"Girls! Let's eat first before we go sightseeing, okay? Come down right after you're done—we'll wait for you there!" Darlene reminded them while adjusting her sling bag. She was already dressed and ready to head down.
"Okay, we'll follow. We're almost done too," Kitty replied as she rubbed lotion on her arms. From the bathroom, the sound of running water could be heard—Gel was still showering. The three girls shared a hotel room, while the boys were in the room next door.
After lunch, they kicked off the first day of their Batanes adventure. They were taken around by a tourist guide arranged by Darlene and Oliver. As they drove through the narrow roads, the joy and wonder were evident on everyone's faces.
At Mt. Carmel Chapel, they let a few quiet minutes pass, admiring the stunning hills surrounding the area. At Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel, they felt chills walking through the narrow, dark passage, imagining the soldiers who once stayed there. At Valugan Boulder Beach, they listened to the crashing waves against the large rocks, their hair playing in the breeze.
At the final stop of the day—the Basco Lighthouse—they stood at the top of the old tower, letting the calm, green scenery and vast ocean consume them.
The next morning, they woke up early and full of energy for their Sabtang Island trip. On the 30-minute boat ride, their laughter echoed even above the crashing waves. At the Chamantad-Tiñan Viewpoint, Kitty couldn't believe how beautiful the view was—it felt like a scene straight out of a movie. At Beantage Coffee, they warmed up with a cup of local brew, and at Jino's Pizza House, they eagerly chose the flavors they wanted to try.
On the last day of their tour, they didn't miss Marlboro Hills. There, while watching the sunset, a brief silence fell—like no one wanted the journey to end. Of course, they also visited the Honesty Coffee Shop, which they had only seen on TV before. After dinner at Little Café, they returned to their hotel—but the night wasn't over yet.
***
"Seriously? Is there no other game?" Lance complained while shuffling a deck of cards in his hands.
"Oh, come on! This is fun! And didn't you say you're not a coward?" Darius teased with a mischievous grin. He could tell his cousin was getting antsy.
"You look like someone who's holding in a dump," Darlene joked, causing everyone to look at Lance.
He scratched his head. "Ah, hehe…"
"Come on, guys! Let's start! I'm super excited!" Oliver jumped in, taking advantage of the now-awkward moment. In his mind, he thought, "Hmm… something's fishy!"
And so, the game began. Laughter and teasing filled the air, especially with each daring challenge. No one picked "truth"—they all said that was boring. Despite the chilly night air, no one noticed the time. A few meters away on the beach, a bonfire burned while tourists danced, carried away by music and the joy of the place.
Until…
"Yes! It's my turn now!" Darius shouted when it was his turn to pick a dare for Lance. "You're in trouble now! You've been gunning for me all night!"
Lance shrugged. "Whatever, bro."
But when he heard Darius's dare, he blinked several times. "My dare for you? Kiss the most beautiful girl here in your eyes."
"Huh?"
"Oh? What? Didn't you hear me?"
Lance let out a deep sigh. "I don't see anyone beautiful."
"Are you sure?"
"Sure."
"So, your crush isn't beautiful?" Darius teased.
"Oh? You have a crush here?" Gel chimed in, causing everyone to turn their eyes to Lance.
He froze in place. It felt like his chest was being squeezed. He didn't know if it was the alcohol or the tension thick in the air.
Before he could speak, he stood up and slowly walked toward someone.
Kitty.
Before she could react, he cupped her cheek and gave her a quick kiss on the corner of her lips.
One second.
Two.
Before Kitty could move, Lance ran off as fast as he could.
"YOU JERK, LANCE!!!" the girl shouted, her voice echoing across the shore.
***
Back at the hotel, everyone started getting ready for bed. Only Kitty was left in the room after Darlene stepped out when she got a text from Oliver. Gel was picked up by Darius, who wasn't about to miss a chance to be alone with his girlfriend on their last night there.
Out on the terrace, Darius wrapped his arms around Gel from behind. "Love, I want to come back here. Just the two of us."
"Well, that depends if we'll be allowed to go here just the two of us," Gel replied with a laugh.
"That's not a problem, love. I'll take care of that."
"Save it for after we finally make it to Seoul," Gel teased.
Darius hugged her tighter. "Please! You think your bias is actually waiting for you there?"
"Oh really? Am I the only one crushing on someone?"
"Love, relax. We haven't even landed in Seoul yet and you're already jealous!"
They laughed together. But before they could keep teasing, Lance walked out of the bathroom.
"Have some respect for us singles!" he complained. "Geez, you two act like no one else is in the room!"
"Bro, just get over your cowardice so you can finally get yourself a girlfriend," Darius replied with a mischievous grin.
It wasn't the first time Angel had heard Darius call his cousin Lance a coward. As much as she wanted to ask about it, she chose to respect whatever secret the two cousins were keeping.
Lance shook his head. "I'm out of here. Better to wander around than to witness your shameless flirting."
He walked out of the room, not quite sure where he was headed.
But one thing was clear in his mind:
"I'm dead meat tomorrow when I see Kitty again… I need to prepare for that."