It was one of those rare afternoons when everything felt like it finally fell into place. The weight of the semester lifted just enough to let everyone breathe again, and semester break had arrived, bringing a sense of calm mixed with restlessness. Some of my classmates already had plans: trips home, road trips with friends, or using the break to get ahead on next term's work. For me, the plan was simple: no plans. Just a week to unwind, catch up on sleep, and finally finish that book I'd been putting off.
Or so I thought—until a message from Lincoln popped up.
I had just returned from a jog around the neighborhood, still feeling the afternoon sun on my skin, and was standing on my balcony, cooling down. My phone buzzed. I unlocked it to see a message from Lincoln, his words as direct as ever.
Lincoln: "Hey, a group of us are heading to Boracay for the break. Want to come along?"
I blinked, reading the message again. Boracay? The beach? An impulsive trip like this wasn't something I usually considered. I wasn't the type to hop on a spontaneous getaway, especially since things with Kiel still felt... strained after our project fallout. Part of me couldn't shake the annoyance I felt whenever I thought of him. And Mia? Don't get me started. I knew she would be part of the group; her name alone made my stomach twist. But there was something unexpectedly tempting about Lincoln's offer—a chance to escape, to let someone else set the plans for once.
Hesitantly, I typed back.
Keiyi: "Boracay, huh? Who's going?"
Lincoln replied quickly.
Lincoln: "A few from the program. You know Mia, right? She's coming too, along with some others. Nothing wild, just a few days of sun, food, and downtime."
I couldn't help but feel a small twinge of irritation at Mia's name. She was always the center of attention, always perfectly polished, and the thought of spending time around her didn't exactly thrill me. I'd seen her with Kiel more times than I could count, laughing and carrying on as if their lives were a stage. The thought of seeing them together on this trip, of all places, made me hesitate. But Lincoln's words made it sound simple, just a relaxed escape—a break without the noise or pressure to socialize more than I wanted.
Keiyi: "I'll think about it. Haven't been to Boracay in ages."
There was a flicker of hesitation still holding me back. The thought of Boracay, a place I hadn't visited since moving here, felt like a strange but welcome shift from the usual. It was rare for me to take any kind of break without solid reasoning behind it. But maybe it was time I did something without needing to justify it to myself.
A minute later, Lincoln's next message appeared.
Lincoln: "No pressure. Just thought you'd want to relax a bit. We're leaving Saturday morning, so if you're in, I'll get things set up."
There was something so casual yet thoughtful in his words that made me pause. He wasn't pushing, wasn't pulling any strings to convince me—just a simple invitation. The idea of him reaching out, inviting me specifically, felt… comforting. And for some reason, that made it all the more appealing. Before I could overthink it, I typed back:
Keiyi: "Alright, I'll go. Can't turn down a beach trip."
As I hit send, a rush of excitement filled me. It was uncharacteristic of me, maybe even impulsive, but it felt… right. Maybe the semester had worn me down more than I'd realized, and this trip was the breath of fresh air I hadn't known I needed.
Lincoln's response came in soon after.
Lincoln: "Perfect! We're leaving early Saturday. Just pack light—the basics, beach stuff. I'll send over the details."
In the quiet that followed, I looked around my room, mentally packing the essentials: sunscreen, a swimsuit, a good book, and maybe a little courage to let go of some of the grudges I was still holding. I didn't need to map everything out this time. I was stepping into the unknown, a little less controlled, a little more open.
As I zipped up my bag, anticipation buzzed inside me. The usual stresses of school and life felt distant now, as if they belonged to another world. This trip to Boracay, to the sun and sand, felt like the kind of experience I'd been holding back from—one that I was finally ready to embrace.
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Saturday morning arrived, and I stood outside my apartment, waiting for the cab Lincoln had arranged. I was trying to stay calm, reminding myself this trip was supposed to be about unwinding. When the cab pulled up, Lincoln greeted me with his usual easygoing smile, instantly making me feel a little more at ease. "Ready to go?" he asked, and I nodded, sliding into the back seat with my bag and hoping for a relaxed escape to Boracay.
We arrived at the airport a while later, where everyone had agreed to meet up. I recognized a few classmates from afar, laughing and chatting in the terminal. The casual, easy energy of the group lifted some of my worries. Mia's voice carried over the crowd, her laugh loud and carefree as she joked around with someone I couldn't quite see. I took a steadying breath, hoping to navigate this weekend smoothly, especially around Mia.
But then, as I scanned the group, my gaze landed on someone unexpected: Kiel. He stood just a few feet away, laughing at something Mia had said, looking as effortlessly cool as ever in a light hoodie and sunglasses perched on his head. My heart sank, and a wave of shock, mixed with something uncomfortably close to resentment, hit me.
I turned to Lincoln, who seemed oblivious to my reaction. "You didn't mention that Kiel would be coming," I said, trying to keep my voice calm.
"Oh, didn't I?" he replied, almost sheepishly. "I thought you two were good. I figured the more, the merrier." He gave me a reassuring smile, but my mind was spinning. This trip was supposed to be a break from all the things that had been weighing me down—including the awkward, lingering tension with Kiel. Now, here he was, right in the middle of my weekend escape.
I tried to keep my expression neutral as Kiel finally noticed me, his gaze lingering on me for a second longer than comfortable. There was a hint of something unreadable in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment that we weren't quite on easy terms. He lifted a hand in a casual greeting, and I managed a tight nod in return, refusing to let him see just how rattled I was by his presence.
The whole group began gathering for boarding, and I found myself feeling out of place on a trip I'd been looking forward to just hours earlier. Lincoln kept the conversation light as we moved toward the gate, his enthusiasm steadying me somewhat. I could feel Kiel somewhere behind us, but I kept my focus ahead, trying to steady myself for the unexpected challenge this trip had become.
As we boarded the plane, I sank into my seat by the window, hoping that maybe, with the island and the distance from school, I could find some way to navigate around the tangled mess of emotions that Kiel's presence had stirred up.
By the time we finally arrived at the resort, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting the beach in a warm, golden glow. The place was beautiful, almost surreal, with soft sand and crystal-clear water stretching out in front of us. I couldn't deny, Boracay was just as stunning as everyone said it was. And for a moment, I felt my worries melt away.
We made our way toward the beach house we'd be staying at, and I watched as Kiel effortlessly greeted everyone, his natural ease putting the whole group in a good mood. I noticed Mia already talking animatedly with a few classmates. She was in her element, fully comfortable, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. Whatever happened between us before, I hoped it would stay in the past, if only for the weekend.
"So, what's the plan for tonight?" I asked Lincoln as we walked down the sandy path toward the beachfront.
He looked out over the ocean, a calm smile on his face. "I figured we'd grab some dinner, maybe explore the town a bit if anyone's up for it. Nothing wild, just a laid-back night to get settled."
The plan sounded perfect. I wasn't here for parties or attention, just a bit of quiet. It was nice, really—simple, no pressure. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could let go of the usual expectations. Just for a few days, it was enough to be here, under the open sky, with nothing on my mind except what was right in front of me.
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Saturday evening settled around us as the restaurant glowed with a warm, inviting light that spilled over the tables. Beyond the open walls, the ocean shimmered in the moonlight, the waves gentle as they crept up the shore. The atmosphere was relaxed, casual laughter mixed with the scent of the sea, grilled fish, and spices. But beneath the easygoing mood, I could feel a strange tension pulling at me, especially with Kiel seated beside me. Despite the arguments we'd had during the project, despite all the unresolved things we never really addressed, there was something grounding about his presence. I couldn't help but feel drawn to it, even though I didn't know why.
Across from us, Mia which was impossible not to notice. Her white dress seemed to shine in the dim light, her laugh a little louder, her words perfectly timed to catch everyone's attention. Her gaze drifted from person to person, lingering on Kiel a bit longer, her eyes catching his every so often. And though Kiel sat beside me, occasionally leaning in to murmur something meant only for me, there was a subtle pull between him and Mia—a spark of familiarity that made my stomach twist, even as I told myself it shouldn't matter.
On my other side was Lincoln, whose company was as refreshing as it was unexpected. There was something genuine about the way he looked at me, his eyes shining with interest whenever he listened to what I had to say. We'd had a few good conversations back in class, but it hadn't crossed my mind that he might feel anything deeper. Tonight, though, the way he asked me about things we'd discussed in lectures, the way he listened with that steady focus, made me feel…noticed. Like he wasn't just interested in the surface, but in who I was, quirks and all.
Suddenly, Mark—already a little tipsy—grinned with the kind of mischief that meant trouble. "So…" he began, his voice just loud enough to catch everyone's attention. His eyes moved between me and Kiel, the corners of his mouth pulling into a smirk. "What's going on between you two?"
The question dropped like a stone into the calm sea of conversation, and for a second, everything went still. My pulse kicked up, and I glanced at Kiel, hoping he'd brush it off with the same casual ease he'd been holding all night. But he stayed silent for a heartbeat too long, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched, the weight of everyone's eyes pressing down on us, making it feel like something unsaid was hanging in the air.
Finally, Kiel shrugged, his face composed. "Nothing, really," he said, voice calm but controlled. "We're just here to have a good time."
But Mark wasn't about to let it go, his grin widening. "Oh, come on. I've seen the way you two look at each other." He leaned forward, his gaze flicking between us with a look of satisfaction. "Are we going to see some sparks this weekend?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I fought to keep my face neutral. Was it really that obvious? The idea of people assuming things about us, making judgments I hadn't even sorted out myself, was unnerving. I had no clue what Kiel felt, if he felt anything, and I wasn't ready to confront whatever it was I was feeling, either. I felt exposed, like everyone could see something that even I hadn't come to terms with.
But Kiel, unfazed as ever, chuckled. "Guess you'll just have to wait and see," he replied smoothly, his tone light enough to keep everyone guessing. The words were playful, but as he glanced my way, I caught a glint in his eyes, something unreadable, something almost challenging.
Lincoln, picking up on the unease in the air, turned to me with a soft smile. "So, Keiyi," he said, his voice warm and reassuring, "what's one thing you're looking forward to on this trip?" His question was an escape, a way out of the sudden spotlight, and I was grateful for it. I could feel his genuine interest, the way he looked at me as though I was the only one who mattered in that moment.
"I think… just some peace and quiet," I replied with a small smile, feeling the tension ease. Lincoln nodded, his gaze thoughtful, like he completely understood. And for a second, I felt calm—like with Lincoln, I didn't have to be anyone but myself.
But Kiel's expression shifted, a hint of something dark flickering across his face as he glanced between me and Lincoln. His casual, easygoing demeanor was gone, replaced with something sharper. I couldn't ignore the tension simmering between them, even if no words were said. Meanwhile, Mia was leaning toward Kiel, her eyes narrowing as she noticed his focus on me. Her laughter felt a little too loud, a little too pointed, and I could see the way she angled herself to catch his attention, drawing him into a conversation I wasn't part of.
Every glance, every smile, every little shift of attention felt charged, layered with things unspoken. It was like we were all playing a game no one wanted to name, a web of glances and half-smiles, each person trying to read between the lines. Kiel shifted closer to me, his shoulder brushing against mine as he laughed at something Lincoln said, though I couldn't tell if it was genuine or if he was just inserting himself into the conversation to stake his claim. Mia's gaze turned sharper, her voice lilting as she brought up memories with Kiel, moments I wasn't part of. And though I tried to act unfazed, a strange, possessive frustration bubbled in me—a feeling I didn't recognize, and one I wasn't sure I wanted to explore.
And Lincoln, quietly picking up on the subtle shifts, leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper as he said, "You're a lot more interesting than I realized." His tone was gentle, but it held a weight to it, and I could feel Kiel tense beside me.
For the rest of the dinner, I was caught in the middle of a silent tug-of-war, each look, each laugh, every small gesture heavy with hidden meanings. And even though we were surrounded by friends and laughter, a feeling of intensity settled over us, something unspoken and unresolved, waiting for the right moment to surface.
---
After dinner, I slipped away from the crowd and made my way back to my room. The warm, salty breeze from the ocean still lingered in the air, and I was grateful for the quiet. It had been a long day, filled with a mix of awkward tension, unspoken words, and a lot of things left unsaid between me and Kiel.
As I closed the door behind me, I tossed my bag on the bed and flopped down, burying my face in the pillow for a moment. I felt like I was living in two worlds. The one where everything was fine, just like I kept pretending, and the one where I couldn't stop thinking about the argument we had before the exam.
The knock on the door was quiet, almost tentative. I straightened up, pulling myself together. Was it him? Of course it was. Who else?
I opened the door, and there stood Kiel, looking like he wasn't sure whether he should be there or not. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously and smiled a little sheepishly.
"Hey," he said, his voice sounding lighter than I expected. "Can I come in?"
"Uh, yeah, sure," I replied, trying to act casual. "What's up?"
Kiel stepped inside, looking around like he was checking the room for some imaginary danger. I just closed the door behind him and leaned against the wall, my arms crossed.
He stood there for a second, his hands in his pockets, before finally speaking. "Look, I know I already apologized after the exam, but..." He trailed off, glancing at me. "It feels like things are still… off between us, you know? I mean, I feel like we're walking around in this weird, unspoken tension, and I don't know if it's me or if you're just… pissed at me still. But I wanted to check in."
I tilted my head, trying to hide the weird fluttering feeling in my chest. Was he seriously this concerned about everything? He didn't have to be. "I'm not pissed at you, Kiel. It's just… it's been a lot. That argument, me losing it on Mia, the project… it was just… a lot."
He sighed and took a step closer, but not too close, like he was giving me space. "I get it. You care about the grade, and you were just frustrated. Honestly, I get it. I just… I wish I'd handled it better. I didn't want to make things harder for you, especially when you were already stressing about everything."
I laughed, shaking my head. "It wasn't just about the grade, though. I was being ridiculous. I thought if everything was perfect, everything would go smoothly. But when Mia messed up, it felt like the whole thing was crashing down. And I freaked out." I sighed, rubbing my face. "I guess I was so focused on the project, I forgot to check on everyone else."
Kiel chuckled lightly, looking at me like I'd said something funny. "I know what you mean. But, uh, you know, empathy's a good thing. I probably should've said that earlier. Maybe not the way I said it, though. A little less... blunt."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, a little less 'a little empathy won't hurt' would've been nice." I raised my eyebrows. "I was already in full meltdown mode. You could've offered a snack or, I don't know, a blanket, instead of a life lesson."
He grinned, clearly relieved that I wasn't still upset. "What? No 'emergency' snacks?" He pulled an imaginary snack from his pocket and made a dramatic offering. "You don't want my homemade granola bar? It's part of my hero act, you know."
I raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile. "Oh, yeah. You're a real lifesaver, Kiel."
"You'll be glad you have me when you get a little too stressed next time," he said with a grin, clearly not backing down from his "hero" persona. "Anyway, my point is… I don't want to leave things weird between us. If I made it worse, I'm sorry. And, honestly, you don't have to pretend everything's okay if it's not."
I blinked, surprised at how open he was being. "I'm not pretending," I said, my voice soft. "It's just… hard, you know? I was too focused on getting it perfect, and I guess I didn't stop to think about how everyone else was feeling. Especially you. It's like, I didn't really see that we were all in this together."
Kiel gave me that soft, understanding smile of his, the one that made my chest feel warm. "I get it, Kei. And I'm not mad at you for losing it, okay? We all get stressed. I just didn't want you to think you have to handle it all alone. If you ever need to rant, or… I don't know, vent about how the world is out to get you, I'm your guy."
I gave him a teasing look. "The 'world' part is a little dramatic, don't you think? I'm not that… that much of a disaster."
He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "You sure? Because you're acting like one of those cartoon characters with a cloud of chaos following them around. But hey, I'm not judging."
"Gee, thanks for the support," I said, rolling my eyes. "Just so you know, I've got it under control. But if I need an emergency snack, I'll call for backup."
Kiel grinned, clearly pleased. "And I'll always answer the call. With snacks. And water." He paused. "But mostly snacks. For the record, it's like… my unofficial superpower."
I chuckled, leaning back against my desk. "I'll keep that in mind. You're the snack superhero, huh?"
He nodded, pretending to be all serious. "That's right. The cape's on the way."
I laughed at his ridiculousness, feeling the tension between us finally ease. It didn't feel like everything was resolved, but there was something comfortable in the way he was acting, the way he was showing up. He wasn't trying to fix me, just be here. And that was all I really needed.
Before I could say anything else, there was a knock on the door. "Come on, man, open up," a voice called from outside.
It was Mark, of course. I shot Kiel a look, and he let out a soft groan.
"Perfect timing," Kiel muttered, getting up to answer the door. Mark poked his head in, clearly expecting us to be in the middle of some kind of heated argument.
"Whoa, what's going on in here? Everything alright?" Mark asked, grinning like he had just walked in on a dramatic scene.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, everything's fine, Mark. Go away."
Mark raised his eyebrows. "Uh-huh, sure, I'll just leave you two alone then." He backed out of the room with a sarcastic salute, clearly entertained.
Once the door closed, I looked back at Kiel, both of us trying not to laugh at how awkward that had just been. "Thanks for handling that," I said with a little chuckle.
"No problem," he replied, sitting back down next to me. Then, in his typical Kiel fashion, he leaned forward, grabbed the water bottle on my bedside table, and twisted the cap off before handing it to me. "Drink up," he said with a wink. "You've been looking dehydrated all night."
I stared at him for a second, surprised by the simple gesture. "You're really going to act like you're my personal water boy now?" I joked, taking the bottle from him.
"Hey, hydration is important," he said seriously, but with that playful smile. "I just don't want you passing out on me, okay? Plus, it's like my superpower—water-fetching."
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension from earlier starting to fade as we both settled into a more relaxed rhythm. "Yeah, yeah. You're a regular superhero."
He leaned back, still smiling. "Glad to be of service, Captain Kei."
And just like that, the heaviness of the conversation lifted a little. His little acts of care, like handing me the water or making sure I was okay earlier, they felt different tonight. They didn't feel like just casual kindness—they felt intentional. Like he was trying to show me that I didn't have to go through this alone. And that was something I never really allowed myself to believe before.
"Alright," I said, stretching and breaking the moment with a grin. "What now, water boy? Should I expect you to start cooking me dinner next?"
Kiel laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm afraid I'm not that skilled in the kitchen yet, but if you want a snack, I'm your guy. Snacks I can handle."
I smiled, feeling more at ease. "Perfect. You can start with grabbing me some chips, then."
As Kiel got up to grab the snacks, I realized something. Despite all the tension earlier, and despite everything we hadn't said yet, there was something simple and comforting in these moments. And I was starting to think that wasn't so bad.