MIDNIGHT SKY.
﹆ . ⁺ . ✦ ﹒₊˚𓂃 ★﹒₊‧
⌞ 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗇𝗂𝗇𝖾𝗍𝖾𝖾𝗇 .ᐟ ⌝

Despite the exhaustion from the day's activities, the group still mustered up the energy to dress up and head to the resort's restaurant and bar.

    Saige, dressed in a white summer dress, walked alongside Drew, their laughter echoing down the path as they exchanged lighthearted jokes.

    As if everything was perfectly fine. As if they hadn't almost kissed.

    When they arrived, the others was already seated at their reserved table, perusing the menu. Saige and Drew joined them, sliding into seats next to each other after greeting Chase and cheering for his birthday dinner.

    As the food and drinks arrived a few moments later, Chase stood at the head of the table, raising his glass. "Guys, I just want to thank you for today," he began. "It's been amazing having you all here to celebrate my day and... I love you all." He ended his short toast with a broad grin.

    The table erupted in cheers, glasses clinking as everyone began to dig into their meals.

    "This steak is amazing." Drew said, leaning closer to Saige. "Want to try?"

    She nodded, and Drew cut up a piece, holding his fork to her. Without hesitation, Saige leaned in, savoring the tender meat. "Love it, but I'm more of a chicken girl. Here try mine!" She then cut a piece of her grilled teriyaki chicken and offered him a bite.

    "Nice." He nodded in approval. "Mine's better though."

    Saige stuck out her tongue at him in a silly manner and rolled her eyes sarcastically, digging back into her own food.

    "Yo!" Rudy called out from across the table. "Didn't realize this was a feeding frenzy. Hashtag couple goals, hashtag Hawaiian love affair!"

    The group erupted in laughter as Drew flipped Rudy off. "Shut up, Rudy."

    Saige smiled softly to herself at that, her mind wandering. It was then she realized that perhaps there was something between her and Drew—something real. Maybe he didn't realize it yet. Maybe he was in denial.

    But she was determined to make him see it.

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

    "Guys, there's fire dancing outside!" Madison exclaimed, leaping from her seat with her phone in her hand.

    Curiosity piqued, the group followed her to the the beach just outside the resto-bar. The cool Hawaiian breeze greeted them, rustling Saige's hair as they joined a growing crowd gathered to watch the fire dancers.

    The performers moved with mesmerizing precision, the flames casting flickering shadows on the sand. Saige watched in awe, whipping out her phone to capture the moment. Drew stepped behind her, so close that her back was against his chest.

    "You're really into this, huh?" His low voice vibrated through her, sending shivers down her spine.

    "Yup." Saige nodded, stopping the recording on her phone. "Kinda makes me wanna learn fire dancing."

    "I'd pay to see that."

    A few seconds later, Saige found herself leaning closer to Drew. But he didn't seem to mind. He had lightly settled his hand on her shoulder as if trying to keep her close. The touch was casual, friendly even, but it felt electrifying and she feels herself melting into him. Saige's breath hitched, the space between them shrinking again.

    Maybe this time—

    Drew's phone buzzed.

    The moment broke, and she heard him sigh as she instinctively stepped forward to give him room. She didn't dare look back at him, already dreading the name she might see on the screen.

    "I'll be back," he muttered, stepping away to take the call. Saige's heart sank as she watched him walk off, his voice soft as he brought the phone to his ear. "Dani?"

    Saige could practically feel herself dissolve into the background as Drew turned slightly away from her, his voice inaudible.

    She wrapped her arms around herself, the ache in her chest growing. The day had been so special between them. It had felt intimate. And now, as they were on the verge of growing close, Daniela had to interrupt.

    Drew was truly the personification of confusing. He acted like he cared, like he wanted her. But here he was, leaving her feeling like a second choice, once again.

    Nevertheless, Saige masked her disappointment, clapping along with the rest of the group as the first performers took their final bow.

    "Rae, I'm heading to the bar to get a drink." Saige said quietly, nudging her cousin, suddenly feeling suffocated from the almost crowded beach.

    Raella's eyes narrowed in concern. "You okay?"

    Saige gestured toward Drew, her voice laced with bitterness. "Need a distraction from that."

    Raella rolled her eyes at Drew. "Seriously?"

    "Deadass." Saige forced a laugh.

    "I'll come with you."

    "I'll be fine," Saige said, giving her a genuine smile. "Just tell them I went to get drinks."

    With that, Saige slipped away to the resort bar. She ordered a fruity cocktail, the cold drink enough to soothe her nerves. She let the hum of conversation around her and Hawaiian music drown out her thoughts.

    She sighed. She liked Drew. Very much. And for a moment, she'd thought he felt the same. Every word he said, every lingering touch, and every glance he gave her, it gave her hope that perhaps he had liked her back.

    But she couldn't be more wrong.

    As she sipped, she couldn't help but ponder. The Saige from a few months ago would've been bold enough to confess her feelings outright.

Risk once fueled her. But now, caution held her back. She didn't want to ruin whatever she had with Drew. Their friendship, their growing bond. She didn't want to ruin the friendship she'd built with him, no matter how much she liked him.

    "Saige?"

    Saige froze at the familiar voice, her eyes widening as she saw that familiar dark tousled hair and blue eyes. His easy grin and confident stride were a dark contrast to the mess of emotions swirling inside her.

    "Jonah!" She said, surprised.

    "Fancy seeing you here." He said, his British accent cut through the hum of the bar.

    She blinked, still processing his sudden appearance. "What are you doing here?"

    "Just got in today," he replied, leaning casually against the bar. "Vacation. I was about to head out when I saw you. Didn't think I'd run into you again, though. You here with your boyfriend?"

    Saige blinked, caught off guard by the question. Then, it dawned on her realizing who he meant. She laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, you mean Drew? He's not my boyfriend."

    Jonah raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. "Really? Could've fooled me."

    "It's... complicated." She said with a wry smile, taking another sip of her drink.

    Jonah chuckled, his gaze warm. "Seems like it." He then signals a hand to the bartender, about to order a drink. "What brings you to Hawaii?"

    "Oh, it's my friend Chase's birthday." She replied.

    "Oh," he nodded. "Seems like a nice way to celebrate one's day." He smiled, a dimple popping from his cheeks.

    To be completely honest, he looked even better when she was sober.

    "Well, if you don't have a boyfriend, does that mean I can steal you for a walk on the shore?"

    Saige blinked. "Why not?" She shrugged, slipping off her stool.

    Jonah gave her a small smile then they both made their way out the bar and into the beach.

    As they strolled along the beach, Jonah kept the conversation light, talking about his trip and asking about hers. The air felt cold but Saige found herself enjoying the moment, seemingly forgetting the reason as to why she had gone to the bar alone. The tension in her chest eased as they continued to walk.

    "So, tell me, what's got you looking so glum on a paradise island?" Jonah began, his lips curling into a small smile.

    Saige hesitated. "Honestly?" She turned to Jonah. He looked genuine. like he was willing to listen to her. And maybe that was what Saige needed. "It's... Drew."

    "Ah," he gave her a knowing smile. "The infamous bloke who pretended to be your boyfriend?"

    "Yeah," she sighed. "He's... complicated. One minute, it feels like there's something there. The next, he's taking a call from his ex."

    "Sounds like he's a bit of a mess, doesn't it? Still hung up on her?"

    "I don't know," Saige admitted. "I think so?"

    Jonah's gaze softened with sympathy. "Well then, he's got some baggage he's not dealing with." He looked around the beach then back to her. "Look, why not just talk to him? Figure things out. Lay it out there. Ask him where his head's at."

    "But what if... his response is not what I'm looking for?"

    "Then, he's an idiot who doesn't realize what he's got right in front of him."

    His words caught her off guard, a warmth spreading through her chest. She glanced at him, searching for any sign of teasing, but his expression was earnest.

    "I'm sorry, Jonah. I feel bad even saying all this to you. I know you probably came over hoping for... I don't know, something more. But I can't give it. I'm too caught up in Drew's web, and it's not fair to you."

    Jonah shooks his hand, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Don't sweat it. I didn't come over expecting anything. Just a good chat and some great company. And if Drew's got your heart, then that's that. No hard feelings."

    She felt her shoulders relax at his word, the weight of guilt lifting sightly. "You're surprisingly cool about all this."

    "Why wouldn't I be? You like who you like. That's life." He flashes her a toothy grin.

    "I think you're right," she said lowly. "I need to talk to him."

    Jonah grinned, his eyes softening. "That's the spirit. And hey if it doesn't work out, at least you'll know where you stand. No more second-guessing, yeah?"

    "Yeah, thanks." She replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

    "No worries, love." Jonah winked. "In the meantime, let's enjoy the evening. Who knows what the night will bring."

    Saige laughed, feeling a genuine sense of relief. She felt a little more ready to face the uncertainties ahead, no matter the outcome. She was going to confront Drew. Maybe just not now. But she will.

𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒

    Back at the beach, Drew paced, his phone pressed to his ear. His expression was strained, his jaw clenching with every passing second.

    "Dani, I told you, I can't just drop everything and fly back home. This trip's important."

    The voice on the other need was muffled but insistent. Drew dragged a hand through his hair, frustration etched across his face.

    "Look," he said, trying to keep his tone measured. "We've been over this. I'm here with my friends, and I'm not going to abandon them because you suddenly decided you need me."

    "Drew, please." Daniela's voice cracked slightly, making Drew pause. "I just want to see you right now."

    His grip on the phone tightened before he muttered, "I've gotta go, Dani. I'll talk to you later." He ended the call abruptly, shoving his phone into his pocket with more force than necessary.

    He wasn't going to let her manipulate him anymore.

    Drew's gaze swept the beach, scanning the crowd for the one person who he'd bailed on—again—because of yet another fucking phone call. When he didn't immediately see her, a pang of unease settled in his chest.

    "Hey, where's Saige?" He asked as he rejoined the group, trying to sound casual.

    Raella glanced up from the second performers of fire dancers, raising an eyebrow at him. "She went to get a drink. Said she needed a break."

    Drew frowned. "A break from what?"

    Raella snorted, rolling her eyes. "Maybe from you, genius."

    Ignoring her sarcasm, Drew's eyes flickered toward the bar, his jaw tense. His gaze scanned through the clusters of people, hoping to catch sight of Saige. But she wasn't there.

    Raella watched him closely, her teasing smirk softening when she noticed the genuine worry in his face. With a sigh, she stood on one feet and faced him.

    "Look, she's fine," Raella said. "She'll be back. You're stressing for nothing."

    But just as the words left her mouth, Drew's entire demeanor shifted. His body stiffened, his eyes locking on a figure across the beach.

    There she was—Saige. His Saige.

    With fucking British Jonah.

    She had laughed at something he'd said. Her smile wide, her head thrown back in a carefree amusement. Drew's stomach twisted, a surge of something strange flaring in his chest.

What was this feeling?

    Raella followed his gaze, her eyes landing on Saige and Jonah. She smirked knowingly, turning back to the fuming man beside her.

    "Ohhh, I smell jealousy!" Raella sang, nudging him with her elbow.

    Drew ignored her, his jaw tightening further as he watched the easy way Jonah leaned toward Saige.

    "She's just laughing," Raella teases, her tone light but probing. "Relax, man. You're acting like she's running off into the edge of the world with him."

    Drew tore his gaze away, but the flicker of annoyance in his eyes remained. "I'm not jealous." He muttered, his voice low and unconvincing.

    Raella didn't even glance at him. "Denial's a river in Egypt." Raella quipped.

    Drew shook his head in response, the memory of Saige saying the same thing played in his mind, her voice teasing and light. The thought only deepened the frustration simmering within him.

    He didn't bother replying to Raella, who had already turned her attention back on the fire dancers, her face alight with amusement. Drew stood rooted, his eyes once again pulling back to Saige, who hadn't even looked back to the group.

    And that, somehow, burned more than he wanted to admit.