Sia and I walked together, while the others were a few steps ahead of us on the way to the restaurant where most of the students were already gathered.
We've been too caught up with everyone else, we haven't even had time for just the two of us, I said to Sia, glancing at her with a small smile.
I know... I hate that too, she laughed softly.
When we reached the bar, the rest of the group went inside, leaving just the two of us lingering outside. And in that quiet moment, without a second thought, we started making out— right there in the open, we didn't care who might see, didn't care about the risk. We weren't drunk. Just bold, reckless, and completely lost in each other.
Afterwards we went inside and joined the others, settling into the seats.
You two are always together, said James, one of the twelfth-grade seniors, eyeing us with a teasing smile. Everywhere, every second of this resort trip like you're glued at the hip.
Sia arched a brow. Is there something wrong with that, James? she replied, her tone sharp but playful like she wasn't about to let anyone push her around.
James chuckled. Nothing wrong at all, Sia. But, you know… He leaned back in his chair. It's just funny. There are, like, five guys I know who've been hoping to talk to you today—and not a single one managed to catch you. You've been MIA the whole time.
Sia laughed with him, but I could tell there was something a little forced in her smile. Tight. Polite.
You know what, senior? she said, tilting her head with that calm, assertive tone she wore so well. Maybe just mind your own business. Everything falls into place when you do.
The table fell quiet for a heartbeat—then a few chuckles rippled through. James raised his hands in surrender, and the moment passed, but Sia's fingers found mine beneath the table, squeezing tight.
After the senior's teasing finally died down, Sia and I focused on our food—thankfully, Jean had already ordered for us.
I was just starting to enjoy the meal when, out of nowhere, a hand appeared behind me and gently placed a glass of orange juice on the table.
I know you like that. No need to thank me, Matthew said flatly, expression unreadable, before turning around and heading back to his seat like it was nothing.
Sia watching him walk off. What was that about?
I blinked at the glass, trying not to show surprise. No idea... but hey, free drink. I guess I should be thankful?
I tried to keep it light, brushing it off with a playful shrug.
Oh, transferee, what was that huh? Van, one of Sia's classmates, called out with a teasing grin.
A few others joined in, chuckling quietly, their eyes flicking toward Matthew who didn't even glance up, just kept eating like he hadn't done anything strange.
Sia looked at me, then at the orange juice in front of me. Can I have some? she asked, her voice softer now, a little curious.
I nodded, still chewing, and slid the glass a little closer to her.
After dinner, we all made our way back to the building where our rooms were, walking together under the soft glow of the outdoor lights.
Let's go for a swim at the pool tomorrow, okay? Tom called out with his usual energy.
Yeah, I actually can't wait, Sia replied, smiling beside me.
But no flirting at the pool that's the rule, Tom added with a smirk, clearly teasing.
That won't happen, Tom. You know that, I laughed.
I know, I know, Tom said, clasping his hands together dramatically. But still... have mercy on us singles, Anna. He made a begging motion that had us all laughing.
Sia and I chuckled, and Jean shook her head before grabbing Tom's arm and pulling him ahead. Come on, clown, she said. See you tomorrow, Annabelle! You too, Sia! she called back over her shoulder as the rest of the group moved on ahead.
Behind us, Eduardo and Matthew trailed together, walking slower, almost like they were getting along now.
Let's go, Matthew! Eduardo suddenly called out, grinning. Wanna be the third wheel forever? He let out a laugh and jogged ahead to catch up with the others, leaving Matthew quietly behind.
Are you really okay just third-wheeling us like this? Sia called over her shoulder to Matthew, who's just behind us.
Of course not, Matthew replied, his gaze fixed on the night sky as we walked. But it's not my fault I didn't feel like sprinting off like Eduardo did, right?
Anna and I are taking a different route far from your room. She paused, then added more pointedly, And about the juice, Matthew. That didn't exactly land well with me. What was that for?
Matthew stopped for a beat, then looked directly at her. Anna's my friend. I can't give a friend a drink now? Is that what you're implying?
It really wasn't anything Sia, I said and holds her hand, trying to soften the tension. Matthew and I just happen to both like orange juice. That's all. It wasn't weird for me since i know it was clearly nothing.
Matthew suddenly gives a slight laugh, and walk ahead. Goodnight to both of you. He said.
When we finally reached our room, I dropped onto the bed without a word, letting the softness of the mattress pull the tension from my body. Sia sat at the edge beside me, her eyes quietly tracing my face, a faint, unreadable smile playing at her lips.
I sat up slowly and turned to face her. Did I do something wrong? I asked, my voice gentle.
Without answering, Sia leaned forward and wrapped her arms around me tightly—so tightly I could feel her trembling.
I'm not being played with, right? she whispered, her voice strained and fragile.
What? I blinked, confused and suddenly on edge. Why would you say that?
Her grip around me only tightened as she continued, her words barely above a whisper. I want this… relationship, I want it to last forever, Anna. I don't want to lose it. Even if one day you let me go… I'll still hold on.
Hey, I said, my heart aching. Stop. What are you talking about?
I pulled away just enough to cup her face in my hands. Her cheeks were warm and damp, tears slipping silently down her skin. I wiped them gently with my thumbs and forced her to meet my eyes.
"No one's letting go," I said firmly. "Where is this coming from?"
She didn't answer, but I could see the fear in her eyes. So I kept going.
No one's letting go, I said firmly. Where is this coming from?
She didn't answer, but I could see the fear in her eyes. So I kept going.
If this is about Matthew, it was nothing—nothing at all. I need you to believe me, Sia. You're the one I'm here with. You're the one I care about.
She blinked more tears away, then nodded slightly, still not speaking, but something in her gaze softened.
I stayed there, holding her face, our foreheads nearly touching in the silence that followed. Then pressed my lips into her, and we fall to a deep passionate kiss, my hand stayed on her cheek, steadying the tremble in her breath, while the other slipped around her waist, pulling her closer, until there was no space left between us. Her lips responded with a quiet urgency, matching mine. I let my mouth trace a path to her neck, slow and reverent, savoring the way her skin responded to every brush, every breath. She let out a small sigh, her fingers finding the fabric of my shirt and holding on. And that's how the day ended.