it felt like a small luxury after the dive. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I smelled the food. Apparently, the scuba diving package came with a full lunch, and thank God for that. Plates of grilled seafood—crabs, prawns, squid, and fish were laid out in neat platters, alongside bowls of fruit slices that glistened under the sun. It was the kind of meal that tasted better with the sea breeze brushing against your skin and the waves gently rocking beneath your feet.
Hey Eduardo!! a loud voice called from the other boat, cutting through the gentle crash of waves and chatter. A group of students were waving frantically, one of them cupping his hands around his mouth to amplify the message. Later tonight at the beach bonfire! Tell them!
Eduardo cupped a hand over his brow to shield the sun, then raised the other in a big thumbs-up. Okayyy, I got it!! he shouted back.
He turned to the rest of us on the boat, his excitement catching on like wildfire. You heard that right, everyone—bonfire tonight on the sand!
Now we ate with our hair still damp, our bodies warm from the sun, and our spirits calm from the dive.
As we cracked shells and shared bites, Jean turned to Sia, a crab claw in her hand.
Sia, she began casually, tonight's our last night here. Can I have Anna for the night? I mean, i wanna spend a night with my best friend. Jean gave a soft laugh, but her eyes were sincere. Of course, if you'd rather not, that's totally fine.
Sia paused for a moment, sipping from her coconut juice as she glanced at me. Then she looked at Jean and smiled, though it was the kind of smile that held a trace of reluctance.
Really? I'd be pretty lonely without her, she said with a small chuckle. We've spent two nights together already and… I've gotten used to that. Her eyes flicked back to mine briefly, tenderly. But yeah, she was yours first, Jean. So sure.
Thanks. I promise I'll return her in one piece tomorrow. Don't you worry, Jean smiled.
Sia just smiled again, a little tighter this time, then went back to cracking her crab with careful fingers.
Everyone was still enjoying their food, voices blending with the sound of waves and gulls overhead, when Kelly's voice cut through the soft chatter.
Sia, do you drink? she asked suddenly, casually, though her tone held something more curious underneath.
Sia looked up from her plate, eyebrows raised slightly as she glanced across the boat at Kelly. Only with close friends. Why?
I just figured you didn't. Maybe you're the anti-drink type, Kelly replied, a teasing edge laced into her voice. I mean, I was just rejected again, for the second time, if you don't mind knowing.
There was a note of sarcasm in her voice, light but pointed, as she picked up a slice of fruit and popped it into her mouth like it didn't matter. But the tension that flickered in the silence said otherwise.
I do wonder why you're telling me this, Sia leaned back slightly.
Kelly gave a dry smile, eyes gleaming just a little too sharply. Because everyone here seems paired up or perfectly fine. And I guess I'm not.
I looked between the two of them, chewing slowly, unsure if I should speak or stay out of it. Jean, beside me, glanced over too, but said nothing.
Sometimes, even in the middle of paradise, the cracks show.
It's nothing really, Sia, Jane cut in, slipping an arm around Kelly's shoulders.
Kelly stayed silent, eyes cast toward the waves, her fingers absently rolling a grape along her plate.
From across the table, James—the senior with a half-hearted shrug. Look, last time at the restaurant, I didn't know anything about how this two girls had a thing. That was on me. I didn't mean anything bad by it. I even tell how guys been waiting for Sia. He paused, lips twitching in a smirk like he was holding something back. Won't happen again, he added, though his tone felt more like a jab than an apology.
The mood shifted.
Kelly's head tilted, her lips curvingnot in amusement, but something sharp and dangerous. Oh, senior, she said with false sweetness, we don't really welcome homophobes here. So, if you're lost, feel free to swim back to shore. We're not gonna stop you.
The breeze blew in gently from the sea, but the tension sat heavy for just a second longer.
Senior I'm hurt, are you really? Tom said in joked way of asking.
James gave a low scoff, though something about the way he shifted in his seat said he wasn't entirely joking anymore. I was being for real, though, he muttered. "ut I guess I'm not welcome, huh? I'm not the only senior here. We've got Sia, Chelse, Rynzo—my dear classmate and, what, Tom's boyfriend, I assume? he added with a dry chuckle. So what, only I'm the spy? Only I get the stink-eye? I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry, y'all.
The silence was sharp for a moment—everyone unsure how to handle the tension that lingered like a cloud over the sea breeze.
Then Eduardo stood up, brushing invisible crumbs off his shorts as he walked over to James. No, guys, he said, lightly clapping a hand on James's shoulder. Senior James isn't homophobic it's all a misunderstanding.
He chuckled, just enough to soften the mood, glancing around at everyone as if trying to pull them back into ease. He just has a weird way of talking, sometimes, but his heart's not in the wrong place.
James offered a sheepish grin, nodding slowly. I really didn't mean to offend anyone. Guess I've got a lot to learn.
It's cool, Sia said, her voice even.
Sia raised her water bottle like a glass. To open minds and better company, she said, voice even and cool.
We all raised ours in return, even if some of us did so a little more hesitantly than others.
We enjoy the lunch for a quiet while and then head back to the resort.
When we came back Kelly, Jane, and I, as well
Matthew headed toward the nearest grocery store, the sun now beginning its descent, casting golden streaks across the road. The low hum of the car engine filled the silence until Jane, arms crossed and sunglasses reflecting the bright sky, turned slightly toward the driver's seat.
Why did you even come with us? she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.
Matthew smirked, eyes still on the road. Who's going to drive if not me?
I could've driven, Kelly chimed in from the back seat beside me, stretching her legs out casually.
Well, sad news, Matthew said, chuckling under his breath. Sia entrusted me with her car keys.
If only Eduardo didn't say no, it wouldn't be you, Sia wouldn't let you otherwise, Kelly said.
He glanced briefly at the rearview mirror, locking eyes with me for a second. Besides, someone has to carry all the heavy stuff. You girls need muscle, right?
Yeah, we really need Matthew, I said with a teasing grin. So get ready, we're loading up that strength of yours.
Jane rolled her eyes but cracked a small smile. Let's just get what we need.
The car continued down the coastal road, palm trees whipping by.
Just ten minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot of the local grocery store. The sun was still warm above us, casting golden light on the car's windshield as we stepped out.
Kel, I said while walking beside her toward the entrance, where's that guy? He wasn't on the boat earlier.
Kelly glanced at me, brows raised like she didn't expect the question. That? she said casually, brushing her hair back. That was nothing. What do people call it… a fling? Yeah, just that. I hung out with him for fun at the pool. He's no one.
Is that true, Jane? I asked, turning my eyes to her.
Jane snorted. Carl? She shook her head, a smirk forming on her lips. He's just some guy Kelly used for entertainment. Poor dude probably thought he had a chance.
Such a user, Kelly, Matthew added as he grabbed a shopping cart, pushing it ahead of us.
Kelly only rolled her eyes and laughed. You all act like I broke his heart. Relax, it was just poolside flirting. He'll live.
Yeah, but next time maybe don't hand out hope like candy, Jane said, nudging her with her elbow.
We walked deeper into the store, the cool air welcoming us from the heat outside. The shelves were stacked high with snacks, drinks, and all the essentials we needed for tonight's bonfire.
When we got back to the beach, the sky had started to tint orange, the sun slowly sinking into the edge of the sea. Students were busy setting up blankets, arranging driftwood, and carrying supplies near the firepit zone.
That's when I saw her—Sia, moving around with sleeves rolled up, hair tied messily, working with the others. But what caught my eye was the guy helping her. He was standing a bit too close, passing her sticks and and stuffs, even tying a rope just beside her arm.
You're here, Sia said, noticing me. She walked up, placed her hand gently against my cheek, and kissed me—a soft peck on the lips, brief but warm. Then she pulled back, eyes kind and steady.
It was fast, I said, smiling back. Matthew did all the heavy lifting. Kelly and Jane did their thing too.
Sia grinned. Everything's almost done here. The sun's about to set. She stepped closer, her voice lowering just a little, like it was meant only for me. I wanna have s'mores with you.
I laughed. We'll make the best ones out here.
She reached out for my hand and squeezed it gently.
I'm excited for tonight, Sia and I with fire under the stars, it'll be perfect.