Chapter Nine

C-09: The Other Side of Thomas

His tone was cold and stoic. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or maybe it was something deeper—but before I could stop myself, I threw a punch to his chest.

“What is wrong with you?” I snapped.

A flicker of amusement danced across his face before he let out a low, humorless chuckle.

“I could ask you the same, woman.”

He stepped forward, closing the space between us until our faces were just inches apart. I could feel the warmth of his breath brushing against my skin. I could’ve pushed him away. I should’ve. But I didn’t. I stood there—frozen, waiting, wanting... something.

“Damn…” he whispered, eyes locked with mine.

My gaze dropped to his lips, and I saw it—the subtle curl of a smile, like he’d just confirmed something he’d been suspecting all along.

“You’re a bad girl,” he murmured, straightening up.

Only then did I realize I’d been holding my breath.

And then, like a wave crashing into me, it hit. A jolt of clarity.

W–What is wrong with me?

His eyes turned cold again, jaw clenched tight as he averted his gaze, as if fighting back something he wasn’t ready to admit.

“Don’t play with me,” he said, voice low and sharp—before walking away, leaving me frozen in place and full of questions.

What did he mean by that?

Suddenly, my knees gave out. I sank onto the sand, legs tucked beneath me, the wind brushing against my face. I stared blankly at the sunrise, waves echoing gently in the background.

The colors of dawn bled across the sky—soft golds, gentle violets, and burning orange. It was beautiful. And yet, I couldn’t feel it.

Something inside me was beginning to understand… but a louder, more terrified part refused to accept it.

It can’t be.

“Went out for a walk?”

After a few moments, I went back to the hotel. I was instantly greeted by Alianna and Tammarah who looked like they were just about to knock on my door.

“Or maybe you sneaked out to meet Isagani! Did you?” Tammarah teased.

Isagani...

“Just took a walk...” I shook my head in reply.

“If you say so...” Tammarah giggled, nudging Alianna.

“Anyways, we’re famished! Let’s go grab breakfast!” The two of them then clung their arms around mine.

“That sounds great!” I nodded cheerfully. “But can I put on something more appropriate first?” I then pointed out to the pajamas I was wearing.

The two of them had been dressed in their best—perfect for the beach.

“Don’t take too much time, okay?” Alianna pouted.

“I saw from the flyers that there’s this bistro that serves the best breakfast platters!” she added.

I let out an amused chuckle. She really researched about this place. Always a girl scout.

I then headed to my room to take a quick shower and dressed myself in a one-piece black swimsuit with a low back and some ties. I paired it up with a ripped denim short and some flipflops.

Finally, I finished the look by tying my hair in a high ponytail. I barely noticed that it had grown so long.

Before going out I made sure to grab some sunglasses. I barely got some shuteye, so I probably had some bags under my eyes.

As we stepped out of the hotel, the salty breeze kissed my cheeks, and the golden light of the sun was already warming up the sand.

The beachfront was alive with music, laughter, and the scent of roasted coffee and grilled seafood wafting from a nearby open-air café nestled just beyond a row of swaying palm trees.

“What a beauty!” Tammarah squealed as she dashed into the water, squeaking as the waves kissed her feet.

“Wow! This place is like a paradise!” Alianna said, spinning in place as she took in the view.

“The flyers weren’t lying about it!”

“Girls! Take a picture of me, please!” Tammarah called, waving her phone in the air.

“I’ll do it!” Alianna ran over to her, grinning. “But take pictures of me too, okay?”

While the two of them took photos, I settled myself down on one of the empty hammocks. I let out a small yawn and leaned back, allowing the gentle sway and sea breeze to lull me. I closed my eyes just for a moment, thinking they'd wake me when they were done.

Or so I thought.

I woke up to the sound of live music. Judging by the setup of the bands and the energy of the crowd, it must be noon already. A little dazed but curious, I got up and looked around—only to realize that Alianna and Tammarah were nowhere in sight.

Had they left me?

I walked a short distance before spotting them in a familiar beachfront bistro. The scent of grilled seafood drifted toward me, drawing me in. There they were, comfortably seated, eating as if they hadn’t just abandoned me like a forgotten towel.

"How could you guys leave me?" I said as I pulled up a chair beside them.

Alianna looked up mid-bite, grinning unapologetically. "Figured you needed the nap."

"This place is heaven," Tammarah added, flashing a thumbs up. "The food’s superb."

As I settled in, my eyes wandered around the place. The ambiance was cozy, with wood and woven textures, salt in the air, and a view of the sea. Then, my gaze landed on someone by the cashier’s counter—Isagani. He was in conversation with a staff member, looking completely in his element.

"You know him?" Tammarah asked, puckering her lips toward his direction.

"He owns this place," I replied softly. "And... he's Isagani."

Their jaws dropped.

"I thought he was a waiter," Alianna whispered. “He was the one who brought us here and even took our orders.”

"Didn’t I tell you two already?" I said, a small smile forming. "He’s kind."

"He’s handsome," Tammarah chimed in, her eyes not-so-subtly studying him. I felt my cheeks warm up.

"Oh no," Alianna muttered, clearly panicked. "Tammie, don’t be too obvious! He’s looking this way!"

I instinctively reached for the menu, pretending to examine it like it was the most complex document I’d ever read.

"What? I’m not doing anything!" Tammarah insisted.

And then—

"Hello, ladies…" a familiar voice greeted.

We looked up. Isagani stood by our table, offering his trademark polite smile.

"How may I help you—" he paused as his eyes met mine, his expression softening. "Reya… Can’t decide what to get for brunch?"

I looked up and met his gaze, immediately wishing I hadn’t. I could feel the heat creeping up my face as I pretended to be unfazed.

"I was… trying to recommend the best dishes to my friends," I lied smoothly, flipping the menu unnecessarily.

"By the way," I added quickly, "these are my friends—Tammarah and Alianna."

Alianna beamed. "Nice to meet you! Sorry, my hands are oily from all the scallops."

"The food’s amazing, by the way!" she added enthusiastically.

"Hi!" Tammarah said brightly. "We’re Reya’s friends!"

Isagani chuckled, charmed despite himself. "Nice to meet you. Isagani’s the name."

What happened next became a blur. The three of them just clicked—and before I knew it, we were out touring the island.

I tagged along as Isagani graciously showed my friends around.

Alianna, ever the curious one, kept asking about the spots listed on the tourist flyer she had clutched in her hand—one of those folded pamphlets they hand out when you arrive on the island.

“How close are we to the pink sand beach? Does it really have pink sand or is that just Photoshop?” she asked, waving the flyer at him.

Isagani chuckled.

“It’s not exactly pink—more of a blush, especially during sunset. But I can take you there if you want to see it for yourself.”

Alianna grinned. “Noted. I'm holding you to that.”

Meanwhile, Tammarah walked on his other side, eyes subtly scanning him. She leaned in a little, always the sly one.

“So… aside from running the bistro and giving tours to lost girls like us,” she teased, “what else keeps you busy?”

Isagani smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting in that calm, unbothered way.

“Hmm. I used to freelance as a diving instructor. Still do, when I have time. I also volunteer with local reef conservation groups—weekends are usually spent checking on the reef sites.”

“Ah,” Tammarah nodded, feigning nonchalance. “So you’re basically a local hero.”

I was quite impressed. I didn’t know about these things 'till Tammarah asked.

He let out a small laugh. “Hardly. Just someone who loves the ocean.”

We were nearing the equipment shed to borrow our snorkeling gear when I spotted someone standing a little ways off, half-shaded by the trees.

Thomas.

It looked like he’d been out for a walk.

“Thomas!” Isagani called, waving him over.

Tammarah and Alianna gave me a curious look. I just nodded—Yes, that’s him. The Thomas I mentioned.

“Alianna. Tammarah,” Isagani said as Thomas reached us. “This here’s my good friend, Thomas.”

Then, turning to him: “Bud, these are Reya’s friends—Tammarah and Alianna.”

I braced myself. I fully expected Thomas to be aloof, cold... Thomas. But instead, he extended his hand politely.

“Nice meeting you,” he said—and smiled.

Wait. What?

The same guarded man who always looked like he was calculating the weight of the world… now smiling like someone’s friendly neighborhood island guy?

Is he trying to impress my friends? Does he like one of them?

“We’re going snorkeling,” Tammarah said brightly. “Care to join us?”

Thomas nodded without hesitation. “Sure.”

What the—

Was this some kind of prank?

As we gathered our gear, I spotted Alianna hesitating by the fins. She picked one up, squinting at the size.

“Here,” Thomas said, walking over and handing her a set of flippers and goggles. “Try these. They should fit better on narrow feet.”

“Oh. Thank you!” Alianna blinked, a bit flustered. “It’s my first time, so…”

“You’ll get the hang of it,” he replied, voice quiet, even… kind.

How is he never like that with me?

He scowls at me. Scowls. And now he’s out here playing Mr. Helpful?

“If you had laser eyes,” Tammarah whispered beside me, “the two of them would have disintegrated by now.” She snorted.

“Huh?” I frowned.

She just patted my shoulder with a knowing look.

“If I were in your shoes, I’d be confused too. The reliable island guy-next-door or his oh-so-charming friend?” She winked, then turned and skipped ahead.

Before I could respond, I saw Isagani jogging toward me, holding a set of gear.

“Hey, got these for you,” he said, handing them over. His voice softened. “Hope they fit.”

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Thanks.”

“Snorkeling! I’m exciteeeed!” Tammarah called out, grabbing Alianna’s hand and dragging her toward the yacht waiting by the docks—leaving me behind with Isagani and Thomas.

Of course. She totally did that on purpose.

For a moment, no one said anything. The breeze shifted. A bird cried out from above. I could hear my thoughts again—loud and scrambled.

Thankfully, Isagani broke the silence.

“Let’s go?” he asked, tilting his head gently.

“Sure,” I murmured, trailing after him.

As I walked past, my eyes met Thomas’s. Just for a second. His lips curled—into a smirk.