Chapter 1 — Summer in the Island Resort
"YES! THE SEA!" I shouted as soon as the view opened before us.
The bright sun reflected off the waves, and the whole ocean seemed to sparkle just for us. Surfing, scuba diving, sailing, swimming... my mind filled with everything I wanted to do. I couldn't wait to dive in and reach that rocky shore nearby.
"Whoever jumps in first wins!" Don yelled. Before anyone could stop him, he dove straight into the sea, and the others quickly followed.
Only Mike and I were left standing on the sand, taking a deep breath and admiring the endless blue. That peace didn't last long—suddenly, a splash of cold water hit my face.
"Hey! No fair! Take that!" Mike laughed, throwing water back at them.
"Hahahaha! I love the sea!" I shouted, joining in as water flew everywhere and laughter echoed under the sun.
Then Sonnie's voice cut through our fun.
"Yah! Kids! What are you all doing there? I can't set up the tent by myself!" He stood a few meters away, arms full of beach gear.
"Sorry, bro!" we yelled, running over to help him.
Once the tent was finally up, Sonnie grinned and held up a beach ball. "Alright, how about finding some girls to play with?"
The rest of us exchanged awkward glances, but before anyone could stop him, Sonnie was already marching toward a group of girls chatting nearby.
For young guys and girls like us, this beach was a paradise for flirting—but not everyone was brave enough to succeed.
"I'm sorry, we're not interested," one of the girls said politely when Sonnie invited them.
We tried—and failed—to hold back our laughter. Sonnie's face screamed 'Oh my god, this is so awkward, what do I do?!'
"Hey, bro! What are you doing there? Come play with us!" Wayde called out, pretending to rescue him. We waved dramatically, trying not to burst out laughing.
The girls' faces lit up when they saw us, but Sonnie, red-faced, quickly turned and stomped back toward us, leaving the girls behind with disappointed smiles.
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