The morning sun is not obvious inside the library halls, and so does the number of students lurking around. It's early on the weekend but there are plenty of people who are still spending their time here.

I would've been one of them if I was able to reject Sid's invitation yesterday. I inhaled a sigh of regret as I hand over the books to the librarian.

When I'm done, Uriel's next. He has borrowed more books than me and the deadline is still this afternoon. However, we have to get going before eight as Sid have messaged last night.

Dark shades contour his under eyes, making me feel a little guilty. I'm sure he's busy but he still comes along.

"Are you sure you want to join? It's the weekend and I'm sure you need some rest."

His lips simply tilt. "How many times have you said that these past hours, Remy?"

"But..."

"It's okay. I like hanging out with you," he says just as though his words don't have an impact on me.

The librarian clears her throat. She's sending a glare while a blush creeps into my cheeks. I bite the inside of my gums to ease the shyness and happiness tickling my heart.

Knowing that he's the hooded guy just intensifies everything at the moment. Maybe this is the sign I'm looking for. Maybe Maize is right. 'Should I confess later?'

He gets my bag as he straps his own.

"I can take it." I reach out but he lifts it up while circling his other hand on my wrist.

"This is a library, students," the librarian reminded, sternness in both her tone and expression.

"Sorry, Ma'am," he says before turning to me. "Come on. Let's not keep them waiting."

I can only nod, my focus stuck on our hands. Please tell me, I'm not reading too much on this. I'm not really imagining how he's been so touchy and flirty, am I?

We walk back to the parking area. It's pretty easy to spot the other three who are seating at the shed when they have a rainbow trolley that sparkles even from a distance.

I know I pack a lot for an overnight trip with my duffel bag but Maize takes it to another level. She looks up, noticing us.

"Here, Remybear!"

A snicker comes from my side.

"I think I should start calling you Remybear too." He's obviously muffling a chortle but the laughter in his voice is still undeniable.

"I'd rather, you'll not," I grumble. It's okay when it's Maize but I don't want my crush calling me a bear when I still remember that he compared me to a dog yesterday. Do I look like some sort of animal?

I glance at the pink floral summer dress I'm wearing. 'I'm pretty sure I'm not.'

My looks and fashion taste are the only things I'm confident about, especially when it is something I have carefully prepared. After all, these are the shells that hide the mediocrity within me. If these fail, what more can I have?

"Hey, what's wrong?" Uriel pauses and so do I.

"Huh?"

"You're suddenly quiet."

I keep my lips tight, struggling if I say what's on my mind. With him this attentive, how am I supposed to protect my heart?

"Nothing," I say, shaking my head.

In the end, I can't bare my insecurities with the person I want to impress. It's better to let them see the best version of me than be the focus of their disappointment.

"Okay, but let me know when I've done something wrong, alright?"

I nod, and this time I can't help the smile tugging the corners of my mouth. His hold tightens and takes me to the shed.

"Sorry for the wait," Uriel says.

"No problem." Only Sid replies when the other two are burning a hole in us — most probably on mine and Uriel's hands.

I break free from him and he just peeked at me with a gentle smile.

"I thought you were driving, Sid," I comment.

"I plan to but there's six of us so I don't think we can fit."

"Oh? Who else's coming." My brows scrunch in confusion.

"Fleur. She just said yes this morning so I called for a van," Sid informs while my mood dampens right away.

There are some rumors about her and Terrence but I don't understand why she's constantly sticking with Uriel, especially in class. Luckily, Uriel always invites me to lunch and Fleur doesn't tag along for some reason.

Though Maize is with us, she acts like the perfect third wheel so I don't really mind.

"Oh, okay," I manage to reply.

I step beside Maize whose eyes are twinkling, probably itching to gossip. Someone's ringtone disturbs the silence. Sid takes out his phone and answers the call. Not even a minute later, another ring launches.

This time, it's Terrence. He swivels away, leaving the three of us.

"It's nice you joined, Uriel," Maize comments.

Uriel chuckles. "Yeah. Though, I'm surprised I'm invited."

"It's because if you didn't, I'm sure Remy won't be here too and that goes the same with me."

I snort at her worry. "It's not like you'll be shy around them."

"But it's different when you're here," Maize says and locks our arms.

I push her back but her grip is stronger. "You're awfully clingy. Do you have a favor to ask?"

"Of course not," she replies but avoids her line of sight.

My brow arches. "Uhuh..."

"Fine, fine. Just so you know I have no choice and I am forced, okay? I so, so, so tried my best to resist but..."

Now both of my brows rise as my eyes widen when she trails her words. "What did you do—"

"Hey guys, the van's here!" Sid shouts across the street.

We get our bags while Terrence is still on his phone.

"You can just put it down. I'll take it so you can go first," Uriel offers.

"Thanks, Uriel!" Maize says with no hint of reservation and drags me along with her.

Sid gestures for us to go inside while he talks to the driver. Maize enters first and takes the place behind the driver's seat.

I am about to sit beside her but she flails her arm on the way.

"This is an 8-seater why don't you try at the back? I'm still so sleepy after binge-watching last night so I'd like to sleep," she rambles as my forehead furrows.

"Just what—"

"I'm sleeping!" She lies down right away, occupying the entire row. She wears a guilty expression before shutting her eyes close.

"You better explain it to me later," I say and choose the window seat in the middle row.

She ignores me while still refusing to move. The door slides open again. Terrence shows up but before he can have a foot inside, his phone rang again.

The door closes, only to be opened again. This time it's Uriel.

"Are you done?" I say.

"Yeah." As soon as he speaks, Maize shoots up.

"Uriel! Why don't you sit beside me?"

My eyebrow almost flies to my hairline. 'What on earth is she doing?'

"Thanks but I'll stay with Remy," he says and approaches me.

"But—" Her words stop when Uriel is already on my side.

Not a while later, Sid comes in too. There is an apparent gap in his mouth when his gaze landed in my direction. His head shifts to Maize before speaking, "Where's Terrence?"

"He had a call," Maize answers but it comes out like a mumble.

"I see..." He strides to the back and just in time, Terrence returns.

"Fleur's not coming. She had something up at the last minute," he says.

"That's too bad. Let's go then?"

Terrence nods and walks past my position and sits with Uriel. Moments after, the car starts moving. I've already been to Sid's family's beach resort, and it takes at least two hours.

"Why don't you take a nap, Uriel?"

He hums and his eyelashes flutter to his cheeks. I do the same, inclining towards the glass window — eventually dozing off.

🎨 🎨 🎨

I don't know how long I was out when someone prods my shoulder. Blinking, and trying to remember where I am, Uriel's face blocks my vision.

My hand quickly rubs my lips, making sure I haven't drooled. I open my front camera and scan myself. 'Good. I don't look weird.'

"We're here. The other already left. Maize told me you should chat with her when you wake up," he says.

I can only nod. We get down and I let him get my bag without any fuss this time.

Grainy sands fill my views, along with coconut trees scattering around. As we stroll, the crashing waves slowly resound. A staff welcomes us, directing us to the venue.

My eyes almost pop out of my sockets when I witness how many guests are there. They are clustered in different groups. The majority look our age as though the whole resort is rented.

Sid waves at us and runs in our direction while taking off his shades. "You really slept so much," he comments.

"Huh?" I check my phone and it's already twelve noon. That's like four hours since we left the university.

"Remy!" The piercing pitch can only be Maize. She is rushing toward us — wearing a blue one-piece tucked in a darker shade of boy short swimwear. Her hair is up in a ponytail, emphasizing the one shoulder strap that shows off some type of sexiness but with that goofy grin, it doesn't give that much effect.

"You should get change and OMG there are so many hot guys here!" she gushes like we're alone.

Sid laughs. "Do you have someone you're interested in? I'll introduce you to them."

"You already did. We're playing volleyball a while ago."

"Oh, Kurt?"

"Yeah!"

Sid turns to me. "Remember him, Remy? He's our classmate in middle school."

I try to recollect and Maize points to the mass of people partying. "He's the one talking to Terrence."

Two blondes were chatting with a cup in their hands, along with several more people in the circle. Only their side profile can be seen but instantly, not only a clear face, but also a voice resonates in my head. 'Isn't he the one with Terrence during that day?'

"Yeah... I remember now," I mutter.

"By the way, Uriel. Just get to the lobby to have your room key. There are no visitors today so we can have any place we want," Sid states.

"Thanks. How about Remy?"

"Oh, she's with me," Maize replies. "And girl, you should change now."

"Okay." I turn to both of the guys. "See you later."

"See you!" Maize mimics.

And, with how fast she hauls me, we reach our cottage in just a few minutes.

"Oh my gosh, Remy Evans!" she squeals after slamming the door. "Do you know how I'm dying to talk to you? You, Uriel, and Terrence will make a great chick flick! I can't believe it! Sid pushes me to set you and Terrence in the car but then it was Uriel who sat with you. And then! You two we're leaning on each other. And OMG? You should've seen Terrence! His gaze penetrates up to my seat!"

She speaks so fast that I can hardly digest anything. "Slow down, Maize. And what do you mean by set up?"

"Uh, you know how I didn't want to seat with you? Well, Sid forced me to!"

"I don't think you're the type who can be forced," I counter, my eyes narrowing.

"Um, he told me that he'll give me one of his collections from the mid-century—"

"Did Terrence also collude with you?"

"No. He didn't know it, to be honest. I'm supposed to get you two together and get Uriel to sit with me but we failed. Speaking of, you and Uriel are so adorable sleeping together but I feel so sad for Terrence. I can't decide who to support!"

My brows knit together. I don't know if I should be happy about the Uriel thing but the one with Terrence is hurting my brain.

Uriel's probably unconsciously doing it but I can't understand why Maize keeps on insisting that Terrence likes me.

"You probably watch too many series," I note and avoid thinking about it more. "I'll get dressed first."

I proceed to the bathroom to take out a matching maroon bandeau and high-waisted bikini. After putting it on and scrubbing myself with lotion, I go out.

Maize and I return to the beach. There are a few banana boats parked at the far right and I pull Maize with me. It's been so long since I ride one.

"Let's try this!" Excitement drips in my voice. "But, let's wait for Uriel?"

"Sure, sure."

There are people who have used the ride before us when I catch Uriel's figure with Sid.

"There he is. Call him, Maize," I say.

"Why me?"

A giggle escapes my lips. "You have a nice voice."

"You're making fun of me," she grumbles but still waves her hand and gets their attention.

🎨 🎨 🎨

When the sun meets the horizon, only I and Uriel are left alone swimming with the tides.

"You swim so fast, are you a fish?" he remarks.

I slap his shoulder as my lips thin. "Why do you always compare me with an animal?"

His eyebrows lift. "Do I?"

"Of course. A dog, a bear, and now a fish."

He flicks my temple but not enough to hurt. "Because you're cute like them."

Our gazes clash. My surroundings quieten as my attention focus on his face. His smile always gives great reassurance but my heart can't help but forcefully thump when those hazel brown colors with specks of gold are on me.

"Terrence—"

"Guys! The party's starting!" The reverb from the speakers on the shore interrupted my words.

"What is it?"

"Nothing."

'Just me who almost confesses.' But maybe I really should? He's the hooded guy, kind and very sweet. Where can I find someone better than him?

"Let's go then?" he says, motioning his head to the campfire.

We swim back and several blazes of fire light the area. There are several firepits to accommodate the guests circling around. But before we search for a place, both of us return to our cottage to get our things.

I pick a white see-through dress to cover me when it gets too cold tonight and proceed back with Uriel. It's not long before we find Maize with her newfound friends.

Their circle still has several spots and we mingle in.

"By the way, guys, these are my college friends, Remy and Uriel," Maize speaks up after we snug at the throw pillows provided for us.

All of us exchange some greetings and drift into a friendly conversation. The group that Maize befriended were actually Sid's high school classmates — which most of the guests are.

"Hey, will you mind if we'll sit with you?" someone interrupts.

I turn back to see Terrence, Kurt, and more familiar faces from middle school.

Due to the pleasant vibe in the air, everyone is welcoming and one of Sid's high school friends agrees. Now, our circle is full.

"Wait, Remy, is that you? I almost didn't recognize you," Kurt remarks.

"You know them?" Uriel mumbles beside me.

"Middle school classmates," I answer before diverting back to Kurt. "Yeah. It's been a while."

Kurt laughs heartily. "It sure is. I didn't know you'll attend this year. Terrence has been keeping it a secret from us. How are you two—"

"Go get some drinks." Terrence shoves him away before he can finish his sentence. "What do you guys want? He'll get it."

The others readily said theirs while I'm befuddled. Luckily, the atmosphere remains amiable with how everyone is conversing.

After a while, the food is served and another round of games begins.

"Alright, everybody. You know the drill. Last year, it was middle school vs high school. This year we're back to table vs table but since we don't have one, we'll go with fire pit vs fire pit," Sid announces.

He explains the mechanics and his prize which are undoubtedly very generous to hype everyone up.

"Alright gather up. Remember for the Longest Line, you can only use things that are with you," he pauses as he flashes a shit-eating grin that makes him like a devil with how the fire cast shadows on his face. "And of course, that included the clothes you are wearing."

With that provocation, there are really some guys who got fully naked. I stare wide-eyed at the scene, my jaw dropping to the ground. Only chaotic shouts and laughers resound at the normally peaceful sea.

We lost and the next round ensues.

"Only 10? Do twenty!" Someone from our group shouts as Kurt fits the marshmallows in his mouth.

"Twenty! Twenty! Twenty!" We cheer as he tries to do it. The countdown continued and he manages to do it with his cheeks like a chipmunk. His eyes are squeezed shut at that point as if not to hurl.

"Alright. Times up! Kurt wins!"

We all high-fived, laughing at how Kurt is increasingly becoming teary as he looks undecided about whether to swallow or gag everything out. I raise my hands to almost everyone but freeze midair when it's Terrence's turn — and so does he.

We retreat and I huddle closer back to Maize and Uriel. She beckons to me, gesturing to lend her an ear.

"I saw that," she whispers with a smirk on her face. I back away and ignore her taunting.

"Okay, everyone. Let's round up our love birds for some paper dance!" Whistles and hollers arise after Sid's sentence.

"Why don't these two do it?" one of the girls suggests, pointing to me and Uriel. "You guys are dating, right?"

"Uh—"

"Fine with me," Uriel agrees, before glancing at me with a wink.

Maize is already pinching my waist but I'm too numb trying to comprehend what he means. It's not bad to assume that the feeling is mutual, is it?

His fingers wrap around mine and we stand along the other pairs. Each of us is given a sheet of newspaper before the music starts.

"Be careful not to tear your paper, guys!" Sid reminds me, enjoying acting as a host too much.

The music stops and we jump on the paper. No one is out since there's still plenty of space.

"Alright, everyone passes! Now fold it in half!"

The music queues right after and more rounds follow until I'm too distracted. The paper is now the size of a notebook. I am standing on his feet while his hands are on my elbows to keep us balanced together.

The jeering grows louder as Sid announces those who failed. Now, there are only three pairs with us. The game proceeds until the music stops once more.

Without any warning, Uriel hoists me in his arms. I shriek in alarm while his chest vibrates when he chuckles.

He's wearing a polo shirt but he might as well be half-naked since the didn't button it while my swimsuit cover-up is as sheer as it can decently be. Having him this close in the water is no problem but when we're all dried off with the warmth of his body palpable under my touch, how can I not panic?

And perhaps I'm squirming too much, Uriel lost his footing.

"Ah!"

"Careful"

I don't know what went wrong when we landed but his weight has fallen on my feet. He gets up while I pull my leg away but flinch from the sharp pain. "Ow!"

"Did you hurt your feet?" he says, observing my ankle. "It's swelling—"

"Are you two okay?" Sid comes up to us.

"I think she sprains her foot. Do you have first aid here?" Uriel replies.

"We have a clinic. I'll get the staff to get you there." Sid says.

Again, without even hinting, I am once more in his hold as he carries me away yet now I didn't wriggle as much.

"What happened, Remy?" Maize approaches us with worry.

"A sprain maybe," I answer.

Maize's eyes fall on the welling, grimacing. "It's pretty red."

"Sorry. I must have landed full force on your feet," Uriel mumbles with a downcast look as he puts me down on one of the pillows.

"It's alright. Accidents happen," I try to assure.

Some of our acquaintances also check me out before the staff arrives. Uriel carries me and we are led to the clinic. The room is pretty much furnished like a school clinic.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but our in-house doctor is out since we don't have visitors today. I already called the nurse to come here," the staff explains.

"It's alright, I can do it. Just give me the first aid- box and some ice," Uriel responds and the staff exits while my face already morphs into a frown

"Are you sure you can do it? Not that I don't trust you or anything—"

He pats my head. "Don't worry, I've been living with a nurse and know the basics, at least."

"Really? Is your mom a nurse?"

"No, she's a housekeeper at the Mosheyev. My foster dad's a nurse."

"Oh... Are you still living with him?"

His smile stills for a second before he nods. Just in time, the staff returns but he has another person with him.

The nurse introduces herself. She places an ice compress and wraps my ankle in a bandage. After that, we are allowed to leave.

"Do you want to return?"

"Um, yeah? I heard there will be fireworks after."

The genuineness of his smile recurs. "You like it?"

"I guess? But maybe because it's not every day you can see it."

"Okay." He turns his back. "Hop in. I'll get you there."

"Uh—"

"Come on. The nurse says you need to rest and I can see you're uncomfortable being carried," he remarks.

I can't really argue with it since being held so close is so intimate for me who has never even had a relationship. But realizing how he notices it makes my heart throb. My face brightens until a smile forms on my lips. I grab a hold of his shoulders while his hands are positioned at the curve of my knees. This is still too close for me but it's a bit okay since I can distance my body a little bit from his back.

"Are you good?"

"...Yeah."

We make our way back but as we are passing the countless trees, a loud boom echoes. The sky is decorated with colorful arrays of light — flickering like manmade shooting stars.

My gaze is wholly on the scene above, taking me a few seconds to take in before Uriel slowly slides me down from his back and placed me on the sand. We sit there for a while in cozy stillness, spectating the smoky trails of explosive colors.

I sweep my gaze to him and the beating of my heart is almost as loud as the fireworks being set off.

"Uriel—"

A phone rings in perfect timing.

"Give me a sec," he says and stands up to answer the call.

I study his silhouette while I contemplate if I should continue. I'm already interrupted twice but I feel like this is the right time to do so. If I delay it any longer, I'm afraid I'll get more cold feet.

Uriel appears back at my side. There was a noticeable tremble as put his phone in his pocket.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. What were you saying again?"

"Um..." I take a deep breath and force myself to capture his gaze but his were dodging around. In the end, I look down. "...I like you."

"What?"

"I like you," I repeat, a pitch higher this time while trying to meet his eyes one more time.

Second. Minutes. Honestly, I don't know how much time is passing with the deafening silence.

His jaw slackens until his voice finally resounds. "I'm sorry. I have to go."

And that's it. He leaves without looking back. I scoff staring at his shadow slowly disappearing from my view, unmoving while processing everything that has happened.

'There goes a quick dive to disappointment.' I know there's a chance I can be rejected but what he's shown me so far makes me think otherwise. Now look at me, he probably forgot that I still can't walk properly just to get away.

The magical feeling that the firework display has created, disappeared in an instant and nothing follows. The dark velvet sky returns to its tranquility. It's like the darkness shrouds me as well as I struggle not to let a single drop of tear fall. I sniff, forcing myself to stand up when a sudden snap fills the air.

I twist, only to see the one person I don't want to ever discover me in this awful state.