Don't think I've written so much before.

The front door clicked softly shut behind Cassie and Nigel, leaving the villa shrouded in a heavy quiet. The air was thick with everything unsaid guilt, relief, regret. As the rest of the Islanders slowly began to drift into their own little corners of the villa, Alexandra nudged Louis gently and motioned toward the kitchen.

"Come on," she whispered.

He followed without a word, still processing the weight of what they had just done. They entered the dimly lit kitchen. The overhead lights cast a soft, golden hue across the island counter. Alexandra walked straight to the fridge, opened it, and stared for a second before reaching in for an apple and a small bowl of grapes.

Louis sat on one of the stools, leaning slightly forward, his elbows on the counter. Alexandra grabbed a peeler from the drawer and started peeling the apple with slow, careful strokes. The sound of the blade scratching against the skin filled the silence.

She exhaled heavily, her brows slightly furrowed. "I feel frustrated," she muttered. "For Cass."

Louis looked up at her.

"She just had nobody standing there for her," Alexandra continued, her voice growing quieter. "She's been here, not for as long as the rest but she has. Laughing with people, trying, being herself. And when it mattered, no one stood behind her except me. Like she didn't matter."

"I know," Louis said gently. "I know how you feel."

She looked up at him, her eyes searching. "It doesn't make sense to me how everyone just gravitated to Liv. Like, I get it, she's sweet, and she's been here since day one, but Cassie was standing there completely alone. Not one person even hesitated."

Louis nodded, taking it in without trying to offer empty reassurances. "I think people just panic when they're asked to choose like that. They go with what feels comfortable. What feels safe."

"It's still messed up," Alexandra murmured, slicing the apple into pieces and sliding the plate across the counter toward him.

CONFESSIONAL
"It's not that wanted Liv to leave cause that's my girl at the end of the day, but I just feel horrible for Cassie having only one person behind her. She didn't deserve that."

He took a piece, chewing slowly. She walked around the island and sat next to him on the bench, pulling her knees up slightly as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Her arms wrapped around his waist in a soft hug. He adjusted slightly to wrap an arm around her, pulling her a little closer.

She sighed again. "I just need this day to be over."

"I know," he said, resting his cheek against the top of her head. "You haven't been yourself today."

"I've felt... heavy," she said quietly. "Just... emotionally. Like I'm carrying stuff I don't even know how to name."

Louis rubbed small circles into her arm with his thumb. "You're always so good at taking on other people's emotions. But maybe you need to let yourself feel yours too."

Alexandra didn't respond right away. They sat in silence, the quiet hum of the villa wrapping around them like a blanket. The apple sat between them, mostly untouched now.

After a moment, Louis broke the silence. "Still... it feels good."

"What does?" she asked, still nestled into his side.

"That the public can see our connection. Like, really see it."

Alexandra slowly lifted her head to look at him. His eyes were soft, the corners crinkled slightly with the tiniest smile. She returned it, brushing her fingers over his arm.

"I know we have a good connection," she said. "A strong one. But I just hoped that it wasn't just us who saw it. Sometimes it's easy to think you're in your own bubble here and no one else is really paying attention. But tonight... they saw it. That means something, right?"

"It means a lot," he replied. "Especially when everything here is so uncertain. It's like... some kind of confirmation that what we're building is real. That it's translating."

CONFESSIONAL

"Im happy the public is able to see my connection with Louis, and believe that we're compatible. It's always good to have reassurance."

She nodded slowly, then leaned back into him. "I just hope it stays like this. That nothing comes in and ruins it. I don't know if I could handle another big challenge or twist."

"You worried something's coming?" he asked.

Alexandra hesitated. "Not really. But it's Love Island. It's always something, right?"

Louis chuckled quietly. "True. But we're solid, yeah?"

"Yeah," she said, but it sounded more like a question than an answer.

He gave her a slight squeeze. "Hey, no matter what happens, bombshell, challenge, recoupling, we face it together. Alright?"

Alexandra nodded again, this time with more conviction. "Alright."

The dressing room buzzed with quiet chatter as the girls began their bedtime routine. The overhead lights cast a warm glow, soft and comforting, almost like a gentle reward after an emotionally exhausting day. Brushes scraped through tangled hair, skincare products were tapped and patted into glowing cheeks, and drawers opened and closed with little clinks as pyjamas were pulled out.

Alexandra sat at her vanity, brushing her hair back into a plait. She was tired, mentally, emotionally, but there was a subtle contentment buried beneath it all, something she hadn't felt in a while.

Just as she reached for her hair tie, Nicole's voice rose above the background hum.

"Wait, wait—guys! Jana and Kenny had their first kiss!"

The room erupted.

"Finally!" Alexandra screamed, jumping up from her chair, plait half-done, brush falling to the floor as she spun around.

Jana, sitting with a shy smile as she moisturized her face, looked like she was about to melt into the floor.

Alexandra ran across the room and wrapped her in a tight hug. "It's about time, girl! I'm so happy for you!" she squealed.

Jana laughed into her shoulder. "I was gonna tell you, but you were in the kitchen—"

"You should've come and dragged me!" Alexandra teased, pulling back to look at her. "You looked so happy with him earlier, I had a feeling something was coming."

"I know," Jana said softly. "It felt right."

CONFESSIONAL

"Jana could pull me out of the best sex of my life and I would still have time to listen to her. Don't be taking my words too literally tho."

Alexandra gave her another squeeze before suddenly gasping. "Oh my god, I still haven't showered!"

She dashed off toward the bathroom, her slippers smacking lightly against the floor as the other girls laughed behind her. "Don't take too long!" Nicole called out. "You know Louis is gonna be asleep in ten minutes."

Alexandra hollered a "Shut up!" playfully over her shoulder as she disappeared into the bathroom.

The shower was quick, the warm water washing away the tension of the day. When she finished, she wrapped herself in a towel and padded back to the dressing room.

Most of the girls were already dressed and slipping into their slippers, brushing teeth or applying lip balm. Alexandra toweled her hair quickly, slipped on her favourite pyjama set and gave herself one last look in the mirror.

The villa was quiet now, the villa lights dimmed, casting long, gentle shadows across the walls. As she stepped into the bedroom, the familiar cozy hum of bedtime filled the air, light snoring, whispered conversations, rustling sheets. The night settled around everyone like a soft blanket.

Alexandra spotted Louis immediately, already in bed on his side, arms tucked beneath his pillow. The sheets were pulled up to his chest, his brows slightly furrowed in the dim light as if he'd dozed off mid-thought.

With a mischievous grin, Alexandra tiptoed across the room and launched herself gently on top of him.

"Oof," Louis groaned as she landed, his eyes opening halfway. "What the hell took you so long?"

She giggled, crawling down beside him. "I had to shower. You want me to cuddle you all sticky and tired?"

Louis smirked sleepily. "Well, now that you're clean..."

He wrapped his arms around her as she slid under the covers, her skin cool from the shower against his warm chest. She nestled into the crook of his arm, her cheek resting right where his heart beat steady and strong. His body curled slightly around hers as if it were second nature now.

"I just wanna cuddle tonight," she mumbled into his shoulder, already half-asleep.

"Done," he murmured, placing a soft kiss on the back of her shoulder. His lips lingered there for a second, the simple touch anchoring them both.

His hand moved slowly up and down her back in the kind of way that felt unhurried, not like a signal or a tease, just comfort. His thumb brushed along her spine rhythmically, and she let out a quiet sigh, her fingers loosely gripping his shirt.

"Hey," he whispered, "you okay now?"

"Yeah," she said softly. "Just... everything hit me today. I think it's hard watching people leave. It makes everything more real. Like, this could be us. Any day."

Louis didn't speak right away. He just kept tracing lazy shapes across her back.

"I get that," he finally said. "But we're still here. And not because we just survived the vote, we were chosen. People out there see what we have."

Alexandra nodded against him. "Yeah. That's what I keep thinking. It means something."

They were quiet again, their breaths syncing, their hearts slow and calm.

Louis tightened his grip just slightly. "I'm glad it's you, you know."

Alexandra smiled with her eyes closed. "Me too."

The next morning, the bedroom lights flicked on with a suddenness that made Alexandra groan quietly. She squinted against the brightness, burying her face deeper into Louis's chest and tightening her arms around his torso as if trying to block out the start of the day.

Around them, the sounds of rustling sheets and yawns filled the room as islanders began their morning routines, some stretching, others dragging themselves toward the bathroom or kitchen in search of caffeine.

But not Alexandra.

She stayed right where she was, curled into Louis like a sleepy kitten. He let out a sleepy chuckle, his hand running slowly down her back. "We should get up."

"Mm-mm," she murmured. "Five more minutes."

He didn't argue. They lay there together, legs tangled under the covers, their breathing syncing in the quiet lull of early morning. The moment felt private, sacred even, in the usually chaotic villa.

Eventually, Alexandra sighed. "Okay, okay. Let's brush our teeth."

CONFESSIONAL

"Best part of my morning is definitely waking up to Louis."

They reluctantly untangled themselves and padded across the hall into the bathroom. The air was cool and slightly humid, mirrors still fogged from the earlier rush of hot showers. They stood side by side at the sink, brushing their teeth in comfortable silence.

As they brushed, Louis leaned forward and pulled her into a hug, resting his chin lightly on top of her head, his arms looping around her waist. Alexandra giggled, her toothbrush sticking out of the side of her mouth.

"You're clingy today," she teased with a mouthful of foam.

"Can you blame me?" he replied, flashing a soapy smile. "You're cute when you're sleepy."

After rinsing, Alexandra turned toward her skincare products, starting her morning routine with slow, practiced movements. She patted on her toner and reached for her serum when she noticed Louis reaching for her cleanser.

"Lou—no," she scolded, narrowing her eyes. "Stop."

He froze mid-reach and gave her a sheepish look. "What? I want skin like yours."

"You already have good skin," she huffed, snatching the bottle away from him. "You're going to waste my products!"

"I just want to try it," he pleaded, eyes wide and innocent like a child asking for candy before dinner.

She groaned, rolling her eyes in mock defeat. "Fine. But only one pump."

Louis grinned triumphantly as she handed it over. He eagerly lathered it into his hands and began washing his face beside her, clearly pleased with himself.

When they finished, Alexandra turned around and placed a soft kiss on his lips. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a gentle squeeze before lifting her off the ground playfully. She squealed, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist for balance.

"Me coloque no chão, you idiot," she giggled.

He laughed, giving her one last squeeze before gently lowering her back to the floor. "Okay, okay. What do you want for breakfast, beautiful?"

She paused, considering. "Hmm... bagel with egg, some fruit on the side, and a smoothie."

He gave her a mock salute. "Coming right up."

Louis headed to the kitchen, while Alexandra made her way back into the dressing room. The familiar hum of conversations and hairdryers greeted her.

As she walked in, she heard Kaylor's voice from the far corner.

"I think... I think I'm in love with Aaron."

The room fell quiet for a moment before Liv let out a small gasp. "You are?"

Alexandra raised her eyebrows slightly but said nothing as she made her way over to her usual chair. She sat next to Leah and began rummaging through her makeup bag, letting the others continue their conversation.

Liv was the first to speak again. "You have to tell him, babe. Seriously. You never know what might happen in this place."

Kaylor sighed dramatically. "I know. It's just scary. Like, what if it freaks him out?"

Nicole, who was smoothing down her edges near the mirror, chimed in. "Me and Kendall had such a good night last night."

Alexandra smiled slightly at the mention of Kendall. She liked him, he treated Nicole with such calm, steady energy, and they balanced each other well.

Jana spoke next, sitting cross-legged on one of the benches as she moisturized her arms. "For me, I just feel... appreciated, you know? Like, Kenny actually listens. He gives me his full attention. I haven't had that in a long time. I'm happy."

Alexandra looked over at her and smiled warmly. "You deserve that, Jana."

Jana gave a little nod. "So do you."

Alexandra dipped her brush into her liquid blush, dabbing it across her cheeks as Leah leaned over slightly to nudge her.

"You and Louis looked so comfortable this morning. I saw you two practically glued together."

Alexandra chuckled. "He wouldn't let go. Or maybe that was me."

"You two are solid," Leah said. "It's nice to see."

Alexandra shrugged lightly but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "We're trying. Every day's a little different here, but I think we're on the same page."

She went quiet for a moment, eyes focused on blending her concealer. But inside, her heart felt lighter. For the first time in days, she wasn't second-guessing everything.

Men...

Miguel wandered in, rubbing his eyes and stretching as he approached the counter. "Man, that smells good."

Louis smirked. "It's for Lex."

Miguel leaned on the island. "You two are solid, huh?"

Louis grinned as he sprinkled a pinch of salt on the eggs. "Yeah, we're literally smooth sailing. I mean, with her... it's just easy, you know?"

Miguel raised a brow. "Easy how?"

Louis shrugged, still smiling as he shifted the pan off the heat. "Like, we can talk about anything. There's no pressure. No walking on eggshells. If she's in a mood, I know how to read it. If I'm off, she knows how to deal with me. We don't pretend things are perfect, we just figure it out."

"That's rare, man," Miguel said with a nod. "That's how you know it's real."

Louis reached into the fridge to grab some fruit, arranging it neatly in a bowl. "Exactly. That's what I need. Not just the highs but someone who's willing to handle the lows too."

CONFESSIONAL

"Yeah... I don't think I've ever liked a girl as much as I like Lexie, it's kind of weird. But a nice weird, like I can't wait to see her face again weird."

Just as Miguel was about to respond, his phone buzzed sharply on the counter.

The boys' heads all whipped toward the sound.

Miguel picked it up and squinted at the screen before his eyes widened. "No way."

"What is it?" Louis asked, turning with a frown.

Miguel cleared his throat dramatically. "Boys, you're going on a mini break. Get ready to leave the villa and don't tell the girls. #BoyOhBoy #CasaAmor."

The room erupted.

"No way!" Kordell shouted from the other side of the kitchen.

"Casa Amor?!" Kenny gaped, grabbing Miguel's phone to read it again.

Rob's phone buzzed next, and he read it aloud: "Each boy has a choice to leave or stay."

That changed the mood instantly.

He placed the phone down slowly. "Well. That makes it real."

The boys fell into a thoughtful silence before Rob crossed his arms. "I'm leaving. Easy decision. This is what we signed up for."

Miguel laughed, tossing a dishtowel over his shoulder. "I was born for this. No offense, but I didn't come here to be locked down right away."

Without waiting another second, he darted off to pack, already energized.

One by one, the boys began to make their decisions. Kenny glanced down at his phone, clearly torn.

"I've spent like ninety percent of my time with Jana," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But it's Love Island, right? I should at least see what's out there."

He sighed and then walked off toward the bedrooms to pack, leaving four boys behind: Kordell, Kendall, Aaron, and Louis.

Kendall folded his arms and looked around. "Let's be real. The four of us? We're in the same boat. Strong connections."

He turned his eyes to Louis. "Especially you, bro. You and Lexie have literally closed it off. If you're that confident, then go test it. If it's really closed, no one else should even compare, right?"

Louis didn't look up right away. He was slicing strawberries with sharp precision, placing them carefully into Alexandra's fruit bowl. After a moment, he replied, "Yeah... that was the plan."

CONFESSIONAL

"I think I owe it to myself to test myself out to know how deep my feeling is for Alex. I hope she understands my thought process in this decision."

"Then what are you waiting for?" Kordell asked, half-joking.

Louis shrugged. "Just wanted to finish making her breakfast."

Aaron chuckled. "Man of honour."

The boys laughed softly, but Louis stayed focused. He gently covered the plate of food, setting it aside and wiping his hands on a towel. He didn't say anything, but his mind was racing.

Did he trust Alexandra? Yes.

Did he want to be with her? Absolutely.

But... part of him still remembered the whole reason for this experience, to challenge what he thought he wanted, to test his loyalty and connection in ways everyday life couldn't.

Alexandra deserved certainty, and maybe this break, this test, was the only way to prove it, to both of them.

He looked up and found Kendall, Aaron, and Kordell all watching him.

"I'm going," Louis said quietly. "I just wanted to make sure her breakfast was ready."

The other boys nodded.

"Let's do it then," Kendall said, slapping him on the back.

They headed outside together, suitcase in hand, the villa quiet in the early morning heat. As they stepped out onto the gravel path, a sleek black van was already waiting for them at the gate.

He imagined Alexandra walking into the kitchen, seeing the breakfast he left behind, wondering where he'd gone. The thought made his chest tighten.

But he pushed it aside.

She'd understand.

He opened the van door and climbed inside with the others.

Casa Amor had officially begun.

Back in the dressing room, the girls were still mid-morning chaos, makeup bags open, hair dryers whirring, and scattered laughter bouncing off the walls. Alexandra was perched on the stool in front of her vanity, carefully brushing bronzer across her cheekbones, her hair now loosely curled. Leah sat cross-legged on the floor doing her mascara.

The door opened, and Ariana strutted in with her usual energy. "Morning, ladies!"

CONFESSIONAL

"I love seeing Ariana, I hate the news she brings tho."

A chorus of greetings met her.

Ariana raised a hand. "I've got some big news for you lot, but I need everyone outside. Let's head to the fire pit."

The girls exchanged glances, curiosity instantly sparked. Nicole closed her compact mirror. "Uh-oh. This sounds serious."

Alexandra set her brush down and stood. "I swear if this is about another challenge—"

"Nope, not a challenge," Ariana replied with a teasing smile.

The girls followed her through the villa and out into the garden, the morning sun casting golden hues across the lawn. As they approached the fire pit, the empty lounge area struck a chord, no boys lounging about, no casual breakfast chaos. It felt too quiet.

They sat down in a loose circle around the fire pit, eyes on Ariana, waiting.

"So, as you can see the boys are not here," Ariana began, clasping her hands together. "This morning, while you girls were still waking up and getting ready, something... interesting happened."

The anticipation was thick.

"The boys received a message," she continued, her smile mysterious. "They've gone on a mini break."

The girls froze.

Alexandra furrowed her brows. "Mini break...?"

Ariana nodded. "To Casa Amor."

Gasps filled the air. Kaylor's jaw dropped, Nicole's hand flew to her mouth, and Leah blinked like she hadn't heard properly.

Alexandra's first instinct wasn't shock, it was betrayal. Her eyes widened. "Wait—Louis didn't even make me breakfast..."

Laughter broke out, easing some of the tension.

Ariana turned and pointed toward the villa. "Actually, he did. There's a plate and smoothie waiting for you in the kitchen."

Alexandra's mouth dropped open. "You're kidding."

CONFESSIONAL

"Louis I LOVE YOU. Although talks need to be had on why you went Casa Amor without telling me."

Without another word, she bolted up and sprinted into the kitchen. A few moments later, she returned, balancing a plate of bagel, eggs, fruit, and a smoothie. She sat back down, clutching the plate like it was a gift from heaven.

"I take it back," she muttered around a bite of strawberry. "He's lucky I love him."

The girls giggled as Ariana cleared her throat again.

"There's more," she said. "Before they left, each boy was given a choice. Stay or go. And each one chose to go."

Alexandra paused mid-chew. "Wait... they chose?"

Ariana nodded.

CONFESSIONAL

"He chose to go....?"

Kaylor blinked rapidly. "Aaron chose to go?"

She didn't wait for an answer. Her eyes welled up with tears, the reality setting in. "He told me he was happy. That he was serious about this."

Alexandra reached over and rubbed her arm in comfort. "I'm sorry, girl."

Nicole wrapped an arm around Kaylor. "We're all in this together."

Ariana gave them a moment before continuing. "Listen, I know it stings. And I know it's not what you expected, especially so close to the recoupling."

Alexandra wiped her fingers on a napkin, eyes fixed on her smoothie. "It just... it feels crappy, you know? My birthday's in four days. I was excited to spend it with Louis. Now I'll be stuck worrying what he's doing over there."

CONFESSIONAL

"I think that's the worst thing, Louis knew how happy I was to spend my birthday with him, it's already shitty I don't have my twin now the guy I like fucked off to a holiday to Casa Amor where girls are shamelessly throwing themselves at anything to see if it sticks."

Kaylor sniffled beside her. "I just thought things were going good."

Ariana's voice softened. "I know. But I didn't come here to only give you bad news."

The girls looked up again, hopeful.

"To lighten things up," Ariana said, standing with a grin, "I've arranged a little something for you. A pool party, with seven new boys arriving today."

Screams erupted before she even finished the sentence.

Leah jumped up clapping. "YES! Let's go!"

Nicole whooped, "Let's see what the boys are missing out on!"

Kaylor wiped her tears, managing a small smile. "Okay... I could use a distraction."

Jana grinned. "Maybe a few muscles in the sun will help cheer us up."

Even Alexandra, still halfway through her breakfast, cheered with them, clapping as she sipped the rest of her smoothie. "Bring on the new energy!"

Ariana laughed. "I'm glad to see those smiles. You all deserve to enjoy this. Get dressed, look fabulous, and meet me by the pool in an hour."

As Ariana walked off, the girls stayed seated for a few more moments, the initial shock easing into anticipation.

Leah leaned toward Alexandra. "Do you think he'll flirt with someone in Casa?"

Alexandra exhaled slowly. "I want to believe he won't. I know how we are together... But this place? It's unpredictable."

Nicole added, "But if it's real, nothing can shake it."

Kaylor nodded, quietly soaking in the strength of her friends. "We'll be okay. No matter what."

"Damn right we will," Jana said, already rising to head to the dressing room.

The sun cast a golden shimmer across the ocean, the breeze lifting grains of sand as Louis sat cross-legged on a beach lounger with Kordell and Kenny beside him.

Louis had been staring at the water, a subtle weight sitting in his chest. Even though he tried to stay present, his thoughts kept drifting back to Alexandra, what she might be thinking after finding him gone. He hoped she'd found the breakfast he made for her.

"Yo, Louis," Kordell said, nudging him with his elbow. "Stop thinking so hard, man."

Louis offered a half-smile. "I'm good. Just soaking it in."

Suddenly, the sound of female voices floated in from the villa's entrance.

"Hello?" someone called out.

The boys sat up straight, glancing toward the entrance. A group of seven girls strolled into the villa, dressed in bright two-pieces and flowy cover-ups, sunglasses glinting in the light. Their laughter filled the air, confident and excited.

"Here we go," Kenny muttered under his breath, grinning.

Louis stood up, brushing sand off his shorts as the boys made their way toward the girls. The two groups met near the poolside, arms outstretched for hugs and cheerful introductions.

"Hey, I'm Sydney," said the first girl, a brunette with sun-kissed skin and a wide smile. "I'm 24."

Next was a woman with bold eyes and dark curls. "Daia. I'm 27."

"Daniela," the third girl said, flipping her blonde waves over her shoulder. "22."

"Sierra," the next one added with a dimpled grin. "22."

"Catherine," came the fifth girl, her tone soft but assured. "I'm 24."

"Destiny," said another girl with braids, giving them a quick wink. "25."

And then the last girl stepped forward.

She had soft, almond-shaped eyes and long, dark hair that framed her face in gentle waves. She met Louis's gaze without hesitation, her smile bright but slow, like she was savoring the moment.

"Amia," she said, voice like honey. "I'm 21."

Louis blinked, his focus narrowing for a brief second as he took her in. There was something about the way she looked at him, poised and calm, like she already knew she had his attention. He gave her a polite smile, then quickly looked away, suddenly aware of the way his heart stuttered.

CONFESSIONAL

"Not gonna lie, Amai had my head scrambled for a bit, but just the tiniest bit."

"So how long have you boys been in the villa?" Daniela asked, leaning forward.

"Feels like forever," Kordell replied, laughing. "But it's been... what, three or four weeks?"

"Y'all ready to be tested?" Destiny asked with a smirk.

Kenny raised a brow. "Already?"

Sydney chuckled. "We're not here to play games... unless they're fun."

The boys laughed, but Louis found himself distracted. His eyes occasionally flickered to Amia, who sat across from him, legs crossed neatly and her elbow resting on the arm of the lounge chair. She wasn't loud like the others, but when she did speak, it was intentional, short, funny remarks, or questions that showed she was paying attention.

He noticed the way she listened when others spoke, how she tilted her head slightly like she was genuinely curious. Louis couldn't deny it: she was intriguing. Still, the thought of Alexandra lingered heavily in his chest.

His train of thought was interrupted by a sudden chime from Aaron's phone.

"Boys," Aaron said, standing up with a grin. "Got a text."

They all turned to him expectantly.

"Welcome to Casa Amor. We will be hosting a pool party for the first day. #DoubleDip #CasaVibes"

Cheers erupted from the group as the boys stood, bumping fists and exchanging excited glances.

"Let's gooo!" Rob called out.

Louis stood a bit slower, eyes still heavy with thought. Kenny walked up beside him, nudging his arm.

"You good?"

"Yeah," Louis nodded, glancing back toward the villa. "Just thinking."

"You've been doing a lot of that," Kenny noted. "Don't overthink. It's Casa, you're allowed to enjoy it without guilt."

Louis looked at him. "But should I?"

Kenny paused, shrugging. "Only you can answer that."

Louis gave a small nod, then walked over to the stairs. As he passed the lounger, Amia looked up at him with a tilt of her head.

"You okay?" she asked softly.

He smiled politely. "Yeah. Just adjusting."

"Understandable," she replied. "But you'll warm up to it. It's a nice place, especially with the right company."

Louis chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We'll see."

The boys were sprawled across the dressing room, the vibe was light, filled with banter, towel-snapping, and the low hum of conversations as they got ready for the party.

Kendall leaned against the counter, as he threw a playful grin toward the others. "Alright, alright," he said, voice rising just enough to capture attention. "Let's do it properly. Who are your top two girls?"

The room quieted a little, a mix of grins and tension. It was the question hanging in the air all day, the silent reality of Casa Amor and the choices it demanded.

Kenny, already in his shorts and brushing his hair in the mirror, was the first to speak. "Destiny," he said without hesitation, nodding like he was solid in his choice. "She's fire, man. Real cool."

Rob, sitting cross-legged on one of the benches, leaned back. "Yeah, Destiny's in mine too," he said. "And Daniela. She's got that confidence, you know? Like she knows what she wants."

Aaron, drying his legs nearby, agreed. "Same. Daniela's energy is mad attractive. And Destiny, yeah... she's got it."

Kordell laughed. "Y'all all want Destiny like it's a group project," he joked before turning serious. "But Daia's the one for me. I don't know, she's got this mature vibe. Caught my eye since she stepped in."

The room turned to Louis, who was sitting on the edge of the vanity counter, seemingly staring at nothing. His elbows were resting on his knees, hands loosely hanging as his mind wandered.

Miguel, tying the drawstrings of his shorts, gave Louis's leg a light tap. "Yo, Lou," he said with a smirk. "Don't zone out now. Who's your top two?"

Louis blinked slowly, drawing himself back into the room. His voice was quiet when he spoke. "Amai's pretty," he said, pausing a little. "That's all I got right now."

Kendall clapped his hands together, grinning. "Okay then! That's the green light, my guy. You better get on that tonight. See what's really there."

Louis side-eyed him, not bothering to answer with more than a low hum. His mind was elsewhere, back in the main villa. Back with Alexandra.

Rob noticed his distant look and leaned forward. "You good, bro?"

Louis nodded, but didn't elaborate. His gaze was fixed on the mirror, though he wasn't really looking at himself. The others returned to their conversations, but Rob, ever the instigator, decided to probe a little deeper.

"How much y'all thinking about the girls in the main villa?" he asked, throwing the question out like bait into a still lake.

Silence fell again, heavier this time.

Kordell sat back and exhaled. "I mean, come on. Of course we're thinking about them. I been rocking with Serena since the first recoupling. It's not like that just goes away."

Aaron ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "Kaylor's been solid. I'm not gonna lie, today felt kind of wrong.'"

Kenny shrugged, trying to stay casual. "It's part of the experience, yeah? But Jana's in my head, whether I'm talking to Destiny or not."

Kendall raised his hands. "Don't look at me. I'm open to this. I like Nicole, but this is a test, and I plan to take it."

Miguel chuckled. "At least you're honest."

They all glanced at Louis again, and this time he spoke before anyone asked.

"I keep thinking about her," he admitted quietly. "Lex."

His words were slow and low, like he was admitting something to himself more than to them. "Everything feels kinda muted here without her. Even when it's loud."

The boys listened, surprised but silent.

"I know Casa's a chance to explore," Louis continued, rubbing his hands together, "but I'm not really feeling the same pull everyone else is. I see Amia and yeah, she's beautiful, smart too... but it doesn't feel like enough. Not compared to what I have."

Rob tilted his head. "So you're locked in?"

Louis shrugged. "I thought I was. I still feel like I am. But now that I'm here, I keep asking myself, what if I don't explore and she does? What if I stay loyal and end up the one looking dumb?"

The room fell quiet again. Every guy in the room, despite their confidence and jokes, had that same fear tucked somewhere deep inside them.

"That's the game, man," Kordell said finally. "You don't know what's happening over there. And it sucks. But you either trust her, or you don't."

"I do," Louis replied immediately. "That's what's making this hard."

Miguel nodded slowly. "Then maybe you just need to have one conversation. See if this Amai girl is worth a second one. Doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong."

Louis sighed. "Maybe."

The sun was high, and the heat radiated through the villa as the girls buzzed around the dressing room in a frenzy of lip gloss, bronzer, and swimsuits. Music played low in the background while they adjusted bikini straps and fluffed hair.

Serena sat near the vanity, softly running her hands through her braids. She hadn't said much since the boys left for Casa Amor, but the weight was clearly pressing on her. She looked up into the mirror, catching her own eyes before speaking out loud.

"I'm not gonna lie, if Kordell comes back with another girl..." she trailed off, shaking her head, "I'll be devastated."

The room quieted for a second.

"I know we're not officially exclusive or anything," she added quickly, "but I feel like we were heading somewhere, I don't know where yet. And it'll take a whole lot for me to change in here."

Liv turned from where she was adjusting her top and gave Serena a reassuring look. "Girl, please," she said with a laugh. "They don't stand a chance compared to you. You're all good."

Serena smiled faintly, nodding, but her fingers nervously twisted the ends of her hair. Before she could answer, a faint sound echoed from the garden. It was music, voices, movement.

The girls froze.

"What was that?" Kaylor asked, already halfway to the door.

The rest followed quickly, rushing out of the dressing room and onto the upper deck overlooking the garden. Their eyes squinted against the sun as the shapes of unfamiliar figures came into view.

It was a group of boys.

They were standing around the pool, tall and confident, chatting and laughing amongst themselves as if they'd always belonged there.

Alexandra's gaze scanned the group, half-interested until her eyes landed on a face that made her breath catch.

CONFESSIONAL

"I know that's not who I think it is."

Her brows furrowed.

"No way..." she muttered under her breath, taking a few cautious steps forward.

The girls began to descend into the garden, murmurs of excitement rippling through them, but Alexandra wasn't listening. Her eyes were locked on one boy in particular. Tan skin, dark hair, cheeky smile.

He turned slightly, and that's when she was sure.

She gasped, letting out a stunned laugh. "Oh my God..."

Without thinking, she broke into a jog, running straight across the garden. The girls turned just in time to see her throw her arms around one of the boys in a tight, elated hug.

"Theus!" she laughed, burying her face into his shoulder.

He laughed, wrapping his arms around her with equal warmth. "Bea!"

The other girls exchanged confused glances, while the rest of the boys watched with interest.

The connection was clear, there was a natural ease between them, something old and familiar.

Matheus chuckled lowly, eyes never leaving hers, as she introduced herself to the other boys. The moment held an electricity that didn't go unnoticed.

She turned to him and, switching to Portuguese, said softly, "O que você tá fazendo aqui?" (What are you doing here?)

He smiled knowingly. "Você sabe porque eu tô aqui." (You know why I'm here.)

Alexandra gave him a tight-lipped smile, caught somewhere between nervous and flattered. Her stomach flipped. She hadn't seen him in a month, so it was nice having a familiar face here.

CONFESSIONAL

"Love Island Gods, yall did not need to bring my ex no label relationship."

Before she could respond, Kaylor's voice rang out brightly from behind them, interrupting the moment. "Alright ladies, and now... let's welcome our new boys properly!"

The girls settled into the warm cushions surrounding the firepit, sunlight catching the shimmer of their swimsuits and glossed lips. The new boys stood just a few feet away, relaxed but clearly aware that this was their moment to make an impression.

"You good?" Kaylor whispered beside her.

"Yeah," Alexandra replied automatically.

One of them spoke up first, a warm, nervous smile spreading across his face. His hair was dark and slightly tousled, and his tanned skin glowed in the early afternoon sun.

"Uh... hello," he began, his accent heavy. "I'm Ignacio. I am twenty-nine. I'm from... Argentina. My English... not so good. Sorry."

The girls collectively melted. "Aww, that's okay!" "You're doing great!" "We understand you!" they chimed in unison, their encouraging smiles making Ignacio's shoulders drop in relief. His shy grin only made him more charming, and a few girls exchanged glances already whispering to each other about how cute his accent was.

Next up was a lean, athletic-looking guy with a laid-back air and a bright smile. He stepped up confidently. "Hey everyone, I'm Josiah. I'm twenty-five, originally from St. Thomas," he said, his voice smooth and welcoming. "Island vibes all day."

"Okay, island boy!" Liv called out, raising her brows. A round of soft giggles followed, and Josiah gave a little playful bow.

Next came Jacobi, who offered a firm nod and a slightly more reserved smile. "I'm Jacobi, twenty-three, and I'm from Louisiana."

Following him was Cane, a sharp-featured British guy with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Cane. Twenty-eight. From England."

George came next, his energy youthful and vibrant. "I'm George, I'm twenty-three, and I'm just excited to be here, honestly," he said with a wide grin. "Let's make it a mad week."

Then came Jalen, tall, calm, and composed. "Name's Jalen. Twenty-four. From Indiana. I'm all about good vibes and real connections," he added smoothly.

"Okay, philosopher," Leah said, raising a brow and laughing, earning a few nods of agreement. He smiled but didn't flinch, cool and confident.

And finally, Matheus spoke up.

Alexandra's gaze snapped toward him instinctively, even though she already knew what he was about to say.

"I'm Matheus," he said, his deep voice casual. "I'm twenty-four. Originally from Brazil, but I've lived in the U.S. for a long time."

Leah, ever the curious one, leaned forward with a smile. "Wait... how do you know Lexie?"

Matheus looked at Alexandra, his expression playful. "We grew up together. I'm best friends with her twin brother. So, yeah... I've known her forever."

All eyes turned to Alexandra, who gave a tight-lipped smile and nodded. "Yeah... that's true."

The moment passed quickly, but it left a few lingering glances between the two. Even Matheus's body language was telling, open, casual, yet constantly aware of her presence.

Liv suddenly popped out from the corner, clapping her hands. "Alright, now that the intros are done, let's heat this place up!"

Music flooded the garden, a tropical beat bouncing through the speakers. The energy shifted instantly as the girls leapt from their seats, already making their way toward the pool. The boys followed suit, laughter echoing across the villa.

Within minutes, the party was in full swing.

As the party began to die down, the villa softened under the warm hues of twilight. Music still played from the speakers, but the bass was quieter now, more of a soft hum than a pulse. Laughter echoed across the garden as people paired off, drinks in hand and bodies swaying with the last of the sun.

Matheus had been watching Alexandra on and off all evening. Not in a clingy or intense way, just quietly, with the kind of familiarity that made it easy to know when someone was putting on a show for the crowd and when they were just being themselves.

She caught him looking, and he tilted his head toward the sunloungers at the edge of the garden.

Without needing to ask, Alexandra walked over, both of them slipping away from the small groups of dancing and drinking islanders. They sat on the cushioned lounger, the sky behind them streaked in soft orange and lilac. She crossed her legs, facing him slightly, her lips curled into a small smile.

"What?" he laughed, catching the look on her face. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

She shrugged, that smile lingering. "I don't know. I think I'm still trying to make sure you're actually here. Haven't seen a familiar face in a while."

Matheus chuckled, settling deeper into the seat. "So you are happy I'm here."

Alexandra raised a brow. "I never actually said that."

CONFESSIONAL

"I won't lie, it's good to have Matheus here. It's always good to see a familiar face."

He laughed louder, leaning his head back for a moment. "Damn. Still savage, I see."

She giggled softly, the sound coming naturally despite the strange tension hanging between them. Not heavy, but undeniable.

He glanced at her again, this time more seriously. "So... how are things with Louis?"

Her expression changed slightly, still warm, but more thoughtful now. "They're good. Really good, actually. We're just... smooth sailing, you know? No drama, no guessing games."

Matheus nodded, listening.

"He's different from what I'm used to," she added. "In a good way. He's calm, honest... makes me feel grounded. I think you'd actually like him."

"I probably would," Matheus said with a small, wry smile.

There was a short pause before he spoke again, his voice quieter. "Você não está nem um pouco interessado em mim?" (Are you not interested in me at all?)

The question lingered in the air between them. Alexandra didn't flinch. She just held his gaze, letting the moment stretch before answering.

"It's not that simple," she said softly. "You know how it's always been with us."

He looked down, nodding. "Yeah... on and off for what, six, seven years now?"

"Exactly," she said. "We always come back to each other when we're both single. It's like clockwork. But every time we try, something gets in the way. Timing, distance, different priorities... or one of us just not being ready."

"Usually me," he said with a sheepish grin.

She gave him a pointed look but didn't deny it. "But we can't ignore the fact that if we really wanted it to work, really, we would've made it happen by now."

Matheus stayed quiet, processing her words. The silence wasn't awkward. It was the kind of pause that came from two people who knew each other too well.

"Do you ever think about whether it's the right person, wrong time?" he asked eventually.

"All the time," Alexandra admitted. "But sometimes I wonder if it's not that... maybe we're just attached to the idea of each other. The comfort of what we know."

He looked at her, the corners of his mouth twitching. "That's deep."

"It's true, though," she said. "You were, are, a huge part of my life, Matheus. I'm not gonna pretend that doesn't mean something. But that history we have, it's heavy. And sometimes, that kind of history makes it harder to see what's actually right in front of you."

"Like Louis," he said, understanding.

"Exactly," she nodded. "I really like where things are going with him. He makes me feel safe. Like I don't have to question if it's mutual or if he's going to disappear the minute things get tough."

Matheus looked away for a moment, a slight frown creasing his brow. "I never wanted to make you feel like that."

"I know," Alexandra said gently. "But feelings don't care about intentions. And now... I don't want to ruin what I have with Louis trying to reignite something that's burned out and relit a hundred times already."

"But what if this time is different?"

She gave him a small, bittersweet smile. "We've said that before. And maybe it would be... maybe. But I think I've reached a place where I'm not willing to gamble something real for a 'maybe.'"

He nodded slowly, biting the inside of his cheek. "You're really serious about him."

"I am," she said. "He makes me want to try differently. Love differently. And I think that matters."

Matheus sighed, not with frustration but with acceptance. "You've matured. A lot."

"So have you," she said sincerely.

CONFESSIONAL

"I think I definitely needed this conversation with Matheus. It just showed me how much I like Louis because if there's anyone that could turn my head it would be Matheus."

They both leaned back into the lounger, the hum of the villa behind them and the stars beginning to twinkle above. For the first time in years, their on-and-off cycle felt like it had found its resolution, not in anger, or heartbreak, but in honesty.

"I don't regret anything between us," she said after a while. "But I think I'm finally ready to let it stay in the past."

He looked over, and even through the melancholy in his eyes, there was a softness there. "I respect that. And I'm really glad we got to talk about us, even if it's not the way I hoped."

She smiled. "Me too."

In the soft evening glow of the other villa, the kitchen had become a quiet retreat. Most of the boys were scattered around the garden, some by the pool, others lounging in the shaded seating area. But Louis had found himself in the kitchen, perched on a barstool, casually chatting with Amai as the chatter and laughter from outside trickled in through the open doors.

Amai leaned against the counter, drink in hand, her long braids falling over her shoulder as she looked at Louis. "You know," she began with a soft grin, "I had my eyes on you before even coming onto the show."

Louis glanced up from his drink, caught off guard by the boldness of her comment. He laughed, sitting back a little as he tilted his head. "Yeah? What do you think now that you're actually here?"

She smiled, eyes locking with his. "I think you look even better in person than you did on screen."

He chuckled, a slight blush rising in his cheeks as he ran his tongue over his teeth. "Well, thank you. I appreciate that."

Amai took a sip of her drink before continuing, "So how are you feeling about everything? Your couple, this new environment?"

Louis exhaled, swirling the ice in his glass. "Honestly... it's weird. Me and Lex, we're good. Like, really good. We never had any issues, no drama, no red flags. So it's definitely hard being here, not with her. We went from waking up together every day to suddenly being in different villas. It's kind of crazy when you think about it."

Amai nodded, her expression thoughtful as she listened. "Yeah, I can imagine that'd feel strange. Like, the whole energy shifts when you're apart from someone you're used to."

"Exactly," he said. "Now, being here... it's like I'm trying to be open-minded. Get to know the girls here without being disrespectful. Lexie deserves that much from me, you know? I don't want to make her feel like what we have isn't real. But at the same time, this is Casa Amor. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't supposed to explore."

"That's fair," Amai said, her tone soft and mature. "You're allowed to explore. You wouldn't be here if you weren't. And I think you can do that and still honor what you and Lexie have."

Louis looked up at her, a small appreciative smile playing at his lips.

She continued, "That's one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you. I'm actually interested in getting to know you. Like, properly. If you'd be open to that."

Louis leaned back slightly, his brows raised with a thoughtful expression. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious too."

Amai smiled, warm and understanding.

"I think I owe it to myself to explore something here," Louis added, "but I want to do it right. Keep it respectful. Be intentional, you know?"

"That's all I ask," Amai said. "No games. No pressure. Just two people getting to know each other and seeing what's there."

Louis nodded, glancing past her briefly. Through the open patio doors, he spotted Miguel talking animatedly with Sierra by the pool. Miguel's hands were gesturing, a grin on his face, and Sierra's laugh carried over the breeze. A little further down, Aaron was sitting with Daniela, both leaning in as if they were deep in conversation, heads tilted with interest.

He turned his gaze back to Amai, giving her a sly grin. "Well, unlike these guys out here making your life difficult, at least you know I'm not trying to move mad."

Amai let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "You better not. I don't have time for all that chaos."

Louis smiled at her honesty. "Nah, I don't do chaos. Not anymore. I used to, but now? I like peace."

CONFESSIONAL

"Amai is gorgeous, but she's not worth me ruining what I built with Lexie just yet."

"And do you feel like you have that with Lexie?"

He thought for a moment, fingers tapping lightly on the counter. "Yeah, I do. But sometimes peace can also be comfort. And comfort... well, it can blur things. That's part of why I'm here. I want to know if what we have is genuine or if it just felt good because it was easy."

Amai nodded in agreement. "That's fair. And it takes a lot of maturity to even admit that."

He tilted his head slightly, eyes still focused on hers. "You're easy to talk to. That's rare around here."

"Maybe that's your sign to talk to me more," she teased.

Louis grinned. "Maybe it is."

They sat in a comfortable silence for a beat, both of them letting the moment breathe. There wasn't pressure. No flirtation turned overly intense. Just two people genuinely talking, taking stock of the situation, and slowly seeing where it could lead.

"You're not like how I expected," Amai said after a pause.

"Good or bad?"

"Good," she confirmed. "I thought you'd be more guarded. But you're... open. Thoughtful."

He chuckled. "Most people think I'm either the sweet one or the one who won't talk much. Depends who's telling the story."

Louis raised his glass in her direction. "To fresh perspectives."

She clinked hers with his. "To honest ones."

For the first time that day, Louis felt something shift, not a complete change of heart, but a small, subtle opening. A space that hadn't been there before. Whether or not it would mean something, he wasn't sure.

The dressing room buzzed with laughter, and the usual flurry of makeup brushes, hair curlers, and perfume sprays. The girls were scattered around the room, all getting dolled up for the night ahead. The glow of the vanity lights lit up their faces, but the mood was a little more reflective tonight.

Alexandra, sitting in front of the mirror, applied her lip gloss carefully. She glanced at her reflection, then at the group behind her. "I think Matheus showing up was a test for me," she said, her voice calm but firm.

Jana looked up from curling her lashes. "A test?"

Alexandra nodded. "Yeah. Like... being here with him again, it made me realize just how much I actually like Louis."

Jana raised her brows. "What's your real history with Matheus anyway? You've never really said."

Alexandra took a breath, dabbing a bit of highlighter on her cheekbone. "It's always been complicated. Whenever we were both single, somehow we'd find our way back to each other. But it never lasted. It was fun, intense, but never serious. We never managed to get it right. It's been going on for years."

Liv, fixing her earrings, turned from the mirror. "So you're saying it's just one of those things that's familiar, but not really stable?"

"Exactly," Alexandra replied, setting her brush down. "It's the kind of thing I know isn't going to change. And I'm not about to risk what I have with Louis for something I've already been through over and over."

CONFESSIONAL

"Me and Matheus have so much history together, I think that if there was anyone who could test me it would be him."

Liv sighed. "I just hope Louis is thinking the same..."

Alexandra paused, mascara wand in hand. She didn't say anything, just blinked and turned back to the mirror, gently applying her mascara without replying. The silence said enough.

Serena flopped dramatically onto the edge of the couch. "Ugh, I'm tweaking so hard. This whole experience is just... too much."

Kaylor groaned quietly, almost to herself. "Aaron, please come back. I'm begging you."

Nicole leaned back, arms crossed over her robe. "I don't even want to imagine what those boys are doing right now. Like, what if they're being all flirty with the new girls and forgetting we even exist?"

"They better not be," Liv muttered, grabbing her necklace. "We've been nothing but loyal."

The room fell into a soft lull as the girls added finishing touches, each lost in her own thoughts. Lipsticks were swiped, dresses adjusted, and final spritzes of perfume filled the air. Eventually, heels clacked against the tiled floor as one by one, they made their way out into the garden, the night air cooler now, but still warm enough to let their skin breathe.

As they stepped outside, they spotted the Casa boys already waiting, dressed up and standing around the garden table with champagne flutes in hand. The fairy lights draped around the palms and overhead beams gave everything a soft glow.

Alexandra smiled as her gaze locked with Matheus. He was looking at her like he always had, warm and familiar. She returned the smile, keeping it gentle. Nothing more than that.

The girls walked over, heels crunching against the pebbled path, each picking up a champagne cup from the table. Leah raised hers first.

"Alright," she said with a grin. "To unexpected connections, good vibes, and to being the main characters in our own lives!"

They all clinked glasses, a cheer echoing softly into the night air.

Just then, a loud pop cracked through the sky.

Everyone turned, eyes widening as colorful fireworks began to burst above the trees in the distance. The explosions lit up the sky in reds, golds, and silvers. The noise wasn't just nearby, it was coming from the other side of the island.

Serena gasped. "Wait- are those coming from the other villa?"

Kaylor's eyes widened. "That's gotta be the boys' villa, right?!"

"Oh my god," Nicole said, rushing forward. "Come on!"

The group scrambled toward the balcony, heels clacking and laughter bubbling up as they tried to peek through the palm trees. From the edge, they could see it, fireworks launching into the sky from just beyond the cliffs. And just behind it, faintly lit, the glow of the Casa Amor boys' villa. Lights were on everywhere, string lights over the patio, pool lights shimmering blue, and music faintly thumping even from this distance.

"They're throwing a party too?" Liv asked, half in awe, half annoyed.

"Looks like it," Serena said. "And they've got fireworks? That's wild."

Alexandra leaned against the railing, her smile faltering just a little as she watched the distant lights. A mix of curiosity and nervousness fluttered in her chest. What was Louis doing right now? Was he thinking about her the way she was thinking about him?

Matheus stepped beside her, champagne still in hand. "Pretty wild, huh?"

"Yeah," she said softly, still looking out toward the lights. "It is."

He didn't press her further, and she was grateful. The view was beautiful, but the feeling in her stomach was uneasy now, like something was happening on the other side, and she couldn't see it. She hated the unknown.

Alexandra took another sip of champagne, gaze flickering between the stars and the glow of the other villa. If this was a test, she just hoped they both passed.

The mood had shifted since the fireworks, they were no longer preoccupied with the unknowns of the other villa. For now, they were choosing to live in the moment.

Champagne cups in hand, they all sat hunched together, by the fire pit . The heat of the flames flickered against their skin, matching the rising tension in the air. The game was simple: spin the bottle, pick a card, and complete the dare. No backing out.

Liv was the first to go. She gave the bottle a confident spin and watched it slow to a stop. With a grin, she reached for a dare card from the deck in the middle.

"Kiss the islander you'd like to know better," she read aloud.

The group oohed and giggled, the boys perking up in anticipation. Liv didn't hesitate. She stood, sauntered around the circle, and walked right up to Cane. He looked surprised, but pleased. She cupped his face with one hand and gave him a long, slow kiss, not breaking eye contact until she pulled away.

"Damn," Cane muttered with a grin, making the others laugh and clap.

Next was Kaylor. She looked both excited and nervous as she spun the bottle. It landed near George, which made a few of the girls raise their eyebrows.

She picked a card and read it out loud. "'Have a three-way kiss with the two hottest islanders.' Oh my god..."

The group erupted in screams and laughter as Kaylor scanned the group. She stood and walked over to Leah first, grabbing her hand with a wink, then turned to George. The three stood in front of the fire pit. Leah leaned in on one side, Kaylor on the other, and George met them in the middle. The kiss was quick, fun, and left everyone cheering.

"Okay, this game's already too hot," Nicole laughed, fanning herself dramatically.

Serena was up next. She spun the bottle and immediately snatched a card. "'Kiss the islander that is most your type.'"

"Oh, this is going to be something," Jana whispered.

Serena smiled, eyes locked on Cane again. She stood, walked over slowly, and without hesitation, straddled his lap and kissed him passionately. The entire fire pit burst out into howls and teasing whistles.

"Wow," Cane said, stunned as she climbed off him. "Noted."

Now it was Alexandra's turn. She spun the bottle and picked her card, holding back a smirk as she read aloud, "'Seductively feed the islanders of your choice a piece of fruit.'"

"Oh, here we go," Josiah muttered with a chuckle.

Alexandra walked over to the fruit platter on the nearby table, delicately picking up a ripe strawberry. She turned to Matheus with a playful gleam in her eye and walked toward him.

He leaned back on his hands, watching her. She held the strawberry up to his lips, brushing it softly along his lower lip before feeding it to him. He took a bite, his gaze locked on hers, and she smiled as she returned to her seat.

CONFESSIONAL

"For all my challenges I'm doing it with Matheus, sorry. I'm familiar with him and I know he wouldn't go too far."

"Damn," Ignacio said under his breath. "This game's dangerous."

Speaking of, Ignacio was next. He spun the bottle and picked up his dare card. "'Pick two islanders to kiss and rate them from one to ten.'"

"Oooooh," the group cooed in unison.

Ignacio stood, his confidence unwavering. He walked over to Leah first, cupped her jaw gently, and kissed her sweetly. "Nine," he said, making her grin.

Then, he turned to Kaylor, pulled her up, and kissed her slowly, holding her waist.

"Ten," he declared, sitting back down as Kaylor giggled and blushed.

Josiah was next, clearly amused by how the night was unfolding. He spun the bottle, drew a card, and smirked. "'Suck the finger of the islander you want to turn on.'"

The group screamed with laughter.

"Be careful who you choose," George joked.

Josiah stood and walked over to Jana, holding out his hand. She looked surprised but didn't pull away. He gently took her hand, brought it to his lips, and sucked her finger slowly, never breaking eye contact.

Jana blinked, stunned. The group was screaming.

"Oh my god," Serena laughed. "You two are bold!"

The atmosphere was no longer cautious or uncertain. Everyone was letting go, releasing tension they hadn't even realized they were carrying. The flirty dares, the stolen glances, and the occasional blushes sparked a new kind of connection between the islanders. It was a night of openness, freedom, and just a bit of chaos.

As the game wrapped up, champagne glasses were refilled, music played softly in the background, and everyone seemed lighter than they had been all day.

CONFESSIONAL

"The game was fun.....how long till I get Lou back."

Music played low in the background, some islanders still mingling near the fire pit or grabbing drinks, but Serena, Alexandra, and Kaylor quietly slipped away to the sun lounge.

The sun lounge was warm and quiet, tucked away just enough to let them speak freely. They collapsed onto the plush cushions, the adrenaline from the challenge still pulsing in their veins.

Serena was the first to speak, exhaling sharply. "I feel like I just messed everything up."

Alexandra looked at her, brows raised in concern. "What do you mean?"

Serena buried her face in her hands. "The whole kiss with Cane... it was way too much. I straddled him like it was nothing, and meanwhile, Kordell's probably in the other villa being all patient and respectful. That man hasn't even blinked at another girl and I'm over here doing the absolute most."

Kaylor placed a gentle hand on her knee. "It was a challenge."

"Yeah, but I didn't have to do all that," Serena muttered, shaking her head. "It's like... I got caught up. And now all I can think about is Kordell. Like, really think about him. No one here comes close. Not even a little bit. We have this bond, you know? Like, real connection. Soul-deep type of thing. And I'm over here playing games."

Alexandra nodded slowly. "I get it. Honestly, I've been feeling weird too."

She leaned back, hugging her knees to her chest. Her voice dropped a little. "It's just... hard being away from them. From Louis. By now, on a normal day, I'd be cuddled up with him. We'd be on that daybed, just talking or laughing about something stupid. Now I'm here, and I can't stop thinking about what he's doing. Like... is he being the Louis I've come to trust? The one who holds my hand under the covers? Or the one I saw clips of on TV before coming here, the one who moved mad in other relationships?"

Kaylor bit her lip, her brows furrowed. "That's the worst part, isn't it? The not knowing."

Alexandra gave her a sad smile. "Yeah. You start questioning everything. Like, are they missing me the way I'm missing them? Or are they being 'tested' and failing?"

Kaylor let out a shaky breath and stared at her lap. "I kind of feel... guilty."

Both girls turned toward her, noticing the shift in her tone. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "The challenge. I mean, I kissed a lot of the guys. I went all in. But then I'm sitting here thinking, 'Would Aaron even do that?' And I'm not so sure he would."

Her hands trembled slightly as she brushed her hair behind her ears. "I've been doing all these things, trying to let loose, trying not to care, but I do care. I care a lot. And it's killing me."

Alexandra's expression softened. "It's okay to feel that way, Kaylor."

Kaylor shook her head, tears beginning to brim in her eyes. "It's not though. Because I feel like I'm betraying someone who might not even be betraying me. I'm here second-guessing him, but for all I know, he's in the other villa staying loyal, thinking of me. And I'm just... here kissing guys and calling it a game."

Her voice cracked, and she brought her hands up to her face, trying to hide the tears that had started falling.

"I want him back," she said quietly. "Like, not just romantically. He's my best friend in there. When I'm sad, he's the one who notices. When I'm quiet, he's the one who pulls me aside. I miss that. I miss him. And now I just feel like I've messed it all up."

Serena leaned in and pulled her into a hug. "You didn't mess anything up. We're all just trying to survive this mind game of a twist."

Alexandra reached out too, her hand squeezing Kaylor's gently. "Casa Amor isn't easy for anyone. It brings out all our fears. All our insecurities. That's the point of it, right? To test us. But it doesn't mean the connection is gone."

Kaylor sniffled, nodding slowly. "But what if he sees me kissing someone and thinks I don't care?"

"Then he doesn't know you like we do," Serena said. "And I think Aaron does know you. He knows you're scared. He knows you're trying to cope. Just like you're wondering about him, he's probably wondering the same about you."

There was a brief silence as they all sat in the warmth of the sun lounge, comforted by each other's presence.

Alexandra sighed. "You know, people think the hardest part is falling in love. But it's not. It's trusting that love when you can't see them. When you don't know what's happening. That's the real test."

Serena nodded. "And the fact that we're all sitting here, thinking about them, wondering how they're feeling... that says something."

Kaylor smiled faintly through her tears. "I just hope they're doing the same."

They sat in silence for a few more moments, the noise of the villa far away. Just the three of them, wrapped in uncertainty and emotion, but comforted by knowing they weren't alone in it.

CONFESSIONAL

"Me and my girls are literally dying in this villa, these boys better not be out there doing some fuck shit."

Meanwhile...

Louis had made his way back inside the bedroom with Amai after the game, looking for a quieter moment amidst all the chaos. The air inside was cooler, and they sat on the edge of one of the unused beds, their conversation flowing more easily now that the dares were over.

Amai tilted her head, watching him curiously. "So... that game," she began with a grin, "was definitely more intense than I expected. How'd you find it?"

Louis chuckled, leaning back slightly, his arms stretched behind him for balance. "Honestly? Not what I expected for the first full night. I don't think I've kissed that many people since walking into the villa."

She laughed, amused at his honesty. "You didn't seem too bothered, though. Looked like you handled it just fine."

He smirked, dimples forming. "I mean I'm in my natural habitat..... But you've got to play along, don't you? Didn't want to be the guy killing the vibe."

Amai glanced sideways at him, her voice dipping playfully. "And the kisses? Be honest."

Louis gave a soft laugh, nodding once. "They were good. Can't lie."

She bit her lip, then looked around the room casually. "So... what bed are you sleeping in tonight?"

Louis looked around the beds, some already claimed, pillows fluffed and duvets thrown over haphazardly, but he only nodded toward the open doors. "I'm sleeping outside."

Amai blinked. "On the daybed?"

"Yep."

Her brows raised. "Why?"

Louis shrugged. "It just feels right."

CONFESSIONAL

"I don't know, it feels right to be sleeping in the daybed even if Lex isn't, but I'm not wrong to hope she is."

"Are you doing that for Alexandra?" she asked, a little curious but not confrontational.

He paused for a second before speaking, his tone thoughtful. "She doesn't have to do anything on her side. I'm not expecting that. But yeah... part of me is doing it for her. But it's also for myself."

Amai leaned back on her palms, processing that. "Explain."

Louis glanced down at the floor before meeting her eyes again. "Look, I'm not pretending this isn't a test. It is. But I want to go through this knowing I stayed true to who I am. I don't want to walk out of here with regrets about how I moved, regardless of what's happening in the other villa."

Amai watched him, impressed. "That's rare in here. Most guys would use Casa as an excuse to do whatever."

He nodded. "Trust me, I've seen it. But I care about Alexandra, and we've been building something solid. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about her constantly."

Amai smiled faintly. "She's lucky, then."

Right so tweet challenge soon, i would love for y'all to be my twitter.