The group was just starting to breathe again—barely recovered from last night's chaos and the painfully silent breakfast—when the final boss arrived.
Vice Principal Raj Desai walked into the buffet lounge, sunglasses perched on his head, button-up shirt half-tucked, and coffee in hand like he owned the morning.
"Good morning, everyone!" he greeted cheerfully, flashing a wide grin.
The students froze like deer in headlights.
VP Desai's gaze landed on the most unexpected face at the table.
"Mr.Brown?"
He raised a brow. "Sir, weren't you supposed to leave after the charity event?"
Sage, already too comfortable, lifted his coffee with a smile.
"Change of plans. I've decided to accompany these lovely students till the end of their trip. It's a bonding opportunity."
VP Desai nodded slowly. "Ahhh. Sure, sure. The more the merrier."
He clapped his hands once. "So? Did everyone sleep soundly last night?"
Five forks dropped. Three students coughed. One choked.
Juli visibly died inside. Ray pretended the ceiling was fascinating. Jake facepalmed. Prez tried to crawl under the table. Jean? Jean gave up on existing.
Sam, doing damage control, forced a stiff smile.
"Y-yeah. We all slept great, VP Sir. Really... soundly."
Sage leaned closer to Sam, voice a velvet whisper against his ear.
"Your sound echoed through my villa."
Sam choked on his juice. "Shut up!" he hissed under his breath, cheeks turning a dangerous shade of crimson.
VP Desai, blissfully unaware: "That's wonderful! Youth needs proper rest. We're going to have a BLAST today!"
He sauntered away toward the coffee machine like nothing happened.
Sage smirked into his cup.
The rest of the table was collectively debating if they could legally dissolve into the floor.
_______
The sun blazed high, waves lapped against the shore, and the salty wind whipped through the air like freedom.
Beach Day had officially begun.
The students had traded last night's stolen glances and red marks for oversized sunglasses, neon swimwear, and an unreasonable amount of sunscreen.
Jean, arms crossed and t-shirt still on, glared at the others, "If anyone mentions last night, I'm walking into the ocean."
Jake showed up in flamingo-printed trunks with no shame and immediately started building a sand throne. "I'm a king now. You can all bow."
Prez, in a strappy black swimsuit and sheer wrap, walked by like a menace, "I already made you kneel last night, remember?"
Jake choked on his coconut water.
Juli, tan lotion in one hand, winked at Ray who immediately tripped over his own feet.
Felton visibly rolled his eyes.
Rai, wearing dark shades and a disgusted expression, was the only one in full sleeves and socks in the sand.
Rowon: "You look like you're undercover at a beach resort."
Rai: "I am. I'm here to supervise. Not die from UV exposure."
Sage showed up fashionably late, shirt unbuttoned, towel slung over one shoulder.
Sam, already in the water, groaned when he saw him.
Sage smirked, "You're not running from me now, are you?"
Sam turned away, ears red. "The ocean is safer."
VP Desai had already started a volleyball match. He served a perfect shot that hit Jake in the face.
"WAKE UP, TEAM. THIS ISN'T A NAP."
Felton, lounging under an umbrella, sipped a cold drink while watching Rowon lather sunscreen on his neck.
"You missed a spot," he said.
Rowon: "Yeah? Come apply it yourself, big guy."
Felton nearly dropped his drink.
The sun glimmered on the water like crushed diamonds. Everything should've been peaceful. It could've been.
Until Jean yanked Rai's hand, dragging him from the shade and into the sea.
Rai: "You'll regret this."
Jean: "I regret nothing except not doing it sooner."
The splash war started soft—until Sage walked by, smug and dry.
Sam, peacefully floating, narrowed his eyes. "Don't."
Too late.
Sage picked him up bridal style and tossed him into the ocean like a skipping stone.
"Revenge for the lip biting."
Sam came up, drenched and glaring. "You need to be drowned."
Sage: "Why do you think I brought you here?"
Meanwhile, under an umbrella, Felton sipped his pineapple juice like a responsible adult.
"Not my circus."
Sage smirked. "Wrong again, brother."
He snatched Felton by the leg and dragged him like a sack of potatoes into the waves.
Felton: "YOU'RE DEAD—"
Rowon helped.
Rowon: "Consider this a team-building exercise."
The chaos officially began.
---
The Teams Are Set:
Team One:
Jean, Sam, Prez, Juli, Rowon
(Sassy, strategic, and scandalous)
Team Two:
Sage, Rai, Felton, Ray, Jake
(Muscle, menace, and emotional damage)
Referee Miana:
Whistle. Clipboard. Zero tolerance.
---
Water Volleyball Begins
Miana blows her whistle like she's hosting the Olympics.
"NO CHEATING. NO DROWNING. WINNING IS EVERYTHING."
First serve:
Jake spikes it toward Prez. She dodges and lets it hit Juli, who melts dramatically into the water.
Juli: "I'm down. CPR required."
Ray: "That was your own teammate."
Jean does a fake stretch, shirt riding up just enough to short-circuit Rai's brain.
Rai: "Foul."
Miana: "You can't foul for being hot."
Sam twirls a wet strand of hair, winks at Sage, then spikes the ball so hard it smacks Sage in the face.
Sage, blinking, water dripping: "Did I just get assaulted by a kitten?"
Felton gives him a thumbs up.
Rowon (smirking): "Guess you're not the only one who leaves marks."
Jake tries to flirt with Prez mid-serve.
Prez just fake-moans and he fumbles the ball into the net.
Felton, losing focus, watches Rowon walk past and gets splashed in the face by Jean's serve.
Miana blows the whistle—"TEAM ONE WIN!!"
---
Aftermath:
Team two: Wet, humiliated, and suspiciously turned on.
Team one: Victorious, smug, and very aware of what they're doing.
Sage: "You all played dirty."
Prez: "We didn't touch anyone. Yet."
Felton, glaring at Rowon: "This was your plan."
Rowon: "And it worked."
Jean and Rai drift away from the group, just floating side by side.
Jean: "Admit it. This was fun."
Rai: "Only because you're next to me."
Meanwhile, Sam tries to sneak away…
Sage: "Oh no you don't."
He drags him under again—Sam resurfaces coughing and laughing.
________
After a long morning of water volleyball, too much teasing, and entirely too much eye contact, the gang finally shuffled back to their rooms. Freshened up, hair still damp and salt lingering in the air, they gathered for lunch in the buffet hall—worn out, barely holding their spoons, zombie-like.
Until—
Miana: "So... market exploration anyone?"
Eyes. Lit. Up.
Suddenly, all the exhaustion? Gone.
Jake, eyes blazing: "Let's GO!"
He grabbed Prez's wrist mid-bite.
Prez (mouth full): "Wait, you jerk!! I just got my dessert!!"
Jean and Rai exchanged looks that said everything.
Jean (smirking): "Wanna?"
Rai (cool): "Already planning it."
Felton, dead inside: "Why do I feel like I'm turning into a child again?"
Sage (grinning): "Come on... we're on vacation, brother."
Felton: "Say that word one more time and I'll knock your veneers out."
Sage just laughed, slipping a hand around Sam's waist.
Sam (eyebrow raised): "What's that?"
Sage: "We're going to the market. Let's go."
Rowon (already dragging Felton): "And I'm making sure you actually touch something edible."
Ray, Juli, and Miana stuck together, all bright-eyed and arguing over which stalls looked more delicious. Juli and Miana were in a full-blown eat-off, while Ray filmed the whole thing for "evidence of their crimes."
The local Phuket market was a colorful blur of hanging lanterns, grilled skewers, and loud music. They wandered like a chaotic little gang—laughing, shoving food into each other's mouths, and getting sidetracked at every corner.
Felton tried to avoid the spiced fish cakes. Tried.
Sage, noticing, gave a subtle glance at Sam and Rowon.
Both nodded.
One second later—
Felton: "Wait, what are you—no, I swear to God—"
Sam & Rowon: "Shhh—open up."
Shoved it right in.
Felton: chews in betrayal
Sam: "See? Not bad, right?"
Felton (muttering): "You all deserve hell."
---
Meanwhile, Rai and Jean had gotten separated from the group, meandering through quieter alleys filled with trinkets and local ice cream carts.
Rai bought Jean a small cone.
Jean (licking it slowly): "So… You didn't do anything to me last night."
Rai, nonchalant: "You weren't sober."
Jean: "Quite the gentleman."
Rai (low): "You'll see how much in bed."
Jean's cheeks flushed as the sea breeze caught their hands, brushing skin to skin. Rai reached out and took his hand—firm and unashamed. They kept walking, side by side, closer than before.
---
They reunited with the group near the end of the market stroll.
Sage (grinning): "So, detective, where've you been?"
Rai (dry): "Fucking."
Sage: "Ohoho~ didn't know Mister Law was this desperate."
Felton, sipping coconut juice, sighed: "Why are we like this?"
Sam looked Jean up and down—flushed face, starry-eyed expression.
Sam (to Jean, low): " I don't like him, he was ogling at you on the beach on broad daylight. Shameless"
Jean (shrugging): "You're talking like Mr. Brown didn't cling to you the entire time."
Sam: blushes and glares at Sage
Desperate to change the topic, Sam pointed randomly at a vendor.
Sam: "Woahh! I wanna try that!"
Sage, being extra: buys every skewer on the cart
_______
As the golden sky bled into purple, the gang gathered again at the beach. Blankets spread out, a bonfire blazing, and the grill already sizzling with BBQ goodness.
Jake and Prez had somehow gathered all the ingredients—don't ask how.
Rai, Sage, and Felton were manning the grills like domestic kings.
Meanwhile, Juli flopped down in front of the fire, hair tied, marshmallow in hand.
Juli (evil grin): "Let's play Never Have I Ever."
Everyone: groan in sync
Rowon: "Oh no."
Jean: "We're gonna die."
Sage (smirking): "Good. I like bloodshed with my BBQ."
______
Nighttime on the beach — bonfire crackling, the scent of grilled BBQ in the air. Everyone sits in a wide circle, plastic chairs pulled around the fire. Bottles of juice are passed around. Prez stands dramatically with a box in her hands.
Prez (eyeing Sage):"Don't worry, folks. It's real grape juice this time."
Miana:"Can't trust anyone these days," she teases, handing out the bottles.
Juli (grinning):"Everyone knows the rules. You say something you've never done, and if you have done it, you drink. No questions, no confessions. Just vibes."
Rowon (already sipping):"Where has my life gone? I'm playing party games with chaotic teens."
Jake (puffing up):"Let me start. Never have I ever... drank actual alcohol."
Everyone groans — and drinks. The entire group, still feeling the consequences from last night's "grape juice," rolls their eyes.
Prez:"You're still drunk, aren't you?"
Jake:"Maybe."
Prez (smirking):"Okay then. Never have I ever... had sex."
A pause. Bottles are raised.
Sage, Felton, Rowon, Rai, Juli, Ray, and Sam take a sip.
Jean, Miana, Prez, Jake — do not.
Jean (blinking):"Wait… Sam?!"
Sam (calmly):"No comments, no questions. Those are the rules, right?"
Everyone's eyebrows shoot up — especially Ray and Juli, who are now sipping quietly too.
Jake:"Excuse me?! My two best friends just outed their relationship through a juice bottle?"
Sam:"Weren't you the one making out in the bathtub last night?"
Prez (blushing furiously):"Can we move on, please?!"
Miana (cheerfully):"Never have I ever stolen something!"
Sage, Felton, and Rowon all take a sip — suspiciously casual.
Jean:"That's concerning."
Juli (grinning):"Never have I ever... topped someone."
Cue chaotic side-eyes.
Sage, Felton, Rai, and Ray take a long sip.
Rai leans toward Rowon, whispering:"You... bottomed?"
Rowon (deadpan):"Drink your juice and shut up."
Sage throws a proud pat on Felton's back.
Felton swats his hand away without looking up.
Ray:"Never have I ever eaten raw food."
Everyone groans and drinks. The memories are still too fresh.
Jean:"Never have I ever... been to jail."
Jake and Juli sip quickly. Miana gasps.
Miana:"Wait — what did you two do?!"
Juli:"No questions."
Jake:"Prez bailed us out. Real MVP."
Rai (smirking):"Never have I ever done something illegal."
Jean (mocking):"Says the public servant."
Rowon mutters under his breath:"Who's Phantom, then?"
Rai:"Keep my code names out of your mouth."
Rowon:"Never have I ever... given a... certain kind of mouth service."
Sage, Felton, Ray, and Juli sip.
Sam turns red.
Jean (to Rai):"You didn't?"
Rai (softly):"Waiting for someone worth it."
Felton:"Never have I ever drank driven."
Jake, Ray, Prez, Juli, and Sam all drink... with guilt.
Sam:"Never have I ever loved someone."
No one drinks. But the quiet glance-sharing begins. Long stares. Shoulder bumps. Smiles hidden in sips.
Sage:"Never have I ever... spared a life when I shouldn't have."
Jean, Felton, Rowon, and Rai stay still.
Sam, Jake, Prez, Ray, and Juli sip quietly.
Jean doesn't. Rai notices. His brows furrow.
Rai (quietly):"You didn't drink."
Jean stays silent, fiddling with his bottle cap.
Before the tension can bubble over—
Miana (brightly):"Guys, I think the grills are ready!"
Everyone: Bless Miana.
They scatter for food like the bonfire just exploded.
Sage (grumbling):"Who put carrots on my plate?"
Felton (deadpan):"I did."
Sage gave him a middle finger.
Miana:"Mr. Sage! I like carrots! You can give them to me."
Sage (blinking at her soft smile):"...Will it be okay?"
Miana (smiling):"Definitely."
Sage:"Cute."
Sam:"Admit it. That melted you."
Sage (sighing as he passes carrots):"If she ever needs help, she gets it. Free pass."
_______
As the group slowly finishes their food, the fire still crackles warmly. People are lying back in chairs or sitting cross-legged on towels, watching the stars. The mood is cozy, full of teasing smirks and quiet giggles.
Miana (checking the cooler):"Wait... the bottles are finished?"
Jake (groaning):"Oh no... emergency situation."
Miana:"I'll go grab some from the van."
Sam:"Do you want me to come with you?"
Miana (smiling):"Chill, I got this."
She stands, dusts off her shorts, and walks off into the dark, humming.
A few minutes pass.
Jake (glancing at the cooler):"She's taking a while..."
Sam (frowning):"Yeah... let me go check—"
Jake (standing):"I'm coming too."
They both head off toward the van.
The van door is slightly open. The headlights from the beach just barely reach it. Sam and Jake approach slowly, expecting to hear Miana muttering or struggling with a crate.
Instead... silence.
A bottle lies sideways in the sand.
Her phone.
One sandal.
Sam's eyes widened.
Sam:"Miana?!"
Jake (more urgent):"Miana!"
Nothing.
Just the crash of the distant waves.
Jean, still back at the bonfire, snaps his head up when he hears the panic in their voices.
Jean:"Something's wrong."
He bolts off the sand toward them, with Sage right behind