Sia's POV
I was on my way back to Jean's room when I caught sight of them—Annabelle and Matthew sitting together, drinks in hand, the ocean wind ruffling their hair as they talked quietly. From a distance, they looked comfortable… too comfortable.
Something twisted in my chest. I couldn't explain it, but the sight of them like that didn't sit right with me. It was just a conversation—just drinks—but still, something about it made me slow my steps.
Then, instead of heading toward the room like I was supposed to, I turned the other way. I didn't want to see more than I already had. I didn't want to feel what I was feeling, but it was too late.
But I bumped into Eduardo.
Sia, where are you going? he asked.
Oh, I was looking for Anna, I replied, trying to sound casual. But I'm fine now.
I see. Do you happen to know Tom's room number? Can you lead the way, if you're okay with it?
Back to present Anna's POV
What the hell is wrong with that guy? Like, actually, he muttered with a chuckle. You made him walk off, why ask.
Did I? he laughed again.
Now that he's gone, are you going to find Sia? Eduardo asked as we strolled, taking in the view of the resort.
Not really, I replied. Sia said she'd text me, but she hasn't yet. Maybe she's with her classmates, enjoying the moment. I don't want to interrupt.
Is that so…? Eduardo paused, then smirked. So, you date girls now, huh? And you didn't even tell me?
Sorry, I chuckled softly. Guess I wasn't that obvious. I hide things pretty well.
Guess you do, Eduardo replied with a smile.
I returned to Jean's room, hoping Sia might've texted—but there was nothing.
Anna, let's go to Tom's room, Jean said suddenly. It's so boring here.
I nodded, and we walked together across the hallway. When we entered, Matthew was there, sitting casually with his phone in hand, completely unbothered by our arrival.
Hi, Jean! Eduardo called out with a grin as the two of them began chatting animatedly.
I quietly took a seat on the small couch, keeping a comfortable distance from Matthew. He didn't even glance up.
Then, out of nowhere, Tom leapt between me and Matthew, plopping himself down with a mischievous grin.
So… where's Sia? he asked, nudging my arm.
That's what I don't know, I laughed, brushing it off lightly.
You're letting your girl wander around this paradise without you? Tom teased, his voice full of playful warning. Girl, you're in the danger zone. Do you even realize how many admirers Sia's got around here? Tom, stop it, I said playfully.
Okay, okay, I'm sorry! he laughed, throwing his hands up in surrender.
Just then, the door creaked open and a few seniors stepped into the room, Jane and Sia was with them.
The moment I saw her, a quiet joy lit up in my chest, like the weight I hadn't realized I was carrying had finally lifted.
Hi, Anna, she greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes soft and sincere.
She took a seat at the table, and I immediately got up and walked over to join her. Without thinking, I sat beside her, close enough for our arms to touch.
I missed you, I said in a hushed voice, careful not to draw attention in the now crowded room. Why didn't you text me? You said you would…
I'm sorry, Sia whispered, squeezing my hand gently. I got caught up with my classmates and... I forgot. I'm really sorry.
She leaned in and pressed a kiss to the back of my hand, her lips lingering for a moment. I missed you too. So much.
We shared a quiet smile, like our own little moment in the middle of all the noise.
Anna, our room's ready, she said, blushing lightly. Do you want to go now?
I chuckled, nudging her softly. I want to, but… we should probably socialize a bit first.
Sia laughed under her breath, nodding. You're right. Just a little longer then.
How come you're here? Matthew said, his gaze fixed on Sia, voice carrying just enough edge to turn the room a little quieter.
Sia raised an eyebrow, not hiding the displeasure in her expression. What do you mean by that?
Nothing, I just meant... why are you guys here? he said, eyes shifting slightly, as if trying to soften his tone too late.
I invited them, okay? Eduardo cut in, stepping between the tension. When I ran into Sia earlier after I arrived, I told her to bring a few of her senior friends. No big deal.
He turned to the rest of the room with a grin. C'mon, let's just chill for now and have some fun here before we all head to the bar later.
A few people murmured in agreement, and the room slowly began to lighten again, but I couldn't help noticing the way Matthew's eyes lingered on Sia for a second longer like there was more he wasn't saying.
Okay, how about a game? Tom suggested, eyes lighting up with excitement.
Sia raised a hand with a small apologetic smile. I'm sorry to break it to you guys, but Anna and I won't be staying too long, okay? Just one game, then we'll head to our room.
Whatever, Sia. Save the sweet stuff for later, Tom teased, rolling his eyes dramatically before bursting into a laugh.
Anyway, he continued, grinning, let's go with a classic—Truth or Dare. I know it's been played to death, but it's still the best way to get to know each other's secrets. It'll be fun!
I'm in, Eduardo chimed in, already settling down.
Same here! Jean said, clearly up for the fun.
Soon, everyone was gathering in a circle on the floor—Sia's three senior friends included and Jane. Even Matthew, despite his usual quiet presence, joined in with a reluctant sigh, like someone resigned to being pulled into the chaos.
Can I ask first? one of the seniors said, raising his hand slightly.
Go ahead, Eduardo replied.
Um... I want to ask Jane, the senior guy said, his eyes locked on her.
Jane turned her head slowly to him, eyebrows raised in disbelief. Her expression clearly said, Seriously?—like she wasn't expecting to be singled out.
Do you have a boyfriend? the senior asked, wasting no time.
Jane blinked once. No, she answered flatly, her tone dry but calm.
The room erupted in claps and playful cheers, some even whistling like it was a dramatic reveal.
Jane rolled her eyes. That was a boring question.
Sia laughed from across the circle. No, Jane you're just uninterested, she teased, and the group chuckled along with her.
Since I was picked, can I ask next? Jane said, a sly grin on her face.
Who will you ask? Jean asked, smiling with anticipation.
Anna, Jane replied without hesitation. I want to ask—when was your last relationship?
The room buzzed with surprise at Jane's boldness, everyone wide-eyed
It was a long time ago, I answered calmly.
But when exactly? Jane pressed, her tone playful but curious.
When I was in eighth grade, I said, unbothered.
Sia suddenly chimed in, catching me off guard. Was it... a girl?
I turned to look at her, meeting her eyes as I answered, No. It was a boy.
Whoa, whoa—why is it suddenly getting spicy in here? one of the seniors joked, trying to lighten the tension hanging in the air.
Okay, I'm satisfied with the answer. Thank you, Jane said, nodding at me with a small smile.
Alright, my turn, Jean said, glancing around the circle. I want to ask Matthew.
Matthew raised a brow, a smirk barely forming. Go on.
Do you have someone you like right now?
He leaned back, eyes flicking away for a second. Can I not answer that?
No way, that's not allowed! Eduardo laughed.
Matthew let out a soft sigh, Well then... yeah. I do like someone right now.
That set the room off. Loud cheers, and playful gasps echoed around as everyone reacted. Even Tom clapped his hands together like it was a juicy reveal.
Whoa! Now that's what I call an answer, one of the seniors said.
I glanced over at Sia, who was smiling while sipping her drink, but I couldn't tell what she was thinking.