The resort buzzed softly with the sound of waves, early morning gulls, and the faint clink of breakfast dishes being cleared.
But at the center of it all was the reunion.
Emma stood on the veranda, suitcase forgotten at her side, arms thrown around Caleb and Sam—her two best friends, now beaming brighter than the sunlit sea behind them.
"You did it!" Caleb grinned, rocking her slightly as he hugged her. "Doctor Emma Park, future scalpel queen."
"Junior doctor," she corrected, but the blush on her cheeks said she was proud. Exhausted, glowing, and proud.
"Still counts," Sam said, clutching her hand like he used to do before finals. "We've already planned your spa day, your foot massage, and Dev is ordering something absurd from room service just for you."
As if on cue, Dev appeared with two trays balanced effortlessly, offering her a mimosa and a plate of fresh waffles.
"I'm being pampered," she said, half in disbelief.
"You're being celebrated," Hayden corrected, pulling out a chair for her with a gentle smile. "You worked hard. Let us love you."
Emma sat, slowly, her eyes bouncing between the couples. Sam curled into Hayden's side, Caleb's leg brushed against Dev's. The air between them was soft—unspoken affection stitched into every glance.
She exhaled. "You're all in love," she whispered, like it was a secret the ocean had already guessed.
Sam beamed. Caleb looked down, smiling to himself.
Dev and Hayden exchanged a glance, and simply nodded.
Emma leaned back in her chair, letting the sun hit her face. "I go off to drown in medical textbooks, and when I come back, you two are taken by literal boyfriends who act like they invented devotion."
"Right?" Sam giggled. "It's like, so romantic I want to slap myself."
"Not before brunch," Caleb said.
Emma laughed—deep, and real, and relieved. "Well. Guess I need to find someone who spoils me with waffles and foot rubs next."
"You will," Sam said, squeezing her shoulder. "And when you do, we're taking you to a resort."
She smiled at them—at her people.
The sun climbed higher. Waves glittered. And for the first time in a long time, Emma felt like she could breathe again. Exams were behind her. A future full of heartbeats lay ahead.
And around her?
Love. Real, imperfect, glorious love.