[That evening, after the beach day.]
The sky is a canvas of warm oranges and deep purples as dusk blankets the coastline. A crackling bonfire rises on the beach just outside the hotel. Everyone is having fun.
Groups of students huddle in circles on blankets or dance to the rhythm of acoustic guitars. It's cozy, chaotic, and a little magical.
Ami and Soha sit side-by-side on a mat a bit away from the center. Ami's hair is still a little damp from the beach, clinging to her cheeks. They're sharing a skewer of grilled chicken.
"This is kinda nice," Soha says, her voice soft under the bonfire's crackle. "I haven't done anything like this in years."
Ami glances at her with a small smile. "Me neither. But I guess it hits differently when you're with someone you actually like."
Soha chuckles, nudging her. "Okay, too wholesome. Chill out."
"Nah, seriously," Ami says, eyes still fixed on the fire. "Thanks for sticking by me. I didn't think I'd find someone like you in this mess."
"Girl, please. You gave me the guts to stop shrinking myself. I'm just doing my part."
They bump shoulders. There's warmth in the silence that follows.
Just then, Dio appears, holding two cups of coconut mocktail. He plops down between them and hands one to Ami.
"Sooo," he begins, shooting Ami a grin.
"What's my favorite pillow doing out here without me?"
Soha almost chokes on her chicken.
"Oh my God. You did not just say that."
Ami raises a brow.
"Excuse you? Who gave you permission to exist right now?"
Dio puts a hand to his chest, fake-wounded.
"Cruel. After all we've been through? You even drooled on my arm."
Soha gasps. "No way!"
"Fake news!" Ami insists, grabbing a skewer to hide her face. "This is slander."
Before the laughter can continue, a new voice cuts through the atmosphere like a sharp blade.
"Well, well. Ami. Didn't think you had it in you."
Alia walks over, her satin skirt shimmering under the firelight. Her crop top and glossy lips scream 'look at me,' but her eyes are locked on Ami.
"Won't you introduce me to your new little friends? Or are you still too much of a coward to admit you've moved on from us?"
Ami stands slowly.
"What are you, my personal gossip collector? Should I send you a weekly newsletter next time I make a friend?"
Soha's mouth falls open. Dio raises a brow, watching silently.
Alia glares. "Just don't get ahead of yourself. You're still you."
"Right. And you're still someone who hides her insecurity behind highlighters and backhanded compliments."
That lands hard.
Alia's phone buzzes. She checks it, scoffs, and flips her hair.
"You're not worth it."
She spins around and walks away, heels crunching in the sand.
[Alia's POV]
She's changed... This isn't the Ami I knew. What happened to the quiet, obedient girl who followed me around like a lost puppy?
The tension melts slowly. Conversations resume. Someone brings out marshmallows and a Bluetooth speaker. The night regains its joy.
Just then, a tall boy walks over to Soha.
"Yo. You left this in the dining hall. Figured you'd want it."
It's Dalen---senior from Class 13-B. Confident, calm. He hands Soha her shawl.
Soha blushes. "Oh, uh—thanks. That's sweet of you."
Ami nudges her. "What's next? He writes a poem and proposes under the moonlight?"
"Stop," Soha whispers, cheeks turning red.
Dalen smiles, not missing a beat. "Well, I do write a little poetry."
Ami gasps. "NO. YOU'RE KIDDING."
"Ami," Soha groans, burying her face.
Dalen laughs, then adds, "If you're free, care to dance with me, my lady?"
Soha hesitates.
Ami pushes her gently. "Go. Before I write the poem for you."
Soha shoots her a glare but follows Dalen to the dance circle.
Dio turns to Ami. "Hey... I wanna show you something. You coming?"
"Depends. Is this where you lure me into the woods and confess you're a vampire prince?"
"Nope. That's scene three. This one's just a moonlit view."
[Uphill, behind the hotel.]
They reach a bench overlooking the sea. The waves shimmer silver under the moon. The sky is open, vast, and full of stars.
Dio sits beside her, pulling out his guitar.
"Thought I'd sing something. You don't mind, right?"
"Not unless it's country."
He smirks and begins playing.
🎵
I don't know your past,
But I want your now
If life gave us moments,
Let's steal one somehow
No maps, no plans
Just a spark in the dark
If you're broken, I'm staying
I'll learn every part
🎵
Ami listens, eyes wide, heart trembling just a little. The wind brushes past, and for once, she doesn't feel the weight of her past---
just the moment.
There's silence as the last chord fades into the breeze.
Dio turns to her. His voice is low, careful.
"Can I...?"
Ami doesn't reply. She just leans forward.
Their lips meet. Soft. A little hesitant. Yet full of something new and thrilling.
Butterflies erupt in Ami's stomach. She can feel his breath, his warmth. The world goes quiet.
Dio slowly pulls back, his eyes wide.
"I didn't think you'd agree," he says, flustered. "That's... another surprise."
Ami raises a brow. "If you're gonna do it, do it right."
She grabs his shirt and kisses him again.
Longer this time.
Dio freezes, then melts into it. But when they pull away, his face is bright red.
"Hold on—Ami—you're... dangerous."
Ami crosses her arms. "What? Didn't like it?"
(Dio, in his head: LIKE IT?? HELL YEAH, I FREAKING LOVED IT!!!!!!)
But out loud? He just laughs nervously. "I mean, I'm trying to be respectful here."
Ami tilts her head. "Respect's cute."
He exhales, then adds gently, "Still... I want you to think about this. About us. I don't want to rush you. But I'm here. Waiting for your answer."
[Ami's POV]
If only I had been this brave before… maybe we wouldn't have lost everything.
[Behind a tree, hidden in shadows.]
Alia watches as Ami and Dio return to the bonfire, laughing softly.
Her eyes narrow.
"So she thinks she can have it all now? Friends, attention, a guy like him?"
A pause.
Her lips curl into a cold smile.
"Let's see how long that lasts."