Wouldn't it be fun if we slept in one room together tonight? I said, my voice lower than usual, eyes locked on Sia's face as I watched it slowly light up with a blush.
She giggled, hiding her smile behind her hand for a second before looking back at me with a teasing glint in her eyes. That's fast of you, huh, she said, nudging my shoulder lightly. But… I like that idea. Actually, I think Tom and Jean wouldn't say no to it.
Your friends? I mean… won't they get suspicious if you're not in the same room as them?
Sia shook her head, her expression softening into something more tender. They know, Anna, she said quietly. I already told them. There's no reason to hide my relationship with you to them.
I'm happy you feel that way, truly, I said softly, with sincerity.
I gently reached for Sia's hand and lifted it slightly, noticing the familiar glint around her wrist. You're wearing the bracelet I gave you on your birthday.
Her eyes met mine.
Why wouldn't I? she said with a tender smile. It was from the person I love… given on the day we celebrated my birthday and the day we became girlfriends.
It means everything to me.
I gently held Sia by the waist and pulled her body close, our hearts racing in sync. I kissed her lips deeply, pouring every ounce of emotion I had into that moment—and she met me with the same intensity.
When we finally pulled away, breathless and flushed, we giggled softly between heavy breaths, still holding each other close.
What's your room number? Sia asked, her voice low and a little shy, her cheeks tinged with pink.
205, I replied.
I bet Tom and Jean are already there, she said thoughtfully. Should we go tell them about staying together tonight?
I paused, realizing I hadn't thought that far ahead. Wait... where are we even sleeping?
Sia smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
I think there's a vacant room. One of the grade twelve couldn't make it for some reason I heard it earlier.
Is that so? Let's go to then.
Sia and I walked toward room 205, where I was supposed to be staying with Jean. The hallway was quiet, the faint hum of poolside laughter in the distance. When we reached the door and stepped inside, I was surprised to find Matthew there.
He looked up as we entered, his eyes drifting from me to Sia.
Hi Jean, hi Tom, Sia greeted warmly, then turned to Matthew. And you're Matthew, right?
Yeah, he replied shortly, his tone clipped but not unfriendly.
What brings you here to our room, Matthew?
Tom leaned back with a grin. Oh, Matthew, Eduardo, and I are sharing a room. He just came by to hang around since Eduardo hasn't arrived yet.
I didn't get the chance to tell you earlier, Tom added, Matthew only came up to me after lunch and asked if we could share a room but you left.
He gave me a quick glance before lightly nudging my shoulder. And hey, you're the one who convinced him to come, remember?
Right, I know. I was just asking, I said to Tom, as I glanced at Matthew.
He was looking straight at me, his eyes scanning my face like he was searching for something—or maybe blaming me. I couldn't quite read him. Was he angry? Regretting coming here?
And also Sia's here because... before I could continue, Sia stepped in, her voice firm but gentle.
Annabelle and I want to share a room together, she said, cutting in smoothly.
Tom and Jean burst into laughter, clearly amused. Meanwhile, Matthew's expression barely shifted, but there was something in his eyes, surprise, maybe disbelief that betrayed his calm front he tried to keep.
You're okay with it, Jean, right? Sia asked, flashing her a bright smile.
Yeah, of course. My friend is all yours, Jean chuckled, nudging me playfully.
Well, I'll go check on our room, Anna. I'll ask the Grade 12 seniors, Sia said, turning to me. You can just stay here with them for now. I'll text you later.
She leaned in, gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, and walked out with a soft smile.
As the door closed behind her, I quietly sat on the edge of the bed, my eyes unconsciously drifting to Matthew still silent.
Matthew, help me carry this to our room, Tom said, nodding.
Without a word, Matthew picked them up with ease.
Anna, want to come see our room? Tom asked. We can also explore a little bit instead of leaving you stuck here waiting for your lady, he teased, rolling his eyes dramatically at the last part.
I smirked, shaking my head at his antics. What about Jean?
I'm good, Jean replied, already stretching out on the bed. Think I'll take a nap now. Need the energy for tonight.
So, the three of us Tom, Matthew, and I headed down the hallway together toward their room.
The room was cozy and clean, with three single beds neatly lined up along the walls. A small wooden table sat between them with a lamp and a couple of water bottles. There was a window with light curtains, letting in the soft afternoon sunlight. One corner had their bags already tossed carelessly. Despite the mess, the room felt lively and comfortable perfect for a night of fun and chaos.
Tom was busy arranging his things, his back turned as I wandered toward the window. The soft breeze slipped through the slight opening, making my hair dance gently as I stared at the view outside. The sun was warm, the trees swayed, and for a moment, everything felt calm.
Then suddenly, I sensed someone beside me. It was Matthew.
Wanna roam around this place together? he asked, his voice low but clear.
I turned to him, the wind still brushing across my face and hair. W-What about Tom? I asked, my voice stumbling nervously. I didn't know why, but standing this close to Matthew made my chest flutter, my heart racing with a strange unease.
Matthew glanced back at Tom and smiled. He's clearly busy.
That smile—it was so unexpected. I had never seen him smile like that before. It felt too sudden, too soft, and I didn't know how to react. I swallowed hard, trying to steady myself, then nodded quickly. Let's go.
Without waiting for another beat, I walked out of the room, hoping the breeze outside would calm whatever was happening inside me.
I'll buy us drinks, Matthew offered, his tone casual but warm. What do you want?
Really? Will you? I teased, raising a brow. Why?
He shrugged slightly. Cause I want to, he said, looking at me with that quiet sincerity—thoughtful, almost innocent. It caught me off guard. I suddenly felt a bit silly for teasing him.
Orange juice, I said, smiling. I'll have orange juice. Thank you… in advance.
No problem at all, he replied.
I found a spot facing the ocean and took a seat, the breeze cool against my skin, the view calming. A few minutes later, he returned and handed me the drink.
Here you go, he said, sitting beside me with the same drink in hand. He was still in his all-black outfit—black jeans, a black leather jacket, and those dark sunglasses that made him look effortlessly cool.
I looked at him, then back at the ocean. You don't regret coming here, right? I asked, breaking the silence.
He turned slightly to me. No. Why would you think that?
I laughed awkwardly. Nothing. Just asking.
He leaned forward a bit, resting his elbows on his knees. Then, glancing at me again, he asked, Should we take a walk?
He looked so good, the sun catching on the edge of his shades, the wind tousling his hair just right—and for a moment, I couldn't lie to myself. He was hot. So hot.
And all I could do was nod.
So, Matthew… are you dating someone? blurted out while we walked side by side, the sound of our steps mixing with the soft rhythm of ocean waves nearby.
He turned to me, a surprised grin spreading across his face. Excuse me? Come again?
Never mind—if you didn't hear it, forget I said anything. I said flustered.
Matthew chuckled, the sound low and genuine. You really are unpredictable, Annabelle, aren't you? He glanced at me with that thoughtful gaze of his. This is just… out of curiosity, right?
Yeah, of course, I replied, trying to sound casual, but I could already feel the warmth rising in my cheeks.
Well, he said, hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, I don't. Why—are you trying to sign up? His voice was smooth, and there was a teasing edge in it, but I couldn't tell if he was joking or being… serious.
My heart skipped a beat, and for a second, I didn't know what to say.
No! laughing lightly. Yuck, I added, chuckling as I looked at Matthew.
Hey, Anna! a loud voice called out behind us.
It was Eduardo, striding toward us with his usual energy. I just got here and settled in. What are you two doing?
Hangout, Matthew replied coolly, his voice tinged with sarcasm.
Hangout, huh? Eduardo echoed, matching Matthew's tone. Just so you know, Sia's looking for Anna. You kinda stole her girl's time.
Matthew turned to look at me for a brief moment, unreadable, then without a word, he walked away.