Y/N's POV

So... yeah. We made it out

I was sitting down on the ridicilously luxurious expensive couches of the penthouse suite. The cuts and bruises that had been stinging like hell earlier were now faintly throbbing under neatly bandaged wraps

. Megatron was in the other room, probably doing the same as me-processing that entire mess.

I glanced at the massive balcony doors letting in the golden glow of the setting sun. The faint sound of waves crashing against the shore and the distant chatter of my classmates reminded me of Principal Quintessa's announcement earlier.

The Island Survival Project had officially been called off. Apparently, being hunted by a mysterious creature no one could explain wasn't in the original itinerary. As an apology, the staff rolled out the proverbial red carpet-luxury rooms, gourmet meals, spa treatments, the works. Quintessa's exact words? "The incident will not go unaddressed, but for now, enjoy the rest of your stay as a vacation."

Sure. A vacation. Because nothing says "relax" like recovering from a near-death experience.

That evening, I'd been shown to this over-the-top penthouse, which I was supposed to share with my team. It had everything: three bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and furniture so expensive I almost felt bad sitting on it.

But the "team" part quickly evaporated when Sam, bless his sarcastic heart, suddenly declared that the furniture in the penthouse contained some rare material he was "definitely allergic to."

Yeah. Sure. Allergic.

The other two male members of the team, probably catching onto Sam's smirk, jumped on the bandwagon, claiming the lighting was "too bright for their tastes." In a matter of minutes, the three of them had grabbed their stuff and bolted, leaving just me and Megatron in this ridiculously lavish suite.

Sam, before leaving, winked at me and said, "You two clearly need solo bonding time. Consider it therapy."

Right. Therapy. Because getting trapped in an underground cavern together for hours wasn't enough bonding

. . .

When I woke up that morning, my mind was already drifting to the possibilities. A breakfast buffet that could put every dream meal to shame. An afternoon of reckless quad biking across the sand. Jet skis carving through crystal-clear waters. Maybe even a relaxing spa treatment where I wouldn't have to explain my tragic backstory to a therapist disguised as a masseur. It was perfect, idyllic, everything I deserved after surviving that cavern.

At least, that's what I thought.

I yawned, stretching my arms-or at least, I tried to stretch my arms. Something-no, someone-was weighing me down. Groggy, I blinked a few times, my sleep-addled brain trying to process the soft, muffled sound of... snoring?

My eyes adjusted to the morning light filtering in through the enormous glass windows, and that's when I noticed the multiple people occupying my bed.

From my right, Bumblebee was snuggled into my arm, her face tucked against my side, a soft, peaceful smile on her lips. On the left, Starscream was lying so close that her giggling murmurs in her sleep sent shivers up my spine.

On my chest, Knockout, Arcee and Smokescreen had somehow claimed their spots, curled up like three cats who decided I was their personal mattress.

And at the farthest edge of the bed? I squinted. Soundwave? Yeah, Soundwave, looking weirdly peaceful for someone who gave off "silent assassin" vibes 99% of the time.

But that wasn't the kicker.

No, the real kicker was the familiar crimson-and-blue figure slumped near my feet: Optinessa herself, looking far too regal for someone who had clearly snuck into my room like a college freshman at a sleepover.

What the actual hell?

I groaned, my voice low but exasperated. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me."

Carefully, I tried to wriggle free. Bumblebee stirred first, mumbling something about "Y/N waffles" before snuggling closer. Starscream giggled in her sleep again, muttering something I didn't want to interpret. Knockout shifted slightly, practically pinning my arm, while Smokescreen sighed contentedly.

I had no idea how Soundwave and Optinessa even managed to get on the bed without waking me.

Taking a deep breath, I cleared my throat, loud enough to rattle the room but not enough to startle anyone too badly. One by one, the girls began to stir, blinking at me in confusion as they realized where they were-and, more importantly, who they were piled on top of.

"Good morning, ladies," I said, deadpan, as I continued trying to sit up. "Care to explain why my bed became the VIP sleepover lounge?"

Before I could fully process the chaos that was my morning, Bumblebee sprang into action, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.

"Y/N! I'm so glad you're okay!" she exclaimed, practically vibrating with energy.

"Hey! I wanted to hug him first!" Starscream shot back, leaning forward to try and wedge her way in.

"Too slow!" Bumblebee said with a triumphant grin, sticking her tongue out at Starscream.

I sighed, still trapped under multiple people, and muttered, "So... no one's going to explain how this happened?"

Bumblebee, still clinging to me, answered first. "I wanted to stay here last night, but Optinessa said to give you space! I didn't think it was fair."

Starscream huffed, tossing her hair dramatically. "I, on the other hand, was just making sure you wouldn't feel lonely. And to remind you about our date later." She smirked, the declaration making Bumblebee glare at her while Arcee scoffed loudly.

"Date? Right," Arcee said, rolling her eyes. "I caught Starscream sneaking in last night and was worried about what this witch might be up to."

"Sure you were," Starscream quipped, crossing her arms.

Knockout, still sprawled on my chest, raised her hand lazily. "I was bored."

"Same," Smokescreen added with a shrug. "And hanging out in the penthouse sounded better than our room."

I shifted uncomfortably under the collective weight, my eyes drifting to Soundwave, who was combing her hair calmly in the corner, somehow looking like she had everything together despite being part of this mess. She noticed me staring and gave a small shrug.

Then, to my surprise, she raised her visor slightly, revealing soft blue eyes, and said in her usual quiet tone, "Good morning. I... was worried about you"

Her words, simple as they were, sent a blush creeping up my neck. The sincerity in her voice hit differently, and for a moment, I forgot the chaos around me.

Unfortunately, so did everyone else.

"We were all worried too!" the girls said in unison, their voices overlapping as they stared daggers at me and Soundwave.

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "Okay, okay! I get it. Everyone was worried. Thanks for... breaking into my room to show it, I guess?"

The only person who hadn't spoken yet was Optinessa, who stood near the edge of the bed, looking uncharacteristically flustered. When I looked at her expectantly, she cleared her throat awkwardly, her cheeks tinged with red.

"I... came to stop the others," she said softly. "But by the time I got inside, they were already... on top of you." Her expression faltered, guilt flickering in her eyes. "I still feel bad about everything that happened. I should've done more to prevent it." Her voice broke slightly, and she lowered her gaze before letting out a quiet sob.

Before I could say anything, she leaned forward, pulling me into a hug.

"Optinessa..." I said, my voice soft as I hugged her back.

That was apparently the signal everyone else had been waiting for, as the next thing I knew, I was engulfed in a massive group hug. Arms wrapped around me from every direction, and despite the chaos, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, okay!" I said, still smiling despite myself. "I appreciate the concern, but can someone explain how I'm supposed to eat breakfast if I can't even breathe?"

Laughter filled the room, everyone caught up in the absurdity of the situation. For a moment, it felt like everything was finally settling down. That was, until an angry yell shattered the peace like glass.

The sound of furious, uneven footsteps approached, and my blood ran cold. I'd been so caught up in the morning chaos that I'd completely forgotten about my still-healing, short-tempered roommate.

The curtain to the other side of the suite was yanked aside with a vengeance, revealing Megatron standing there in her My Little Pony pajamas, one hand gripping her crutch while her other hand was clenched in a trembling fist. Her sharp, seething glare pierced through the room.

"What the hell is going on in here?!" she growled, her voice carrying the weight of barely contained fury.

Everyone froze, their wide-eyed expressions mirroring the same thought: We're so dead.

Megatron's eyes scanned the scene, her scowl deepening as she took in the ridiculous sight of everyone piled onto my bed. Her lips twitched, the fiery comeback on the tip of her tongue ready to erupt-until she stopped herself. With a visible effort, she took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Whatever. Y/N," she said, her voice calmer but no less annoyed, "help me get to breakfast."

The tension eased slightly, but now all eyes turned to me, waiting for how I'd handle the brewing storm.

"Uh..." I stammered.

Megatron tapped her crutch impatiently, raising an eyebrow. "Don't forget, you did promise me in the caverns that you'd help until my ankle healed."

Before I could respond, another presence made itself known.

Starscream stood, her usual smug smirk replaced by something far more chilling. An ominous, dark aura seemed to swirl around her as she crossed her arms, her crimson eyes narrowing dangerously. Everyone else in the room instinctively ducked behind me, peeking out with varying degrees of fear.

"Y/N~," Starscream purred, her voice sweet enough to give anyone cavities but laced with thinly veiled menace. "Have you forgotten about our date? The one you promised me first?" Her terrifyingly sweet smile widened as her aura grew darker.

Megatron snorted, clearly unimpressed by Starscream's theatrics, and rolled her eyes. She gave me a pointed look as if to say, You're on your own with this one.

Desperate to avoid being shredded by either of them, an idea struck me. I forced a smile and cleared my throat. "What if..." I began cautiously, "we make it a two-for-one deal? I'll still help Megatron as promised, and Starscream can join us on the way for her date. Technically... it's a date while I'm helping Megatron."

Starscream's aura flickered and then vanished, replaced by an almost blinding grin. "Oh! That's a wonderful idea!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

Megatron, still unimpressed, shrugged. "Whatever. I just need help walking."

Relieved that my suggestion hadn't led to all-out war, I sighed. Starscream, now in high spirits, hugged me one last time before spinning on her heel and marching out of the room, dragging Knockout with her. "Come, Knockout! I'll need your expertise to make sure I look perfect!"

Optinessa, who had remained remarkably calm during the entire exchange, chuckled softly. "Well, I think that settles it. Everyone, let Y/N get ready."

The others reluctantly shuffled out, but not without one last bit of drama. Bumblebee whined as Arcee dragged her out by the arm. "But I wanted a date with Y/N too!"

"Later," Arcee groaned, rolling her eyes.

I flopped back onto the bed with a groan, staring at the ceiling. My morning had barely started, and I was already exhausted.

. . .

The buffet was bustling with activity, the aroma of fresh coffee, syrup, and sizzling bacon filling the air. I stood to the side, balancing the tray for both mine and Megatron's breakfast as she inspected the offerings with an intensity that suggested she was plotting a tactical assault.

Her plate quickly became a haven for sweets: stacks of French toast, pancakes drowning in syrup, and an extra helping of whipped cream on the side. I couldn't help but chuckle as she reached for another dollop of butter.

"What's so funny?" Megatron asked, her tone huffy as she turned her crimson gaze toward me.

"Nothing," I replied, barely holding back my grin. "I'm just impressed. I've never seen someone take breakfast this seriously."

Her cheeks flushed faintly as she turned away, grumbling under her breath. "We were eating scraps of herbs and mushrooms down there. This is well deserved," she huffed. To punctuate her point, she gave my cheek a light pinch, earning another laugh from me.

Carrying our tray to the nearest table, I set everything down as we began to eat. Every bite of the warm, fluffy pancakes felt like heaven compared to the gritty, bitter meals of the cavern.

"You know," I said between bites, "I'm just glad we don't have to hunt for food or spend hours trying to sleep on cold rock floors. This? Air-conditioned rooms, plush beds, and food that isn't a survival experiment? I'll take it."

Megatron's lips quirked into a small smile as she cut into her pancake. "Agreed," she said simply, enjoying a rare moment of peace.

That was until I dropped my fork.

Before I could lean down to grab it, a slender hand snatched it up effortlessly.

"Here you go, darling," a sweet voice purred.

I turned to find Starscream standing there, radiant in a flowy sundress that swayed lightly with every movement. Her crimson eyes sparkled as she slid gracefully into the seat next to me.

"Oh, hey, Starscream," I said nervously, glancing at Megatron, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she continued eating.

Starscream beamed at me, then dramatically pulled out a scroll-or, well, what felt like one. It was an absurdly long piece of paper that she unfurled on the table.

"Ahem," she began, tapping a finger against the list. "First, we'll start with a scenic walk along the beach. Then, parasailing at noon, followed by lunch at the resort's rooftop restaurant." She flipped the list, the sound of the paper filling the space as Megatron groaned quietly.

"After that," Starscream continued, "we'll visit the spa for couples' massages. Oh, and in the evening, we'll watch the sunset-together-and end the day with..."

Her voice trailed off as she cupped her cheeks, her face blooming into a rosy pink. She giggled to herself before leaning closer, lowering her voice into a dreamy whisper.

"...a kiss to seal the date~."

I blinked, unsure how to respond, but Starscream wasn't done. She pressed the tips of her index fingers together, her confidence giving way to an almost shy demeanor. "And, well... there's even a... possible evening act by the fire on the beach..."

She looked away, her blush intensifying as she buried her face in her hands, too flustered to finish the sentence.

Megatron, chewing on a piece of French toast, gave me a sidelong glance that screamed you deal with this. Meanwhile, I sat there, mentally preparing myself for whatever the rest of this day-and that list-had in store

After breakfast, we made our way through the resort's grand halls and toward the beach trail, the warm sunlight streaming through the glass walls. I found myself flanked on both sides-Megatron leaning on me for support, her injury still requiring assistance, and Starscream clinging to my other arm with a dreamy expression.

It wasn't long before we began attracting stares from the other students. Their whispers weren't exactly subtle:

"Is that Y/N?"
"The freshman? With them?"
"That's Starscream, the Vice President of the Deceptigals, and Megatron, the President of the Deceptigals! How-?"

I did my best to ignore the murmurs, though the heat creeping up my neck didn't help. Megatron rolled her eyes, muttering something about nosy underlings, while Starscream tightened her hold on my arm, walking with an air of pride that made the onlookers gawk even more.

"Y/N," Megatron said, her tone clipped, "let's start at the spa. My ankle isn't going to heal if I'm walking on it all day."

"Right, right," I said, guiding her carefully in the direction of the spa. Starscream pouted slightly but didn't argue, allowing us to make a detour.

The spa visit was uneventful-relaxing, sure, but uneventful. Megatron seemed content as she let the masseuses work their magic, though her occasional smirks suggested she was amused by my awkward attempts to blend into the serene atmosphere.

Once Megatron was settled, however, Starscream took charge.

By "took charge," I mean she literally dragged me out of the spa, her grip firm but oddly gentle, her excitement palpable.

"Come on, Y/N," she said with a laugh, her sunhat bobbing as she pulled me toward the sandy trail leading to the beach. "We're starting our walk!"

I didn't resist; I'd already agreed to this, after all. And, honestly, going on a date with someone as beautiful and surprisingly powerful as Starscream was... well, kind of amazing.

The waves crashed gently against the shore as we strolled along the water's edge, the sand warm beneath our feet. Starscream's hand was wrapped snugly around mine, and for a moment, the world felt blissfully quiet.

As we walked, I found myself glancing at her. She looked serene, her usually sharp eyes softened as she gazed out at the ocean. It was a stark contrast to the shy and guarded girl I'd first met.

I bent down to pick up a couple of seashells scattered along the shore, holding them out to her.

"For you," I said with a small smile.

Starscream accepted them, her fingers brushing mine as she took the shells. "They're beautiful," she said softly, inspecting them with an almost childlike curiosity.

"Kind of like you," I teased, earning a light smack on my arm as she blushed.

"You're insufferable," she muttered, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her words.

"I mean it," I said. "You've changed a lot since we first met. You've opened up so much-not just to me, but to everyone else. I'm... really happy to see it."

Starscream stopped walking, turning to face me fully. Her cheeks were still flushed, but her expression was serious as she spoke.

"That's all thanks to you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't think I could've done it without you, Y/N."

Her eyes darted away for a moment before she looked back at me, a small, shy smile on her lips. "From now on... when we're alone... could you call me 'Star'?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "Star?"

She nodded, her blush deepening. "I think it'd feel... nice. Special, even."

"Alright, Star," I said, testing the name out. It felt natural, warm even.

Her smile widened, and she turned away, tugging me gently along as we continued our walk

After our walk along the beach, Star's enthusiasm only seemed to grow.

"We're going parasailing next!" she announced, holding my hand as she practically skipped toward the activity center.

"Parasailing?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You're not scared, are you?" she teased, glancing at me over her shoulder with a mischievous smirk.

"Of course not," I shot back, though the nervous chuckle that escaped me might've given me away.

. . .

. . .

Moments later, we were strapped into a harness, the two of us side-by-side as the motorboat roared to life. The parasail caught the wind, lifting us higher and higher until the beach was a distant stretch of golden sand below.

Star let out a delighted laugh, her hair whipping in the wind as she looked out over the sparkling ocean. "This is incredible!"

I couldn't help but agree. The view was breathtaking-endless waves shimmering under the sun, and the resort looking like a tiny paradise nestled on the edge of the island.

"This beats being stuck in a cavern, huh?" I joked.

She giggled, nudging me lightly with her shoulder. "I guess you're not entirely hopeless."

The moment was perfect-just us, the sky, and the sea. Star's smile was radiant, her excitement infectious. For a brief time, all the chaos and danger we'd faced felt like a distant memory.

. . .

After we touched back down on solid ground, Star had something else planned.

"Time for lunch!" she declared, dragging me toward the resort's rooftop restaurant.

The view was stunning-panoramic sights of the ocean and the island, with a light breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea.

The staff ushered us to a secluded table adorned with fresh flowers, the perfect setting for a romantic meal.

"I could get used to this," I said, leaning back in my chair as I looked at the menu.

Star raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Oh? Are you saying you'd spend every day with me?"

"Well..." I trailed off, pretending to think. "If it involves views like this and food like this, then maybe."

Her laughter was soft and genuine as she reached across the table, brushing her fingers against mine. "You're lucky you're cute, Y/N."

The meal was a perfect mix of light and luxurious-grilled seafood, tropical fruit platters, and refreshing drinks. Star insisted on feeding me a bite of her dessert, and I had to admit, seeing her so happy made me forget about the stares we were still getting from other students dining nearby.

. . .

After lunch, we returned to the spa. This time, Star had booked a couples massage.

"You're spoiling me," I said as we were led into the serene, dimly lit room.

"Consider it repayment for saving me in that cavern," she said, though the sly grin she gave me hinted that she was enjoying this as much as I was.

The massage was heavenly. The masseurs worked out every knot and ache from our time surviving in the wilderness. Star let out a contented sigh from the table beside mine, her relaxed expression making it clear she was in her element.

"If this is what dates with you are like," I murmured, "I might start getting jealous of myself."

She laughed, the sound soft and musical. "Don't get used to it. Next time, I'm picking something challenging."

. . .

The day ended with a view that could only be described as magical.

Star led me to a private balcony overlooking the ocean, the sun dipping low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold.

We sat on a cushioned bench, her head resting lightly on my shoulder as the waves crashed gently below.

"This is perfect," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It really is," I agreed, my arm wrapping around her shoulders.

The world seemed to hold its breath as we watched the sun sink lower and lower, the colors growing richer with every passing second.

"Thank you, Y/N," she said softly, turning her head to look up at me.

"For what?"

"For today. For everything."

Her eyes glistened with emotion, and for a moment, the only sound was the gentle rhythm of the ocean.

"You don't have to thank me," I said, my voice equally soft. "I'm just glad I get to spend this time with you."

She smiled, leaning up slightly to press a soft kiss to my cheek. It was a simple gesture, but it left my heart racing all the same.

"Thank you for today, Y/N," she said softly. "I'll let you get some rest now."

Her words caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but smile. "Whoa, whoa, who said anything about leaving? We've still got our evening plan by the fire, right?" I gestured toward the beachside campfire area.

Star froze, her crimson cheeks glowing even in the dim light. "Y-you mean..." Her voice trailed off, a mix of surprise and excitement sparkling in her eyes.

"Of course," I said with a chuckle. "We've come this far. Why not finish the day with a little stargazing?"

Her reaction was priceless-giddy, almost like a kid opening a present. She grabbed my arm, practically dragging me toward the fire pit.

Timeskip.

I crouched down by the fire pit, struggling to get the logs to ignite despite several tries with the lighter.

"Come on, work with me here..." I muttered under my breath, clicking the lighter over and over.

Star watched with a bemused expression before gently nudging me aside. "Here, let me."

She crouched beside me, holding her hand out over the logs. A faint flicker of energy sparked from her fingertips, and with one small motion, the fire roared to life.

I stared in awe. "Okay, that was definitely cooler than my lighter trick."

She smirked, brushing off her hands. "I can't help it if I'm amazing."

We settled onto a large blanket spread out near the fire, the warm glow casting flickering shadows around us. Star leaned against my shoulder, letting out a content sigh as the gentle crackle of the fire mixed with the rhythmic crashing of the waves.

I pulled out my phone, playing soft, acoustic music that filled the quiet night. As the melody flowed, I opened the photo gallery, scrolling through all the pictures we'd taken today.

"Look at this one," I said, holding the screen up so Star could see. "You look so happy here."

She glanced at the photo, a candid shot of her laughing as the wind caught her hair during parasailing. Her smile softened. "That's because I was. Today was... perfect."

I glanced at her, feeling the same warmth I'd felt all day. "Yeah, it really was."

The moment lingered between us, the fire crackling softly as we slowly turned toward each other. Her gaze met mine, her crimson eyes shimmering with a mix of nervousness and hope.

I leaned in slightly, and she did the same, the world around us falling silent.

But just as our lips were about to meet-

BRRRRRRRING!

My phone buzzed loudly, startling us both. Star leaned back, her expression shifting from dreamy to annoyed in an instant.

"Seriously? Now?" she muttered as I hesitated before answering.

I glanced at the screen and immediately paled. Megatron.

With a sheepish look at Star, I swiped to answer. "H-hey, Megatron..."

The voice on the other end was anything but calm. "WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!"

I flinched, holding the phone a little further from my ear as Star stifled a laugh beside me.

Megatron's voice continued, dripping with frustration. "I've been stuck in the spa ALL DAY! You forgot about me, didn't you?!"

"W-wait, it's not like that!" I stammered, trying to explain, but her angry tirade continued.

Star, still leaning against me, couldn't contain her amusement anymore. She covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking as she giggled uncontrollably.

"Megatron, I swear we were gonna come back for you," I said quickly, only to hear her furious response: "YOU'RE DEAD MEAT, Y/N!"

The call ended with a sharp click, leaving me holding the phone in stunned silence.

Star wiped a tear from her eye, still laughing as she leaned closer. "Well, that was... something."

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "I am so not surviving tomorrow."

She smirked, her earlier annoyance at the interruption completely replaced by amusement. "Don't worry, Star's got your back. Megatron's scary, but I think I can take her."

I chuckled nervously, though her teasing tone didn't exactly fill me with confidence.

"And... after we take her back to the penthouse...We've still got one final act, don't we? Darling~"

To be continued. . .