Chapter Five

C-05: Marupok

The ride to the third island was quiet—too quiet.

I kept my attention on the view, trying to let the sea and sky distract me. The soft hum of the boat and the splash of water against its sides should’ve been calming, but my thoughts wouldn’t settle.

Even though the island ahead looked like something out of a travel magazine—crystal clear waters, white sand, palm trees swaying in sync with the breeze—I couldn’t bring myself to fully enjoy it.

Thomas hadn’t spoken a word since we left the second island. His usual cold demeanor was back in full force. No teasing, no sarcastic remarks. Just silence. That weird kind that makes your skin prickle.

I wanted to ask about his earlier outburst—the sudden shift in mood, the refusal to be in a photo—but the words just wouldn’t leave my mouth.

We weren’t close.

We weren’t anything.

“Hello, everyone!” the tour leader’s chipper voice broke through the quiet. “We’ve now arrived at our final destination for today: Amores Island!”

The group gathered near the clearing as the guide continued, his voice full of excitement. “Unlike the first two islands, this one is reserved as the final stop for a reason—Amores is famous for its spectacular sunsets, which we’ll all be witnessing in just a little while!”

Excited murmurs filled the air as everyone turned westward.

And then it happened—the sky began to change. At first, just a soft flush of orange and pink. But in a matter of minutes, it exploded into a masterpiece of purples, golds, and deep reds. The sun hung low, bigger than usual, as if pausing on purpose to bathe the world in its final, golden light.

It was breathtaking.

Couples around me slowly leaned into each other. Some wrapped their arms around their partners. Others simply stood quietly, heads rested on shoulders. The rare singles like me stayed behind our phone cameras, attempting to immortalize the view.

Then my gaze wandered… and landed on him.

Thomas.

He stood near where the boat was docked, a bit away from the rest of the group. Still on his phone. His posture was tense, back slightly turned, his silhouette outlined by the fiery hues of the setting sun.

He looked like he belonged in a painting.

Without thinking, I lifted my camera and adjusted the focus. I just wanted to capture the moment—the contrast between his shadowed figure and the burst of colors behind him.

But before I could press the shutter, his eyes locked with mine.

I froze.

His face hardened instantly, and he began walking—no, marching—toward me.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, voice low and tense as he reached me.

I instinctively took a step back, holding my camera close to my chest.

“I… I just wanted to take a photo,” I said softly.

His gaze didn’t waver. He looked like he was caught between snapping at me again or simply walking away. His fingers, still loosely wrapped around my arm, let go as he exhaled sharply.

His jaw tensed.

“Don’t ever do that again,” he said flatly, then stepped back.

I stood there, heart pounding—a strange mix of fear, confusion, and frustration boiling inside me. Just what is his problem?

Later, dinner was served. The food smelled amazing, and by the looks on everyone’s faces, it tasted just as good. But I couldn’t enjoy a single bite. My appetite had vanished. The confrontation, the weird tension between us, the disappointment from earlier—it all just sat in my chest like a rock.

Eventually, I slipped away from the crowd and wandered along the shoreline.

The breeze was cool and gentle, the waves kissing my ankles as I walked. For a while, it was peaceful. I let my thoughts drift, imagining how different this day could’ve been if Isagani were here. He would've made me laugh. He would’ve taken pictures with me. He would've been better company—unlike his broody, emotionally unpredictable best friend.

The wind picked up. A stronger gust tousled my hair, and within moments, a soft drizzle began to fall. Not wanting to get soaked, I hurried back to the cottages.

“Where were you?” Thomas asked sharply as soon as I got near.

“I—” I stopped, fuming. “None of your business.”

He said nothing after that.

Soon, everyone had boarded the boat for the return trip. The sky was a murky gray, and the sea was no longer as gentle as it had been earlier. The waves slapped against the sides of the boat with more force now. I tightened my grip on the wooden railing, trying not to show how nervous I felt.

The leader tried to reassure everyone. “We’ll be fine! The rain’s light and we’re close to shore,” he said.

I bit my lip, trying to steady my breathing. Please. Please let us get back safe.

Every dip and sway of the boat made my stomach twist. The water sprayed into the air, and I could feel my pulse picking up.

My eyes drifted toward Thomas. He looked calm—bored, even. Like we weren’t on a boat being tossed around by a temperamental sea.

He caught me staring.

“Do you know how to swim?” I asked without thinking.

“No,” he answered.

My eyes widened. “Seriously?”

He arched a brow. “What, were you hoping I’d save you?”

I didn’t answer. I was too busy calculating the odds of survival in my head.

“Calm down. You’re not going to die,” he said, his voice low.

I shot him a glare.

“No one is,” he added more gently. “Look.” He tilted his head toward the front of the boat. “We’re almost back.”

I turned.

He was right.

The familiar outline of the main island had finally come into view, its lights faint but welcoming. A sigh of relief escaped my lips. My grip on the railing loosened just a little.

“See?” Thomas muttered. “Told you.”

I didn’t thank him.

But I didn’t argue either.

A few more moments, and the boat finally docked at the main island.

The soft drizzle hadn’t let up, but the shore felt like a warm embrace after the shaky ride at sea. I stepped off the boat slowly, careful not to slip on the damp ramp. My legs still felt like jelly from the whole ordeal.

Then I saw him.

Isagani.

He stood just a few steps away, that now-familiar black umbrella above his head. His eyes met mine, and a wave of emotion surged through me—relief, confusion, a bit of frustration.

My heart skipped, annoyingly, like it always did when my crush was near.

There was an apologetic look on his face as he approached me.

“Reya,” he said gently, “I’m really sorry I didn’t make it. Something came up—unexpected errand. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging.”

I took a breath. Despite everything, I couldn’t stay mad.

“It’s okay,” I said, offering him a small, tired smile.

“Can I walk you back to your hotel?”

I nodded, grateful for the gesture.

We walked in quiet rhythm beneath his umbrella, our steps soft against the damp pavement. The rain had lightened into a mist, almost pleasant now. Isagani turned to me with that boyish grin.

“So... how was it? The island hopping?”

I chuckled lightly. “It had its moments. The first island was beautiful. I got my hair braided, made a bracelet. Ate snacks. It was nice.”

“And the second?” he asked, amusement dancing in his voice.

I laughed under my breath. “Let’s just say the second island had more… dramatic energy.”

He raised a brow. “Oh?”

“I’ll tell you about it some other time,” I said, waving it off.

Then halfway through my story, I paused. Mid-sentence. My mind blanked.

Isagani looked at me curiously. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I replied quickly, shaking my head. “I just… forgot something.”

Or rather, someone.

It hit me—Thomas. I hadn’t seen him after we docked. He didn’t even say goodbye.

The realization left a strange twist in my chest. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was something else.

I looked up at Isagani.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” he said without hesitation.

“How long have you and Thomas been friends?”

His brows lifted a little, but he answered easily. “We went to the same college. Got close in our second year. We were both on the varsity swimming team.”

I blinked. “Swimming team?”

“Yeah. He was one of the fastest. Why?”

I felt my face heat up—not from the humidity. My blood boiled at the memory.

Thomas.

That lying jerk.

He told me he didn’t know how to swim—probably just to mess with me while I was having a meltdown on the boat.

I forced a smile, trying not to let my frustration show. “Just curious.”

Isagani didn’t press. But I wasn’t done.

“Also… I noticed he’s not really into pictures,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Is that just his thing?”

There was a pause.

Isagani’s steps slowed just a little.

“Yeah,” he finally said. “He’s… not really a photo guy.”

The pause wasn’t lost on me.

“Something happened?” I asked, a little more carefully this time.

He gave a small nod. “Yeah. But it’s not my story to tell.”

That only made me more curious. But I respected his answer.

“Got it,” I said softly.

By then, we had arrived at the foot of my hotel. The soft glow from the building lit the misty air between us.

“Well,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Again, I’m really sorry for missing out today.”

I gave him a more sincere smile this time. “It’s okay. You didn’t owe me anything.”

“I still feel bad,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “So… let me make it up to you tomorrow?”

“Okay,” I answered, too quickly.

Internally, I winced. Really, Reya? No hesitation? Not even a pretend "let me check my schedule"? I might as well hang a banner that says I like you.

He smiled—wide and effortless—his dimple making another unwelcome appearance. One I’d been pretending not to notice since day one.

“I’ll see you then.”

With that, he turned and walked off, disappearing into the soft drizzle like the end of some indie romance movie.

I watched him for a second longer than I should’ve, then turned and headed inside the hotel. At the front desk, I asked if there was any word from my friends, but there was none.

No updates. No messages. Just me, and a quiet elevator ride back to my room.

By the time I stepped in, exhaustion had begun to settle in like a heavy coat. I took a quick shower and collapsed into bed, my muscles aching in that strangely satisfying way after a long, emotional day.

Sleep began to creep in—slow and sure.

And just as I was about to surrender to it, a thought slipped into my mind.

Annoyingly, it wasn’t about Isagani.

It was Thomas.

I get that we’re not exactly close—but still, he could’ve at least given me a heads-up that he was coming. He’s friends with Isagani, after all. A quick “I’ll be there too” wouldn’t have hurt.

But then again… was I really expecting that from him?

Most of the time I spent with Thomas, he was either distant or impossible to read—cold one moment, then weirdly considerate the next. It was like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing.

If only he had just a little of Isagani’s warmth… maybe I wouldn’t be lying here, completely restless, trying to figure him out.