"Honk, honk, honk."
Cars could be seen everywhere. A few fishing boats surrounded the island and half-naked people could be seen playing on the beaches.
The island was busy and very cheerful and everyone seemed happy regardless of whatever business they were conducting.
And among the group of people, the Grandview University students were also there.
Everyone was in groups since it was their last day. And since it was the last, there were no group activities. So, students just formed their own groups to visit the places they couldn't the previous days.
When visiting a new place, it was always a tradition to buy some souvenirs to bring for those who remained behind. And also for oneself.
Enjoying the day was none other than Darica and Duke, who were walking hand in hand without a care in the world. Spreading dog food wherever they were passing.
Walking behind the two of them were a furious Yuka and a helpless Tristan who was doing his best to calm Yuka down who had been ditched by Darica to go on a date.
"Babes, what will you be doing after this?" Duke asked as his fingers were laced with hers.
Darica turned to look at Duke, who was a bit clingy from the hotel.
"I have a few ongoing projects at hand that I need to finish," she answered truthfully since there was no need for her to hide it.
A smile appeared on his face upon hearing that, "then, do you want to host me?" he asked mischievously as he looked at her.
Confused by what he was asking. Darica turned her head to look at Duke with a titled head and asked out loud, "Host you? How?"
"Hmm, since we have just started dating, I was thinking of how we could, umm, maybe spend some more time together. Would you mind that?" afraid of making her think overboard about his request, Duke explained himself a bit more.
Listening up to that point, Darica had a sense of realization. "Oh! You mean that?" and asked in wonder.
Duke heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing that and answered, "Yes. I don't want to leave you yet and was also planning on getting to know you better by staying behind," elaborating his reasons to her.
Darica nodded her head in understanding, for Duke's words sort of made sense to her.
"Hmm, that makes sense. Apart from the unorthodox means of getting to know each other started by you back then. We don't know much about each other. And honestly, I would hate it if you just up and leave when we haven't spent much time together," Darica added as she thought about the issue a lot.
Although she hadn't dated anyone before due to personal reasons, it didn't mean that she was innocent when it came to it.
She understood how tricky a long distance relationship was and honestly; she didn't want to part with him when they had just gotten together a few days ago.
Darica wasn't a shy person. She was bold in everything that she did and sometimes she was even shameless, too.
As long as she set her mind and heart to do something. She was the kind that would pursue that goal until she achieved it.
That was why, despite the relationship being a few days old, she didn't mind showing off that love to everyone else.
Since others were doing the same, why should she hide her love?
The thought of being hidden away from the public as if she were a mistress. She didn't like the sound of that, and she would rather remain single than put herself through something like that.
Although she had issues that needed solving. She wasn't that low to let herself be treated in such a manner.
And since she decided to date, she was going to give it her best and put more effort into making it work. But if it fails, then it does. And she would take it from there instead of cowering from the starting line.
She had already been a coward in terms of love for far too long and it was finally time for her to embrace herself, be loved, and love more.
Although she was still new to the dating scene, she was going to do her best to make it work.
And as an adult who would be turning twenty-four when the new year starts. Darica was no longer a child who should be shy about certain things.
Although it would be a bit difficult for her to proceed to other big things, the small ones she was willing to do.
In fact, she had found the joy of doing it so much that whenever he was near her, all she would think about was how to jump on him and have a taste of him again.
He was that addictive and his taste she wanted more of it.
Honestly, Duke never thought that Darica would agree with him when he said that. He was trying his luck, for he really didn't want to return home fully knowing that his girlfriend was in Frin and surrounded by others who weren't him.
He wanted to spend more time with her and continue to build a good impression on her so that he would cement himself with her thoughts.
He wanted to be the only guy that she would think of whenever love or a relationship was being talked about.
He didn't want to return to school from home, only to find out that somehow some guy had taken his lover away from him.
So, to be safe, he just wanted to stay close to her. And then maybe in the process, convince her to go with him for the holidays and celebrate her birthday together with his family.
He didn't want her to celebrate it alone, even if she had friends. Those friends would be with their families whilst she would be all alone still.
He didn't want that. And for that to not happen, he needed to be closer to her and let her get used to him.
"Does that mean that I can stay behind?" he asked excitedly upon sorting his thoughts.
Looking at Duke, who was acting like a toddler, Darica's lips curled up as she responded, "It's not like you don't have a house in Frin. Why are you acting as if you want to spend the holidays at my place?"