Tis the longest chapter I have. Drop comments abeg else I disappear again.

Also, am I the one that feels like today's episode of Labarina won't be that interesting. No worries, I've got you covered.

Get yourself a cold Pepsi. It's a good one.

Later on at night, they all decided to gather together for a night of BBQ. The day was spent on them doing random things, though at one point they formed groups to just do what each had in mind.

For Amina who was there for the first time, Hunter and Chris offered to show her around—with the aid of Benazir whom wasn't willing to be away from her old friend. So, the group of four went ahead to explore the island, sight seeing with the guys acting as tourists.

As for Bae Hyun, Dean, Aahil and Kimura, they were off for some work related stuff. As it turns out, Bae Hyun is pretty big in their team as well so the four could go on hours about work stuff that will make the others yawn. Clearly, they don't go hand in hand.

The only conclusion they came to, and agreed unanimously was the BBQ night, which started immediately after Isha prayer in the backyard.

The backyard, framed by a canopy of towering oak and maple trees  create a natural, leafy cathedral overhead. The trees' branches stretch out like welcoming arms, dappled with the warm, golden glow of fairy lights that twinkle in the evening's embrace—the lights were set by them to add to the atmosphere. The enchanting lights sway gently in the breeze, casting a mesmerizing pattern of shadows on the grass below.

A wooden deck, adorned with cozy outdoor furniture, extends from the back of the house, providing a comfortable lounging area. Plush cushions in earthy tones adorn the chairs and benches, inviting everyone to relax and take in the serene surroundings.

A soft, rustling sound emanates from the wind chimes hanging nearby, their delicate melodies adding an extra layer of enchantment to the atmosphere. Tall, ornamental grasses and colorful potted flowers line the perimeter of the yard, creating a natural border that blends seamlessly with the lush greenery of the lawn. The garden was a personal handwork of Amma, whom had stepped out to meet up with acquaintances of hers.

In the center of this idyllic scene, the grill takes pride of place, its gleaming surface reflecting the ambient light. It stands beneath a rustic pergola draped with climbing vines and fragrant jasmine, offering a cozy shelter for Chris, whom claimed to be grill master.

He may or may not have burnt the first set of barbecue. Bae Hyun came to his aid, seamlessly and expertly taking over the grill with expertise that would have one with a mouth hung open.

Not to mention how elegant he looks doing just that. Amina wasn't fan of the man, since he isn't that of hers as well. But, she won't deny he pulls the looks of the men she sees in kdramas without much effort. He could audition for one and if the role was about looks, he'd get it.

To dine as well, there was a long wooden dining table, adorned with a classic red and white checkered tablecloth. It sits beneath the same pergola, surrounded by comfortable wooden chairs. Overhead, a large, decorative paper lantern—courtesy and hand made by the ever artistic Benazir--adds a touch of elegance, diffusing a warm, gentle light over the dining area.

Around the table, the food is artfully arranged on platters and in colorful ceramic bowl. The sizzle and aroma of the barbecue promised a mouthwatering event. Tabbouleh Salad, Falafel—Crispy and golden-brown chickpea patties, served with tahini sauce, Vegetable Kebabs and Fruit Skewers were laid on the table, made by the three women with occasional help by the men.

An assorted variety of drinks were also present. It ranges from Mint Lemonade, iced tea, fruit punch and of course, sodas.

The gentle backdrop of nature's symphony, the soft glow of lights, and the fragrant blooms create a magical ambiance that sets the stage for the dinner with the sound laughter lightening the mood all under the star-studded night sky.

"Can we finish all this, though?" Amina inquired, her gaze set on the table they were adding the final touches to.

Benazir, whom was tasked at the moment with distributing glass cups in case any would like the drinks, chuckled, then shook her head. "You have no idea how much men eat, by the looks of it."

Kimura nodded in agreement, from where she stood, having brought the last thing needed there—the sodas. She knows a particular someone that has an unhealthy obsession with despite knowing someone in his position shouldn't consume that much.

"They eat a lot," She agreed with Benazir as she met Amina's gaze. "But you're right, we do have quite a lot here."

"We can always store the ones we need and give out the rest." Benazir suggested, so they wouldn't end up wasting such food. They just wanted to make a lot to commemorate the dinner.

It's rare that they all get together like that, so when they do, they make the best of it.

"Done." Amina declared, taking a step away from the table to observe their work. It looks good. They did well.

Benazir nodded in agreement, clasping her hands together. "We can get started then." Her face broke into a wide grin. "Let's call the guys."

"Let me. You two settle down first. I'll get them." Mia offered kindly, already on her heels before the two could object, not that they had any plan for that.

The two did majority of the work, because the woman was still cooped up with Aahil and Bae Hyun. Whatever they were discussing had to important by the looks of it. Because of that, the woman offered help whenever she can when she met them in the kitchen.

"She's nicer than I expected." Amina admitted, watching as Kimura covered the little distance between them and the grill where the guys were, handling the grill and having the time of their lives while on it.

After meeting the woman for the first time earlier on, she honestly had a bad impression of her. She seems stuck up. Like those women that took everything seriously and deemed everyone below them.

Amina didn't have to tell Benazir what her impression of the woman was. It was painted right across her face, so Benazir guessed it right. They had a short conversation on it, which was dismissed as they had other things to focus on.

However, after spending the past hour with the woman, Amina was proved wrong. She know it's too early to come to that conclusion, but still.

Benazir offered Amina a knowing smile that screamed I told you so, because she did. Sighing, she spared the woman a glance as well, her warm smile intact. "She may be strict on her morals, but she's kind deep down. You just have to get to know her first."

Amina could only nod in agreement, her gaze set on the woman and a particular man she seems close to. She didn't know why, but she found herself voicing her thought out. "I guess that's why she gets along with Aahil well enough, huh?" She stated casually.

She had no ill intentions for saying that. There was no need for it. She was simply stating facts.

Even then, at that very moment, the two conversed with smiles on their faces. She doubt she's ever seen him smiling like that. He was constantly frowning.

Benazir didn't miss the action as well. Pressing her lips together, she nodded to confirm Amina's words. "I guess," She sighed, shifting her gaze to Amina. "but believe me, she's closer to Dean."

"Dean?" Amina had seen her interact with him, and though she agree, they do seem close, she simply seems closer to his brother.

"Yes, Dean." Benazir confirmed. "That's what happens when you have a common idol."

"A common idol?"

"Him." Benazir gestured to Aahil, whom was laughing over something someone over there said. He seemed carefree. If Amina didn't see him with her own two eyes the night before, she would've been convinced he's a different man.

"—believe it or not, everyone here is grateful to him in one way or the other. The guys, Kimura, even I. We are able to be here altogether, and consider each other a family because of him."

Amina wanted to ask if they are talking about the same man she knows, but refrained from doing that

If there's one thing she has realized is that they all adore the man. Everyone has been complimenting him as if they had planned it. If their expression and words didn't sound so genuine, Amina would've thought they planned it all.

Still, she couldn't bring herself to completely keep shut. "I find that hard to believe." She stated earnestly. "Or maybe he just hates me in particular." She was honestly starting to believe that.

Because why is he good to everyone except her? It didn't bother her before, but being around people that love him, she was beginning to have questions.

Benazir didn't take her words the wrong way. Personally, she knew why Amina felt that way. She had her questions too, wondering why the woman stood out.

Why did he target her in particular?

Even with that, she still held up her warm smile, as if knowing what Amina doesn't. "Give it time." She advised. "You may not see it, but he is quite childish most times. He doesn't know how to handle his feelings. Seems he's sill caught up in that childish mentality of his."

"Huh?"

"Don't bother yourself over it." Benazir advised instead, upon seeing the guys starting to make their way towards them. "He'll come around. I promise."

Amina had no time to question Benazir over the riddles she's left hanging in the air before the others arrived, and they all settled down on their  respective seats.

Speaking of the devil, Aahil ended up seated across her while Dean was to her left, with Benazir on her right. Kimura sat beside Aahil, and beside her was Hunter and Chris. Bae Hyun sat beside Dean.

Dean must've noticed something off with Amina, because he leaned in slightly and whispered. "You okay?"

She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her lips slanting into a small smile. "Yeah," she nodded. "I'm good."

Dean wasn't convinced, she could tell from how he was silent afterwards, searching her eyes for any proof that would show otherwise. He didn't get the answers he wanted, but he didn't push as well knowing if she wanted to share, she would've.

So, he ended up nodding instead. "Okay."

"Alright, everyone." Hunter clanked  his glass cup, to gain their attention all. When they fixed their attention on him, he cleared his throat and got on his feet. "Before we start, I'd like to make a toast to the newest member of our Familia." He gestured his cup in Amina's direction.

The guys hooted, making everyone end up in chuckles, including her as well.

"Amina," Hunter continued. "We may not be related by blood, but we consider each other a family. You being here with us means you're now a part of our family, and we welcome you as such. Yes, we all have our shortcomings, and we may not always get along but at the end of the day, we are still a family. Nothing will ever change that."

"True that."

"He's right."

"Always."

"—if you need us, we're just a call away. You have brothers to back you, and sisters as well. Oh, and a husband." It won't be Hunter if he doesn't tease her anyway. "You're our sister-in-law on top."

And as always, Chris has his back. "He's not lying." He confirmed.

She's still yet to understand where that fact originated from. She can't remember being involved in anything in front of them. Well, except being left alone to ride horses which ended up in a date with Dean.

Is this what this all is about?

Though everyone seemed to have made the whole thing a joke, Amina couldn't help but throw a glare in Hunters direction. He offered her a cheeky grin in return.

Rolling her eyes, she looked away only for her gaze to unfortunately meet that of the man seated across her. While she flashed him a small glare, she got a smirk in return.

She choose to ignore him.

Hunter continued. "—Welcome to the Jeju Squad, noona!"

**

Amina felt as though she's belongs. It's a feeling of feeling among. To be welcomed with open arms, and to feel part of a whole. It felt as though she had siblings, and for someone's who's never has any, it was a warm feeling she wasn't sure when she'll get used to.

They were all so welcoming, seamlessly letting her into their circle with no questions asked. Even if she were left with that alone, Amina wouldn't regret choosing to tag along with Benazir for the weekend.

She was meant to return the next day, as the weekend was up already. She didn't want to think of going back to her everyday, boring labor market life.

She couldn't imagine anything worse.

So, she choose to tuck it away in the corner of her mind and go about her life, to enjoy the night to the fullest.

After the dinner, they all decided to camp somewhere else to lounge around. Nestled in a secluded corner of the backyard, a charming fire pit lounge beckons with its rustic allure. The crackling flames of the fire pit cast a warm and mesmerizing glow, providing a perfect resting point.

The fire pit itself is a masterpiece of stonework, constructed with earthy, textured stones that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Its circular shape creates an intimate gathering space, and the inner rim is adorned with smooth, polished stones that double as both seating and a decorative touch.

The inbuilt stone seats are gently curved and topped with plush, weather-resistant cushions in earthy tones, offering both comfort and style. Throw pillows with intricate patterns add a pop of color and coziness to the seating, inviting one to relax and unwind.

Around the fire pit, a low, mosaic-topped table provides a convenient surface for placing drinks or snacks. Lanterns and candles placed strategically on the table and nearby ledges add a soft, ambient glow, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Surrounded by a lush, manicured garden and tall shrubs, the fire pit lounge enjoys a sense of privacy and tranquility, making it the ideal escape for intimate conversations and quiet moments. The flickering flames dance in harmony with the sounds of laughter and their light conversations.

They came to a conclusion to play a game. Truth, or Dare. Clearly, the idea of none other than the self proclaimed genius, Hunter.

Some were wary of the idea, knowing just how the man could be but what could possibly happen in one night? With that thought in mind, they tossed aside the worries aside and decided to just enjoy the night to the fullest.

The bottle was spun, it going around in circles before it slowed down, coming to a complete halt soon enough. It fell on Kimura, and Chris.

Chris took a sip of his fruit punch, his lips slanting into a smile that showed he fully planned on taking advantage of the situation. "Alright, Kimura. Truth, or Dare?"

Kimura, unfazed by potentially being set up for a trap fixed her stern gaze on him, her arms resting on her crossed legs. "Truth." She stated, with no hesitation whatsoever.

He scoffed, "Is the great Mia Kimura scared of picking dare? What? Can't handle it?" He tried to provoke her.

Keyword, tried.

It didn't work, obviously. She wasn't one to be provoked that easily. She's never been provoked to do anything. At least, none that the guys have seen before.

Her steel eyes unwavering from him, her expression firm showed she wasn't to be swayed.

The man sighed, then gave in. "Tell us. How is working with Aahil? He makes your life hell, doesn't he?" He slanted his gaze in the direction of the said man, whom threw him a glare in return.

Kimura shrugged. "He's not bad, he takes care of his issues so there's no such thing as making my life hell." She casually stated, like it as an answer she was ready to give even if she was woken up from sleep.

It was the truth though.

Chris could only huff, muttering something along the lines of, "Of course you'd defend him." Why did he even waste his question on something he knows the answer to as well?

The bottle was spun yet again. This time around, it took shorter time than it did earlier. It fell on Benazir, and Hunter. The man's lips slanted into a smug grin, despite seeing the smirk on her face.

"Truth or dare, Chestnut. Pick one." Oh how she would make his life hell if he picks dare. Knowing how smug he is, he would probably end up choosing that just so he can brag.

His smug grin widened. Leaning forward slightly, he rested his arms on his thighs and let the silence drag, before his answer came. "Truth."

Her smirk fell. "What?" She wasn't expecting that. What happened to the smug, self centered man she knew?

"Truth." Her repeated, slowly this time around. He wasn't insane. He knew what she is capable of. How would he dare pick dare when she's at the end of it.

She would make his life hell. She's the most wicked.

Benazir huffed out a breath, rolling her eyes in the process. Where's the fun in the game if they're all picking truth? She sighed. She has no question for him. So, she picked the first thing that came to her mind. "Who is your favorite person here?"

"That will obviously be me." Chris bragged, crossing his legs as he leaned back. They are partners in crime, he has to be the favorite.

"Dream on." Dean flipped him off. He knew the man way before Chris joined their team. It has to be him.

Bae Hyun and Aahil could only shake their heads at the two, for they couldn't care less about that.

Much to both of their dismay, Hunter's grin widened. "Well, of course, it has to be..."

"Say my name, bro. I know it's me."

"Keep deceiving yourself."

"You're just jealous."

"Can you hear yourself? Why would I be jealous of you?"

"You're jelly."

"Am not."

"—Aahil of course!" Hunter leaned to the side where Aahil is seated beside him, wrapping his arms around the man and resting his head in his arm.

"What the--"

"You've got to be kidding me."

Aahil's face scrunched up in disgust, and was quick to try and push away Hunter but the man wasn't having any of it. "Get off me, you dumbass."

"Call me whatever you want, I know it's part of love. You know you love me too."

If possible, Aahil's face scrunched up even more. If he felt repulsed before, he was close to puking then. "Don't make this disgusting." Why does Hunter sound oddly familiar?

Yeah. Because that's how he annoys his cousin, Aadil too. So, this is how it feels? God.

Hunter had this attitude of teasing Aahil whenever he got the chance. Despite being the youngest, he was closest to Aahil. One would even call him his best friend.

If it involves annoying the man, wake him up even if it's 3 in the morning.

"It's disgustingly beautiful. Accept it." Hunter was knowingly irking Aahil. Despite the man pushing him away, he still clung into him.

Aahil reached out to pick up one of the throw pillows, then went ahead to smack Hunter till he let go of him. "Get off me, you annoying dumbass. Find someone else to pester."

"Got it. Love you too." Hunter winked at him, only to get pillow smacked right in the face again by the man. He then rose his hands up, in the surrender gesture. "Alright, alright. I give up."

Aahil huffed out a breath, dropping the pillow. "Finally."

"—for now."

Aahil groaned. "On God." He can't win against the man, that much is obvious. "Let's just move on please. Next."

The others could only laugh at them. Their banters has always been hilarious. It has somehow ways been the same, and it never gets old. For Amina who was seeing it for the first time, she couldn't help but laugh along as well.

She could see it, even if Aahil was pretending otherwise that he was used to Hunter's occasional teasing, knowing it's harmless. She saw the small smile he has on his face as he brought his soda to his lips. Hunter is important to him as well.

When the laughter died down, the bottle was spun for the nth time that night, and it fell on Hunter, and Aahil this time around. The latter could only groan, and look away knowing this would be hellish.

"Forget. I'm done. Goodnight."

"Not a chance. We must do this round at least."

Aahil still looked as though he wanted to be anywhere but there, but he didn't leave.

"Truth or dare, Tafida?"

"Truth."

"Seriously, what's the point of the dare option of no one is going to use it?" Benazir complained.

Hunter was quiet for a while, and everyone knew he was preparing to throw a question that would set them all off without preparing.

Aahil could only expect the worst.

And it came in the form of the question he wasn't expecting at all.

"Of the ladies we have here with us tonight, tell me, is there a woman whom you have feelings for?" Judging from the way he said it, Hunter must've had his suspicions.

Chris was the first to respond. "What sort of question is that, you know he's stiff as a stone. An ant has a higher tendency of catching feelings before he does."

Aahil held Hunter's gaze, trying to figure out what exactly he was playing at. What is going through the man's head to put such a spotlight on him?

Admittedly though, they were all anticipating his answer—even Amina, whom somehow found her heart racing in anticipation.

The silence dragged on, and the ball of suspense only grew bigger than ever. Just when they all expected him to not answer, his voice came, with a response that left them all baffled.

"Yes, there is." He answered, his tone holding every ounce of seriousness. "There's this woman on my mind and she's driving me crazy."

***

I promise, I didn't forget you. Una no wan comment again so I was taking my break as well.

One of my favorite things about this book is the found family. I love love love how the guys care for her and accept her as one of their own. It's so sweet!!!

Aahilllll, baba ya dai? Why are you suddenly drinking sharp corner and admitting stuff Huh? Nace ya da haka??

Toh, this is the start. From now on, you're at MAJOR RISK of falling for Aahil for like the next 50 chapters or so😂 or maybe for the rest of your lives but whatever.

Quick question, who used to read books on wattpad like 4 years ago or something? I feel we writers don't write such nostalgic books anymore. Like brrooo, I miss those books and days.

Those arranged marriage books and Yaya wane and wane 😂😂😂 we knew it's too cliché but we love it every single time! Might as well revisit that path again. Who knows?

Hunter, my love. He and Chris are so nice!

Toh, na bar ku haka. Guznit.

Love, Jannah Mia.