Chapter Eight

C-08: Almost... but why?

The night air was cool, crisp—unusually clear for monsoon season. The sky, though not littered with stars, wore a soft violet hue, and the gentle hum of the sea accompanied my every step as I walked down the path to the bistro.

Isagani was already there, standing by the wooden railing, facing the sea as if lost in thought. He looked effortlessly handsome—dressed in a light khaki polo, brown shorts, and matching topsiders.

His hair had grown longer in the past weeks, now swept back into a wavy mullet that somehow suited him too well. A breeze ruffled it slightly, as if the wind, too, wanted to touch him.

When he noticed me, he smiled—easy, warm, familiar.

“Hey,” I greeted, a little breathless. “Sorry I took a while.”

He shook his head gently.

“You’re just in time,” he said, with that same calm, grounded voice that always felt like an anchor.

We chose a table by the edge, overlooking the shore. The scent of grilled seafood and herbs drifted in the air as we browsed the short menu. I already knew what I wanted. Without hesitation, I ordered their blueberry lemonade soda.

Isagani raised a brow as the waiter walked away. “You really like that drink, huh?”

I laughed, leaning into my chair. “Guilty as charged. It’s nostalgic now.”

He chuckled. “No one used to order that. Until you came along.”

I grinned. “Maybe you should rename it after me. ‘Reya’s Blueberry Buzz’ or something. At least give me credit for the sales boost.”

He played along, eyes gleaming. “I'll have to talk to the to the head chef about it. Maybe even trademark it.”

I laughed.

After dinner, we made our way to the activity area where the music festival was held.

I expected chaos—loud drums, shouting, dancing crowds—but when we arrived, it was…quiet. Strangely peaceful, despite the large crowd gathered near the beach.

I turned to him, confused. “Wait. Isn’t this supposed to be a music festival? Where’s the music?”

He chuckled, then reached into a small bag slung over his shoulder.

“It is,” he said, handing me a pair of wireless headphones. “Try this.”

I slipped them on—and music flooded in.

A vibrant mix of island beats and electric rhythms filled my ears. My eyes widened in amazement. Around us, people were dancing, moving in perfect sync to music I now understood was entirely in their own worlds.

“It’s a silent music fest,” Isagani explained beside me, pulling on his own pair.

“To reduce noise pollution. Sea turtle nests are nearby. They hatch around this time.”

I nodded, impressed. “That’s…really thoughtful.”

“I told you. The island does things differently.”

We danced under string lights, the sky above an indigo canvas. I didn’t care that I probably looked ridiculous. Neither did Isagani.

I just let the music move me, spinning, swaying, laughing like a kid on a sugar high.

But then, as if someone had flipped a switch, the tempo changed.

The beat slowed. The vibe softened into something mellow and almost too tender.

Around us, people had started to pair up—hands intertwined, faces close, some swaying cheek to cheek.

I froze, a little awkward. I wasn’t sure what to do.

Then I looked at Isagani —and there he was.

Isagani extended his hand in a theatrical gesture, like a character from an old romantic film. It was ridiculous. He looked ridiculous.

I burst out laughing.

But I took his hand anyway.

He smiled and gently pulled me closer, guiding my arms up to wrap around his neck. His hands found their place at my waist—his touch soft, steady, and certain.

We began to sway, slowly at first, almost unsure. Our eyes never held each other for long—mine kept darting away, too overwhelmed by how close we were. But even without looking, I could feel everything.

His breath.

His warmth.

The rise and fall of his chest.

And my heart—completely, utterly haywire.

The space between us began to close, gently, naturally, until our lips hovered—just a breath away.

But just before they could touch—

My gaze flicked to the side. And there they were.

A familiar pair of eyes. Watching.

Thomas.

He stood a bit farther off, but his eyes were locked in our direction, unreadable.

Panic surged. I startled and pushed Isagani away. His brows furrowed, surprise painting his features.

“A... I’m sorry…” I mumbled, hurriedly removing the earphones as I stepped back and turned away.

What just happened?

Why did I do that?

Why did I push him away?

“Reya!”

The sudden squeal yanked me from my spiraling thoughts.

"Alianna... Tamarrah?"

I blinked, stunned. They were really here—standing right in front of me, grinning like maniacs.

“We missed you!” the two chorused, wrapping me up in a hug before I could even blink again.

Their warmth was real. They weren’t figments of my imagination.

“I missed you guys too!” I gasped, hugging them back tightly, still trying to register everything.

“What are you two doing here?” I asked breathlessly. “And... where are the others?”

“Too many questions!” Tamarrah cut in, looping her arm through mine. “Let’s head up to your room first!”

I laughed softly as we shuffled toward the elevator.

“Aren’t you supposed to be doing your internship?” I turned to Alianna with raised brows.

“I got a week off,” she said with a smile. “And the moment I did, I knew it was a sign. Vacation time.”

“How long are you staying?” I asked as we reached my floor.

“Three days, I think.” Alianna replied. “I’m not sure about Tammie.”

“Finally! A bed!” Tamarrah flopped dramatically onto the mattress as soon as we entered my room.

“I’m staying for a week,” she announced into the pillows. “I’ve got a magazine shoot lined up.”

“Oh... so that means you’ll be flying back together, then?” Alianna asked, glancing between us.

I froze for a second.

Flying back...

“I guess so…”

But before I could linger on the thought, Tamarrah suddenly sat up, fixing me with a knowing look.

“Okay. Spill,” she said, pointing at me.

“Who’s he?”

"What do you mean?" I asked, a bit puzzled.

Tamarrah gave me a knowing, almost judgmental look. "You obviously hesitated when Alianna said we’d go back together."

"That just means… there’s something keeping you from going back."

"And what else could that something be, if not a man?" she said, eyes gleaming. My cheeks flushed at her dissection.

From the side, Alianna clapped in amusement. "I swear, you would’ve made the best detective in town if you hadn’t pursued modeling."

"Thank you, thank you. The honor’s mine," Tamarrah said dramatically, bowing as if she were accepting an award.

"Now that you mention it, I did hear Reena and Ericka talking about some article," Alianna said, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

Thomas.

I bit my lower lip as the memory from earlier came flooding back. I let out a quiet sigh. It was obvious these two wouldn’t let me off the hook until they heard the whole story—and maybe not even then.

Still, I should at least be thankful it’s only the two of them.

"Shouldn’t you guys get some rest first?" I asked, hoping to bargain for a little more time.

"I’m good," Alianna said with a sweet smile, settling herself on the edge of the bed like she was getting ready for a bedtime story.

"I’ve already rested on the plane," Tamarrah added, crossing her arms as if to say try again.

With a resigned sigh, I finally gave in.

“Fine,” I murmured, brushing my fingers through my hair.

“His name is Isagani.”

Tamarrah’s eyes lit up immediately. “I knew it! I knew it had to be about a guy!”

“Let her talk,” Alianna laughed, nudging our friend.

A shy smile tugged at my lips.

“I don’t know what it is exactly… I guess I’m just—infatuated. He’s… kind and gentle. Thoughtful, even..." My voice trailed off as a memory of our first meeting flickered in my mind.

"My gosh! The cliffhanger's killing me!" Tammarah groaned.

I chuckled softly. "That’s all there is. Nothing’s going on—we’re just friends."

“Friends you wish you could be more?” Alianna teased, wiggling her brows at me.

My cheeks instantly grew warm.

Tammarah was practically bouncing on the bed. “Reya, this is so exciting! I want to meet him! You're finally starting to live a little.”

The thought of introducing them to Isagani sent butterflies fluttering through my stomach. I felt like a shy teenager whose parents had just asked to meet the guy she liked.

“So… how did the two of you end up in that article?” Alianna asked, her tone suddenly curious.

I blinked. “Oh. No,” I said, shaking my head. “That was Thomas—”

“My gosh! There’s two of them?” Tammarah squealed. “Reya, I didn’t take you for a player!”

“No! Not like that!” I said quickly, waving my hands. “I don’t like Thomas.”

“The photos from the article were taken when I was helping him—he was wasted, drunk. My conscience wouldn’t let me leave him sleeping alone on the shore…” I explained, carefully leaving out the part where I nearly lost my bag.

“Hmm… interesting,” Tammarah murmured, nodding slowly as if piecing something together.

“In terms of personality, how’s this Thomas?” she asked next.

“He’s just… cold,” I said flatly.

“Stoic. Prickly. We hardly talk, and when we do, he somehow manages to make me hate him even more,” I added.

By the time the two of them left to go to their rooms, it was past 1 a.m. I let out a deep breath and laid flat on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

It was nice having them here. Finally, I had someone to talk to—someone to share things with.

I waited for sleep to find me, yet every time I came close, I was reminded of the look on Thomas’s face.

Maybe I was just overthinking it. Why did he suddenly show up? And what was with that look? He had the same stoic expression as always... Yet—

I sighed.

Why am I even thinking about him? It’s Isagani that I like.

“Goodness!” I groaned, burying my face into the pillow.

How am I supposed to act when we meet tomorrow? What on earth was I even thinking earlier?

I let out a tired chuckle as golden rays of sunlight crept in through the eastern window.

Sleep had never come. I’d spent the night tangled in thoughts, each one pushing away whatever trace of drowsiness I had left.

Eventually, I dragged myself out of bed. Maybe a walk would help clear my head.

The morning sea breeze kissed my skin—warm, but tinged with a chill that sent a shiver down my spine. The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore offered a strange kind of comfort.

I let my feet carry me aimlessly, until I found myself near the beach house. I stopped in my tracks.

Just as I was about to turn away, I bumped into something—solid and damp.

The familiar musky scent hit me first. He’d clearly just come from the ocean. My eyes dropped to the surfboard in his hand.

“What are you doing here?” he asked coldly.

I swallowed hard, internally scolding myself for ending up here in the first place. Of all the places to wander into.

“Just walking,” I replied, barely meeting his eyes. “Didn’t know you were out surfing this early.”

Thomas didn’t say anything at first. He simply stood there, wet hair tousled, droplets of saltwater trailing down his arms and soaking into his shirt. His surfboard dangled lazily at his side, like an afterthought.

“I always surf at this hour,” he said flatly, as if I should’ve known.

I nodded slowly, unsure what else to say. The silence stretched on, heavy with all the things neither of us wanted to admit.

“I didn’t mean to intrude,” I added quietly, turning slightly, preparing to walk away.

“Then don’t,” he said.

I froze.

There it was again—that bite in his voice. That cold edge that always found a way to cut deeper than necessary. But this time, instead of walking off, I looked back at him.

“What’s your problem with me, really?” I asked before I could stop myself.

He stared at me, his expression unreadable. For a second, the wind seemed to hush between us, like the island itself had paused to listen.

And then, as if remembering his armor, he looked away.

“You should go.”