Sia and I sat close together in the back of the taxi, our fingers laced tightly, hands warm against each other. I didn't bring up what happened earlier—how she introduced me as just a friend. I buried the sting deep down, wearing a soft smile instead.
I missed you, Anna, Sia said suddenly, her voice gentle. Thank you for coming. I was really hoping I'd see you… I'm so happy you're here.
I chuckled softly, meeting her eyes. I didn't know that every time I go to your house, I'd be meeting a new family member.
She laughed too, squeezing my hand. I'm not rushing anything, she said, her tone dropping to a quiet murmur. I just want to take things slow… with you.
To steer the moment away from the heaviness still lingering between us, I asked, You did well on the exam, right?
Of course, she said, a smile tugging at her lips. Your text this morning really helped. Then she leaned in and gave me a quick, soft peck on the lips.
A little stunned, I blinked—and she was already grinning.
So, she said, her tone playful now, where are you taking me?
A dinner, if you're down, I said with a soft smile, my gaze locked on Sia's.
I'm more than down—you know that, she replied, her voice just as gentle, her affection shining through her eyes.
I chuckled quietly, brushing my thumb over her hand. I know… but don't expect anything fancy. I'll be paying from my savings, so it's just a simple dinner.
Sia squeezed my hand lightly, her expression warm and sincere. You think I care about fancy?
I smiled, a little shy now. They say it's not about where you are, or how expensive it is—it's about the person you're with, and how you spend your time.
Well, she leaned in a bit closer, then I'm exactly where I want to be.
Oh about tomorrows overnight, are you ready?
Yeah, but i haven't pack my things yet she laughed.
Not long after the soft clinking of cutlery and the quiet hum of conversation filled the cozy restaurant, dimly lit by warm hanging lights that cast a golden glow over every table. Sia and I sat by the window, adding a soft sparkle to the evening. Between us was a small candle flickering gently, its flame dancing like our nerves and excitement.
Sia rested her chin on her hand as she looked at me, her eyes reflecting the glow of the lights. I can't remember the last time I felt this... calm, she said, her voice soft, almost shy.
I smiled, swirling the straw in my drink slowly. I'm glad you're relaxed. You've been tense all week. You deserve this.
She reached for my hand across the table, her thumb brushing my skin slowly. I know I should've said it earlier, but... I'm really grateful. For you, for tonight. For being patient with me.
I squeezed her hand back. We don't have to rush anything. This right now, it's enough.
Dinner came soon after, simple but beautifully plated dishes that neither of us could pronounce properly, but we laughed about it. Between bites, we talked, just random things that made us laugh until our stomachs ached more from joy than the food.
The next day, on our way to the resort, Im commuting of course with Tom and Jean, along with a bunch of our classmates who didn't have cars either. I didn't go with Sia—not because I didn't want to, but because her car was already filled with her own classmates. And since only a handful of people knew about our relationship, we both agreed it was best to keep things under wraps for now.
But what really caught me off guard was seeing Matthew here—actually on the same bus with us. I didn't think he'd really show up, not after the way he brushed off the idea yesterday. And yet, here he is, still looking as unreadable as ever.
Jean, on the other hand, looked like she'd just won the lottery. She kept glancing at him and then at me, mouthing a silent thank you like I'd pulled off some miracle.
I just smiled to myself and leaned back in my seat. This weekend was already turning out to be more interesting than I imagined.
The moment we stepped off the bus, a collective gasp rippled through our group.
Woah… Jean whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the view like she couldn't quite believe it was real.
Tom let out a low whistle. Now this is what I call a break.
Everyone scattered in different directions, some running toward the pool with excitement, others immediately snapping pictures of the ocean view and flower-filled paths. Laughter filled the air, echoing against the distant waves.
I stood quietly for a moment, soaking in the scenery. The warm breeze brushed against my face, and I felt a strange kind of peace settle into my chest. Behind me, I caught a glimpse of Matthew with his hands in his pockets, quietly taking it all in with a rare softness in his expression.
Then I saw Sia—stepping out of her car on the other side of the resort. Our eyes met for a brief moment. She smiled just a little, and that alone made everything feel more real, more perfect.
This wasn't just a trip. It was a memory being written right in front of us.
The resort sat nestled between rolling hills and a stretch of palm-fringed coastline, where the afternoon sun spilled golden light across the water. From where we stood, the infinity pool seemed to melt right into the ocean beyond, the horizon painted in soft shades of blue and gold. Lush green gardens framed stone pathways that led to cozy bonfire pits and an open dining area lit with fairy lights strung between trees. Everything about the place felt like a getaway—peaceful, open, and just far enough from the noise of school and stress.
It was the kind of view that made silence feel full, the kind that calmed your heart without saying a word.
It was nearly noon, and the smell of grilled meats and spices drifted lazily through the open air. The small resort restaurant was buzzing with students placing their orders, laughing, snapping pictures, and filling every corner with life.
I stood in line with Tom and Jean, my eyes casually wandering until they landed on Sia. She wasn't too far from me—sitting with her friends, laughing softly, her eyes glowing under the sun. She looked radiant, even from a distance.
What do you want, Anna? Tom asked, turning toward me with a plastic menu in hand.
I glanced at it briefly, not really paying attention. I'll just get whatever you and Jean are having, I said with a small smile.
A few minutes later, we were settled at a table under a canopy, the breeze gently rustling the edges of the cloth above us. We had just started eating when my phone buzzed.
Let's meet after lunch, outside. —Sia.
I looked up instinctively, Sia met my eyes and smiled.
I think I'll walk around a bit after this, I said casually, placing my fork down and glancing at Tom and Jean.
Don't get lost, Tom teased with a smirk, already half-distracted by his food.
I chuckled lightly, but my heart was already on its way to her.
I wandered away from the noise of our classmates, past the last of the tables and toward the path that led behind the main building. The resort opened up into a quieter area—less crowded, framed by swaying palm trees and overlooking a peaceful view of the sea, where the sun made the water shimmer like glass.
Sia was already there, leaning on the wooden railing, her hair gently tousled by the breeze. She turned when she heard my steps, her eyes softening instantly at the sight of me.
Took you long enough, she said with a playful pout.
I smiled and joined her by the railing, close enough to feel the warmth of her shoulder next to mine. Well, I had to make it look casual.
Sia chuckled, her gaze now turned toward the view. It's beautiful here.
It is, I said, but I was looking at her, not the sea.
She caught it, cheeks tinting faintly pink. I missed you, she whispered.
We're literally in the same place, I teased softly.
For a while, we stood there in silence—just holding hands, letting the quiet wind and distant laughter of our friends be the only sounds around us.
This feels... right, she said finally.
I looked at her and nodded, It does.