Crazy work cause this is actually my last draft till I finish my assignments. So enjoy it I guess cause there won't be any more updates for the next two weeks and then I'll have to write it lol luv you guys

As the four of them sit at the firepit, the night air thick with tension, Leah looks to Alexandra and Serena, her voice soft but firm. "I want you guys to be honest with me," she says, her gaze flickering between them. "Did I sit there and tell any of you to send Andrea home?"

Alexandra shakes her head without hesitation. "No, you didn't."

Serena answers just as quickly, "You didn't, Leah."

Leah lets out a shaky breath, her jaw clenching. "I knew this would happen. I knew it. It's always me. It always gets pinned on me, no matter what." She swallows hard, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

Alexandra leans back slightly, crossing her arms. "Liv just likes to hear herself speak," she mutters.

CONFESSIONAL

"I'm convinced that Liv just did that cause she wanted Rob for herself, cause how you just gonna do a complete 180.....is that even the right expression"

Cassidy, who had joined them quietly while they were talking, chimes in, "Some people just live for the drama."

Leah's eyes narrow as she nods slowly. "Liv really does. But in reality? She's just mean. Like, straight-up mean. And you know what pisses me off the most? I can't even vent about how hurt I am to the people I thought were my friends without them running back and twisting my words." Her voice cracks slightly, but she pushes through.

She shakes her head, her anger simmering. "Of course I spoke shit about Rob, he hurt me. I'm human. Who wouldn't talk about it when they're upset?"

Jana, now sitting beside Leah, places a reassuring hand on her back. "Exactly. It's natural to vent when you're upset. You didn't do anything out of the ordinary."

Leah's voice wavers, "I feel bad, yeah, but I never told Rob I didn't speak about him. My mouth was never zipped shut. But now, somehow, I'm the bad guy because Rob's a drama queen and wants someone to blame. It was always going to be me. I knew it."

Jana frowns, "You need to stop letting them get to you. They're not worth your tears."

Alexandra nods firmly. "Not one person in this villa truly knows you enough to question your character. We've all known each other a month at most, that's not enough time for Rob or Liv to act like they have you all figured out." She leans forward, her voice lowering. "Calling you a compulsive liar? That's crossing a line."

Leah lets out a bitter laugh. "It's like they took my words, chopped them up, and rearranged them to fit whatever narrative they wanted." She buries her face in her hands for a moment, then looks up. "And now I'm stuck being the villain in their story."

Serena sighs, "You're not a villain, Leah. You're just the easiest target."

The group falls into a brief silence, the flickering fire casting long shadows over their faces. Alexandra gives Leah a small smile. "They don't define you, okay? You know who you are. We know who you are. That's all that matters."

Leah nods, her lips pressing into a tight line. "Yeah. You're right. I just... I'm so over this."

Cassidy chuckles lightly. "Girl, we all are."

Later on, Jana and Alexandra are in the kitchen making a fruit bowl for themselves, slicing strawberries and peeling a kiwi while quietly chatting.

Alexandra tilts her head, watching Jana cut a piece of pineapple. "So," she starts with a playful smile, "how do you feel about Kenny?"

Jana chuckles softly, shaking her head. "Honestly? It's weird, but it feels like every time we do one of those manifestation circles, something actually happens," she says, popping a grape into her mouth. "Kenny's just... very handsome. Like, really cute. And he seems respectful too."

Alexandra grins, nudging Jana with her elbow. "I love this for you. You deserve it."

Jana looks down, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I don't know... we'll see."

Alexandra leans against the counter. "Listen, it's like that story, you know the one, about having to kiss a bunch of frogs before you find your prince."

Jana bursts out laughing. "There's no way that's a real story."

"I'm serious!" Alexandra insists, laughing along. "It's a real thing!"

CONFESSIONAL

"Have i mentioned how happy I am for my girl Na, if I have then you'll just have to hear it again because she deserves this."

Their laughter echoes through the kitchen.

Later that night, all the girls are back in the dressing room getting ready for bed. The atmosphere is a bit heavier now, but there's still a layer of warmth as Serena and Alexandra stand by the mirror, wiping off their makeup.

Across the room, Liv is still venting to Nicole and Kaylor about her argument with Leah, her voice slightly raised. "I just don't get how she can sit there and lie like that! It's insane!"

Alexandra sighs dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Can we please get ready for bed without hearing Liv's constant whining?" she mutters, loud enough for Liv to hear.

Liv spins around, arms crossed. "You're only backing her up because she's your best friend."

Alexandra raises a brow, unfazed. "Yes... and?" she retorts, her voice calm but sharp.

CONFESSIONAL

"The fuck are we shocked for.....one she's not in the wrong and if she was I'd still back her up"

Liv scoffs. "It just enables Leah to keep lying."

Alexandra doesn't blink. "The only one being enabled is you, Liv, by having a bunch of yes-men as friends."

A tense silence follows as Liv glares at Alexandra before huffing and turning back to Nicole and Kaylor, muttering under her breath.

A few minutes later, the room quiets down as only Leah, Serena, Alexandra, and Jana remain.

Leah sits on the edge of the vanity table, picking at her nails. "How am I supposed to sleep in the same bed as Connor after tonight?" she asks softly, her voice still holding the weight of the earlier drama.

Jana doesn't hesitate, flashing Leah a comforting smile. "Don't worry about it, you can sleep with me in Soul Ties," she offers.

Leah looks up, a grateful smile breaking through her worried expression. "Thanks, Jana."

Serena nudges Leah's arm gently. "We've got you, always."

Alexandra hums in agreement, brushing through her hair. "No one's gonna let you go through this alone."

Before heading to bed, Alexandra makes her way to Soul Ties, where Leah and Jana are still sitting, their faces a mix of exhaustion and lingering frustration. The warm night air has cooled slightly, and the soft glow of the villa lights casts a comforting aura over the space. Alexandra plops down next to Leah, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her in for a hug.

"You don't need to worry about tonight, okay?" Alexandra whispers, resting her chin on Leah's shoulder. "Your Love Island experience is going to be so much more than just Rob or arguing with Liv. Don't let them take that away from you. This is about you finding someone who actually deserves you."

Leah smiles weakly, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit as she hugs Alexandra back. Jana watches with a soft smile, her heart full at the support radiating from her friends.

Alexandra shifts her gaze to Jana. "And you," she says with a playful smirk. "Your experience basically started yesterday, so you better enjoy it like it's your fucking last. No more holding back."

Jana giggles, nudging Alexandra's arm. "I can't with you, you're so dramatic."

"Dramatic but right," Alexandra quips, leaning in to kiss both Leah and Jana on the cheek. "Love you guys. Now get some sleep."

As she stands, she takes one last look at them, her heart full, before heading back to the bedroom. The villa is quieter now, most of the Islanders already in bed, the soft rustling of sheets the only sound. When Alexandra steps into the room, the lights are off, but she spots Louis sitting up in bed, his arms crossed, his jaw tight.

She tries not to laugh, covering her mouth with her hand as she tiptoes over to him. "Why do you look like an angry bird right now?" she whispers, her voice full of suppressed laughter.

Louis glares at her, but there's a hint of a smile threatening to break through. "It's all that waiting," he mutters. "You take forever."

Alexandra rolls her eyes playfully, slipping into bed next to him. "I was just checking up on Leah. Making sure she's okay."

Louis's expression softens. He nods, his fingers brushing lightly against her arm. "Yeah, I get that."

He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Alexandra responds instantly, her hand cupping his jaw as their lips move together in slow, lingering kisses. After a moment, she pulls back slightly, her lips curving into a mischievous smile.

Without a word, she leans down, her lips trailing a path along his neck before she begins to suck gently, a small mark forming against his skin. Louis's hand tightens on her waist, his head tilting back slightly as a low groan escapes him.

"Payback for looking like an angry bird," she murmurs against his skin.

Louis lets out a breathy laugh, his fingers slipping beneath the hem of her shirt to trace slow circles on her hip. "You're ridiculous."

Alexandra grins, leaning back up to kiss him again, softer this time, their breathing mingling in the quiet room. After a few more moments, they both shift, settling into a comfortable position.

Louis pulls her closer, his arm wrapped securely around her waist as Alexandra rests her head on his chest. His hand continues to move in lazy circles over her hip, the gentle rhythm lulling them both into a peaceful state.

"Goodnight, angry bird," Alexandra whispers, a smile still playing on her lips.

Louis chuckles softly. "Goodnight, mosquito."

The next morning, the bright villa lights flicker on, casting a soft glow across the room and stirring the islanders awake.

Alexandra scrunches her nose, taking a moment to adjust to the sudden brightness, before turning towards Louis and pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. Louis hums lightly, still half-asleep, but his hand instinctively finds its way to her waist, giving her a light squeeze.

CONFESSIONAL

"I honestly just love waking up next to Lou, I feel like my day wouldn't be right without him next to me"

Across the room, Liv's voice slices through the quiet morning. "Where are the girls?" she asks, her tone laced with curiosity.

CONFESSIONAL

"And just like that my mood is ruined."

Kaylor, still lying in bed with Aaron, yawns before answering. "They're in Soul Ties."

Liv frowns. "Why?"

Alexandra, already slipping out of Louis' arms, turns to Liv with a sharp glare. "Maybe your negative, bitchy, mean-girl energy scared them away," she quips, her voice calm but cutting.

A few people in the room exchange looks, sensing the lingering tension from the night before. Louis smirks faintly, shaking his head as Alexandra straightens her tank top and slides on her slippers. Without another glance at Liv, she grabs Serena's hand, and the two quietly leave the bedroom, heading towards Soul Ties.

When they arrive, they find Leah and Jana already awake and deep in conversation. Leah's brows are furrowed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her hoodie, while Jana nods, listening intently.

"Morning," Alexandra says softly, climbing onto the bed beside Leah. Serena sits cross-legged at the foot of the bed, brushing her fingers through her hair.

Leah sighs. "I just feel really weird about everything," she admits. "I'm so confused about how my words got so twisted that it turned into... that."

Jana rubs Leah's back comfortingly. "It's because some people love drama," she mutters.

Serena nods. "And because some people can't stand not being the main character."

Alexandra tilts her head. "They want a villain, Leah. And right now, they're trying to make you the easy target."

Leah's lips press into a thin line. "It's just... I never said the things they're claiming I did. I never told Rob I didn't speak about him, I said I didn't speak bad about him to Andrea."

Jana nods. "There's a difference."

The four girls sit in silence for a moment before Serena claps her hands together. "Let's not let this ruin the morning. We still have a long day ahead."

After a few more minutes of venting and comforting, they all decide it's time to face the day. The girls get up and head to the dressing room, the atmosphere lightening slightly as they chat about what they might wear later.

When they enter the dressing room, Leah, still composed despite everything, greets the others. "Good morning," she says, her voice even.

Liv, already standing by the mirror with Kaylor, responds with a flat, "Morning."

Leah takes a breath, then looks directly at Liv. "I'd like to speak to you."

Liv raises a brow, grabbing her moisturizer. "I'd prefer if Kaylor was there too, we feel the same way about what happened."

CONFESSIONAL

".....if kaylor felt that way why not open her mouth and speak, she doesn't need an attorney Olivia."

Serena, leaning against the counter, crosses her arms. "Then why don't all five of us who made the decision go talk outside?" she suggests, her gaze firm.

Alexandra stands up from her spot by the vanity. "Probably better that way," she says, her eyes fixed on Liv. "So you two don't try ganging up on Leah again."

The tension crackles as the girls exchange looks, the air in the dressing room thick with unspoken words.

As they sit down, Leah speaks up, her voice steady but soft. "I just want to start by apologizing for how everything went down yesterday," she says, looking at Liv and Kaylor. "For me, I felt like you and I were close enough, Liv, that if you felt a way about something I said or did, you would've pulled me aside first. Instead, it all blew up in front of everyone, and it felt like an attack. But I do hold myself accountable for calling you into my conversation with Rob, I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry."

Liv crosses her arms, exchanging a glance with Kaylor before responding. "It was never our intention for that conversation to get that heated," Liv says. "We didn't want it to escalate like that."

Kaylor nods. "Yeah, it wasn't about ganging up on you, it was about how we felt, and we wanted to address it."

Before Leah can respond, they hear footsteps approaching. Louis appears, holding a tray with four smoothies. "Thought you might need these," he says, handing one to Leah, Serena, and Alexandra. When he gives Alexandra hers, he leans down and whispers, "Rob and Aaron are under the balcony, listening to the whole thing."

Alexandra's face darkens instantly. Without hesitation, she opens her water bottle and strides toward the balcony's edge. With a sharp flick of her wrist, she splashes the water over the railing. "Get fucking lives and stop eavesdropping on female conversation!" she shouts, watching Rob and Aaron scramble back, caught red-handed.

CONFESSIONAL

"They act like bitches, what the fuck. Not trying to be funny but yall.....seriously men used to go to war now we have them sneaking around eavesdropping."

Serena stifles a laugh as Leah shakes her head in disbelief. Alexandra, satisfied, sits back down, muttering, "Unbelievable."

Liv, unfazed, returns to the topic at hand. "Look, Leah, maybe some of the things I said were harsh, I'll admit that but I stand by what I said."

Serena's brow furrows. "Are you talking about calling Leah a compulsive liar?" she asks, her tone firm.

Liv shakes her head. "I never said she was delusional, but yes, I did call her a compulsive liar," she says, matter-of-factly.

CONFESSIONAL

"Liv has to be a sociopath...this isn't normal. I might actually have to go all Aaron Hotchner or Emily Prentiss on her ass"

Leah's lips press into a thin line. "Do you still think that about me? That I'm a compulsive liar?" she asks, her voice quiet but resolute.

Liv doesn't flinch. "I can make my own judgment," she replies. "When you said you took a backseat, it didn't feel like that. It felt like you were right there making decisions with everyone else."

Leah exhales, her frustration simmering. "I realize now that saying I took a backseat was the wrong choice of words," she admits. "I messed up with how I explained it. I'm sorry for that."

Kaylor offers a small smile. "I'm glad we're talking about it, honestly. It's better this way."

Alexandra, still unimpressed, tilts her head. "Yeah, maybe you would've felt even better if you two had approached Leah privately, instead of waiting for it to explode in front of everyone. But okay." Her voice drips with sarcasm, and Serena suppresses a smirk.

The girls were sat in the sun lounge relaxing as they watched the boys working out when suddenly Kenny shouts, "I got a text!" He reads the text aloud, "Islanders, it's time to show who's got muscles in today's challenge Flex Appeal! #NoPainNoGain #DropItLikeItsSquat."

The girls cheer, clapping and laughing, and Alexandra leans toward them with a playful smirk. "Louis is definitely losing this one," she says, making everyone burst into laughter.

Later on, they make their way to the challenge area, a vibrant gym-themed set filled with props, a foam deadlift, a wobble board, a shiny pole for sliding down, and an ice bath for the final part of the course. The girls stand to the side, watching with anticipation as the boys line up, flexing their muscles and hyping each other up.

Connor goes first. He climbs up the ladder, reaching the top dramatically before ripping his shirt open, making the girls scream and cheer. He grabs the foamy deadlift in one hand, acting like he's curling weights, then slides down the pole in a smooth move, landing with a grin.

CONFESSIONAL

"I always said he was hot till he opened his mouth, still stand by that."

Next, he oils himself up, running his hands across his chest. "Oh my God, Connor is loving this!" Serena giggles.

Connor steps onto the wobble board, struggling to balance while making a protein shake, spilling half the powder before shaking it and drinking it messily, protein splashing across his chest.

The girls cackle as he flexes and moves on. Grabbing the kettlebell, he reads out his question "Which boy is the most arrogant?" After a dramatic pause, he drops the kettlebell on Kendall's picture, making everyone gasp and then laugh.

Finally, Connor heads to the ice bath, dropping into it with a loud yelp, before stepping out and walking straight to Cassidy, leading her to the steamy sauna where they share a kiss. "Connor went all in," Jana says, fanning herself playfully.

Next up is Kenny. He jogs to the ladder, ripping his shirt off before he's even halfway up. "Someone's eager," Leah teases.

At the top, Kenny flexes his biceps for the girls, making them cheer louder. He picks up the foamy deadlift, doing exaggerated reps, then slides down the pole with a cheeky grin. After oiling himself up, he gets on the wobble board, almost toppling over but managing to make his shake. With a dramatic shake, he pours the drink all over his chest.

CONFESSIONAL

"I did not know he was working with all that, you look at the face and you see golden retriever, look at the body and it's like Greek God. Good luck to my sis Jana."

"That was something!" Alexandra laughs, shaking her head.

Kenny moves to the kettlebell station and reads his question "Which boy is the biggest poser?" He doesn't hesitate to smash the kettlebell on Miguel's picture. The girls scream with laughter, but Kenny isn't done, he picks up the kettlebell again and slams it down on Louis' picture too. "They're literally the same person," Kenny jokes.

Louis, standing to the side, laughs and flexes his arm. Finally, Kenny heads to the sauna and picks Jana, pulling her in for a steamy kiss. "Yessss!" Alexandra cheers, clapping for her friend.

Kendall is up next. He confidently climbs the ladder, flexes at the top, and slides down the pole. His shake-making skills are chaotic at best, spilling more powder than he gets in the cup, but the girls still cheer him on.

He reads his question, "Which boy is the least trustworthy?" Kendall smirks, walking straight to Rob's picture and smashing the kettlebell onto it. "Word gets around," he says, grinning.

CONFESSIONAL

"Clock itt."

Leah and Alexandra burst into laughter, clapping. "Kendall did not come to play!" Alexandra says through her giggles. Kendall picks Nicole for the sauna, leading her in for a kiss.

Finally, it's Nigel's turn. He climbs the ladder and dramatically flexes his arms before sliding down the pole. His protein shake-making is surprisingly smooth, though he accidentally spills the drink down his leg instead of his chest.

When he gets to the kettlebell, his question reads "Which boy has no game?" Without hesitation, Nigel drops the kettlebell onto Connor's picture.

CONFESSIONAL

"He's absolutely right."

"Sorry, man," Nigel laughs, making the girls roar with laughter.

"Connor can't catch a break!" Leah says.

For the sauna kiss, Nigel chooses Liv, pulling her in for a lingering kiss.

Next up is Miguel. His question is, 'Which boy is only here for clout?' Without hesitation, he picks Kenny, clearly being petty, which makes some of the girls snicker. He then picks Nicole for the sauna kiss, their moment steamy but short-lived as Miguel tries to play it cool walking back.

Then, it's Louis' turn. The moment his name is called, Alexandra screams louder than anyone else, causing everyone to laugh.

Louis lifts the foamy weights with exaggerated strength, flexing for fun, and Alexandra fans her face dramatically, making the girls beside her burst into giggles.

CONFESSIONAL

"I'm not even being funny, he's so hot. Like actually deadass."

He slides down the pole smoothly and makes his protein shake, purposely spilling a little on himself for effect.

When it's time to answer his question 'Which boy is most likely to cheat on their girl?' Louis doesn't even hesitate. He grabs the kettlebell and slams it down on Rob's picture, his jaw tight as he says, 'I just have to back my sis Leah.'

Leah claps softly, a little surprised but clearly appreciative of the support, while Rob's expression darkens. Louis moves on, stepping into the ice bath with a dramatic shiver before hopping out, dripping wet. When it's time to pick a girl for the sauna kiss, his eyes immediately lock onto Alexandra.

'You already know,' he grins, reaching for her hand.

Alexandra can't hide her excitement, practically running to the sauna with him. The second the door closes, she smiles, jumping up and wrapping her legs around Louis' waist. He catches her effortlessly, pushing her back against the wall as their lips crash together.

The kiss is intense, hands roaming, lips locked, and the steam in the sauna only adding to the heat. When they finally pull away, both a little breathless, Louis pecks her lips once more for good measure before they step out.

As Alexandra rejoins the girls, Jana gives her a teasing look. 'We thought you two were never coming out,' she says, wiggling her brows.

CONFESSIONAL

"I was contemplating it."

Alexandra laughs, smoothing down her hair. 'What can I say? He's got flex appeal.'

Next up is Aaron. Alexandra watches with an amused smirk, clearly trying her best not to get the ick as he goes through the challenge.

He flexes hard at every opportunity, climbing the pole and making his shake with way too much enthusiasm.

His question is, 'If you left tomorrow, which boy would steal your girl?' After a brief pause, he drops the kettlebell on Kenny's picture, calling him out as his biggest threat.

The girls "ooh" at the bold move. When it's time to pick someone for the sauna, Aaron chooses Kaylor, and they share a solid kiss before stepping out.

Rob is next. Tension seems to build the second he steps up. His question is, 'Which boy would you want to be dumped next?' With a cocky smile, he slams the kettlebell on Kendall's picture.

"No hard feelings," he says, though it's clear the move was purely childish. Alexandra and Leah exchange looks, rolling their eyes. For the sauna kiss, Rob picks Cassidy, and their kiss is quick but intense, clearly trying to stir a reaction.

Finally, it's Kordell's turn. His question is, 'Which boy is your biggest threat?' He takes a moment to think before dropping the kettlebell on Nigel's picture, earning a dramatic reaction from Nigel, who laughs and claps. When it's time for the sauna, Kordell picks Serena, who giggles as they share a sweet but passionate kiss.

Once the challenge ends, the girls huddle together, whispering about who had the most flex appeal. After some back-and-forth, Kaylor steps forward to make the announcement.

'Okay, the boy we think had the most flex appeal is... Kordell!' she says.

Cheers erupt from the group, and Kordell flexes his arms dramatically, making everyone laugh.

Alexandra grins, calling out to Louis, 'You better watch out, I found your competition!'

Louis laughs, shaking his head. 'Not a chance.'

Later in the evening after the challenge, Alexandra and Louis are sat on the balcony, the garden below them now quiet and empty, a rare moment of calm in the villa. The sun is beginning to set, casting a soft glow over everything. Alexandra lifts her sunglasses onto the top of her head, turning to Louis with a playful smirk.

"Alright," she says, "I've got a make-or-break question for you. Answer wisely."

Louis raises a brow, resting his arm along the back of her chair. "Go on then," he chuckles. "Hit me with it."

She leans in slightly, her voice dramatic. "Would you rather be a vampire or a werewolf?"

Louis tilts his head, thinking for a moment. "Werewolf," he finally answers, his lips twitching as he anticipates her reaction.

Alexandra's mouth drops open in mock horror. "What? Werewolves are fucking ugly."

Louis bursts out laughing, shaking his head. "Okay, okay, but not all of them. The Teen Wolf ones? Yeah, they were rough. But the Vampire Diaries or Twilight werewolves? They were solid."

She shakes her head firmly. "Still a bad option. Vampires are just... better. The Vampire Diaries ones are elite. But if I could, I'd want the powers like the Twilight ones too."

Louis watches her, a smile tugging at his lips. "So would you want to be a hybrid? A witch-vampire combo?"

Alexandra gasps dramatically. "Oh my God! Yesss I've always wanted to be a vampire-witch hybrid."

Out of the corner of her eye, Alexandra suddenly notices movement below Miguel and Leah slipping into the garden, just the two of them. She nudges Louis hard in the ribs, making him grunt.

CONFESSIONAL

"I see a ship sailing right now."

"What?" he starts to ask, but she presses a finger to her lips, hushing him urgently. "Shh, look!"

They both lean forward slightly, peering over the edge of the balcony like spies. Miguel and Leah settle into one of the cozy seats in the "All the Feels" corner, a secluded spot perfect for private chats. Alexandra watches closely, her eyes flicking between the two.

Miguel says something that makes Leah burst out laughing, her head tilting back, her hand briefly touching his knee as she steadies herself. Alexandra and Louis exchange wide-eyed looks, grins spreading across their faces.

"They're getting close," Alexandra whispers.

"Too close," Louis adds, squinting. "They're smiling too much."

Then it happens, Miguel leans in slowly, and Leah doesn't pull away. Their lips meet in a soft kiss.

Alexandra's jaw drops, and she sucks in a dramatic gasp, about to shout, but Louis quickly covers her mouth with his hand, stifling her reaction. Her wide eyes dart from the kissing couple back to Louis, who's biting back a laugh.

"Don't blow their cover," he whispers, his hand still over her mouth.

When the kiss finally ends, Alexandra pries Louis' hand away and lets out a triumphant scream.

"Finally!" she shouts, startling Leah and Miguel and sending the rest of the islanders, who had just begun filtering back into the garden into a fit of confused laughter.

Leah covers her face, laughing through her embarrassment, while Miguel grins, running a hand through his hair.

Connor, who had just walked outside, stops in his tracks, his mouth hanging open as he stares at the couple.

Alexandra notices his face and bursts out laughing, pointing at him. "Connor's reaction is killing me," she says, barely able to catch her breath.

Leah playfully shoves Miguel, mumbling something about Alexandra being too much, but there's a glowing smile on her face that she can't hide.

Louis wraps an arm around Alexandra's waist. "Looks like we're not the only ones heating things up in the villa," he says, leaning down to kiss the side of her head.

"Guess not," Alexandra says, her eyes still on Leah and Miguel, a satisfied smile on her lips.

Later on, Alexandra is sat with Serena and Kordell in the daybed, the sun casting a golden glow over the villa. They're chatting about the challenge earlier when suddenly, Jana's voice rings through the air, loud and clear.

"I got a text!"

Alexandra groans dramatically, flopping back against the cushions. "I never get a text," she mutters, making Serena laugh.

Jana clears her throat and reads the message aloud "Islanders, tonight there will be a recoupling. The girls will choose, and the boy not picked will be dumped from the island. #GirlsInControl #WhoRunsTheWorld."

The daybed erupts into mixed reactions, some cheers, some nervous laughs. Alexandra arches an eyebrow and smirks. "Louis better get to groveling because none of the girls want him."

Louis, who had been standing by the pool talking to Connor, immediately snaps his head around. "What did you just say?"

Alexandra flashes him a sweet yet obviously fake smile. "I was just telling Serena and Kordell that I'm thinking of my speech for you tonight," she says, her voice dripping with mock innocence.

Louis shakes his head, fighting a grin. "You better make it good."

The room buzzes with chatter and the whir of hair straighteners and curlers. Alexandra sits in front of the mirror, curling a section of her hair, her lip caught between her teeth as she concentrates.

Cassidy sighs from across the room. "I'm kind of just stuck on who to pick," she admits, fiddling with a makeup brush. "It might just be a decision I make in the moment."

Nicole, applying mascara in the mirror next to Alexandra, nods. "For me, I finally have to make a decision. I can't keep going back and forth between Miguel and Kendall."

Alexandra, ever one for stirring the pot just a little, tilts her head. "Are you sure Miguel still wants you, though?"

CONFESSIONAL

"The he had his tongue down Leah's throat seems to me like he forgot the name Nicole."

Nicole's hand freezes mid-stroke, and she blinks. "What do you mean by that?"

Alexandra shrugs, her lips curling into a smile. "Nothing."

Jana laughs from the other side of the room, adding a layer of blush to her cheeks. "I'm just really excited to not sleep alone tonight," she says, her tone light and giddy.

Alexandra chuckles. "Jana's finally got a man," she teases.

Jana sticks her tongue out at her, but the blush on her cheeks deepens, and not just from the makeup.

With a satisfied smile, Alexandra stands up, walking over to her closet. She pulls out a pair of heels and slips them on, admiring how they elongate her legs. She flicks her hair back and strikes a playful pose in the mirror.

"What do we think?" she asks the room.

Serena grins. "Hot as hell. Louis is gonna be speechless."

Alexandra smirks. "Good. That's exactly what I want."

The girls laugh and continue getting ready, the anticipation for the night's recoupling simmering in the air.

After getting ready, they all gather around the fire pit for the recoupling. The girls sit down as the boys stand up, the atmosphere charged with anticipation.

Alexandra locks eyes with Louis, blowing him a kiss, watching as a small smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. His confidence is clear, but there's a hint of nervousness in his stance, shifting his weight slightly from foot to foot.

Serena is the first to stand up, smoothing down her dress before taking a deep breath. "I want to couple up with this boy because from the moment we paired up, he's made me feel comfortable and cared for. We've built a bond that's growing every day, and I'm excited to see where it goes," she says, her voice steady yet soft. "So the boy I want to couple up with is... Kordell."

A wide smile spreads across Kordell's face as he steps forward, giving Serena a tight hug and a peck on the cheek before sitting down beside her.

Next is Kaylor. She rises gracefully, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I want to couple up with this boy because he's been consistent, and I really feel like we're starting to build something special. I love how he always makes me laugh and how he's been so patient with me. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey with him," she says, her gaze fixed on Aaron.

"The boy I want to couple up with is... Aaron." Aaron lets out a small breath of relief before stepping forward, hugging Kaylor tightly and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Then it's Alexandra's turn. She stands up slowly, a playful glint in her eye as she starts her speech. "I want to couple up with this guy because... he's hot," she says bluntly, causing a ripple of laughter to spread across the group. Louis nods to himself, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

Alexandra chuckles, continuing. "Ever since he's come into the villa, he's only had eyes for me, and I love that in a guy. He's done his best to show me that he's not the same fuckboy he was before the show —" Louis gasps dramatically, clutching his chest, making the girls laugh. "— and I love that. He's taken care of not just me but my girls in the villa, making us smoothies and sticking beside us, no matter what. He's my gossip partner, and honestly, I don't see myself gossiping with anyone else but him. I really like the connection we've formed, and I can't imagine forming another one like it. So the boy I want to couple up with is... Louis."

Louis steps forward, his grin wide as he pulls Alexandra into a hug, planting a lingering kiss on her lips before sitting beside her. "Told you," he whispers smugly, causing Alexandra to roll her eyes playfully.

Cassidy is next. She stands, her expression a little more hesitant. "I want to couple up with this boy because, even though things have been rocky, I feel like we still have something there. I want to give him the chance to show me what he's really about, and I hope we can move forward from here." She takes a deep breath.

"So the boy I want to couple up with is... Rob." Rob steps forward, giving Cassidy a brief hug before they take their seats together.

As they sit back down, Alexandra leans into Louis, keeping her voice low. "Connor is going home," she whispers. Louis nods subtly, his eyes flickering to Connor, who stands there with his jaw tight, clearly aware of the situation.

Nicole rose to her feet, adjusting her hair before beginning her speech. "This decision wasn't easy," she started, her voice steady, "but I have to go with what feels right for me. I want to couple up with this boy because we've built something, and I want to explore it further." She paused dramatically, scanning Miguel and Kendall's faces before finally announcing, "Kendall."

Kendall grinned smugly as he strode over to Nicole, giving her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.

Alexandra and Louis exchanged a glance, both struggling to hold back their laughter at the utterly dumbfounded expression on Miguel's face.

Alexandra leaned into Louis, whispering, "He looks like he's just been told Santa isn't real." Louis stifled a chuckle, biting his lip to keep from laughing out loud.

Then it was Liv's turn. She rose slowly, running a hand through her hair. "I want to couple up with this boy because he's made me feel comfortable and appreciated," she said, locking eyes with Nigel. "And I think there's a lot more to get to know." She smiled softly. "So the boy I want to couple up with is... Nigel."

Nigel grinned, stepping forward confidently and pulling Liv into a hug before they took their seats together.

That left only Leah standing. Miguel and Connor stood frozen in place, trying their best to look composed though Miguel's jaw tightened ever so slightly.

Leah exhaled slowly, smoothing the fabric of her dress before speaking. "This decision was really hard," she began, "but the more I got to speak to him and get to know him, the more I realised how much I enjoy having him around. He makes me laugh, and I feel like there's something there. So, I'm trusting myself and going with my gut." She lifted her chin, her voice steady despite the nerves clearly flickering in her eyes. "The boy I want to couple up with is... Miguel."

The moment she said his name, Alexandra couldn't hold it in. "Finally!" she blurted, clapping her hands together before quickly freezing at the sound of the stunned silence that followed.

A few people turned to look at her, some with small smiles, others with awkward grimaces. "Sorry," she mumbled, biting her lip and casting a sideways glance at Louis, who was grinning ear to ear.

Miguel let out a breath of relief, stepping forward to hug Leah tightly, and Alexandra caught the way his hand lingered at the small of her back. There was something there, no doubt about it.

As they settled into their seats together, Connor stood alone by the fire pit, his expression neutral but his eyes flickering with disappointment.

A sudden ding echoed through the night air. Connor pulled his phone from his pocket, reading the text aloud: "Connor, you are now single and therefore dumped from the island. Please pack your bags and leave immediately."

The reality of the situation finally hit, and the group fell into a somber silence. The boys rose, giving Connor pats on the back and murmuring words of encouragement as they followed him into the villa to pack his things. The girls stayed behind, the atmosphere awkward and heavy.

Alexandra stood and made her way over to Jana, throwing an arm around her shoulder and giving her an exaggerated cheer. "You finally got your man, Jana!" she teased, earning a soft laugh from Jana.

Her amusement faltered, though, when the guys returned with Connor, his bags packed and slung over his shoulder. She quickly wiped the grin off her face, trying her best to look somber. "You should at least try looking sad," she whispered to Louis.

He smirked. "You're the one who celebrated," he shot back under his breath.

Alexandra rolled her eyes before stepping forward to give Connor a hug. "You're hot," she told him with a playful smirk. "But your mouth needs a little work."

Connor laughed despite himself. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied.

As Connor made his way to the exit, the islanders gathered around, clapping and cheering him on. "Love you, bro!" "We'll miss you!" "Connor, you're a legend!" rang out through the villa as he disappeared through the gates, leaving the group to digest the whirlwind of emotions left behind.