Lina's POV

It feels really nice when you are feeling actually happy, and not just pretending to be happy. Jason unknowingly played a great part in helping me cope up with my pain.

Knowing about Chris and Maria's engagement has again reopened my wounds but surprisingly they don't hurt as much as before. Because somewhere I don't feel alone, and it is because of Jason.

At first, he did come off as an arrogant person, but his rudeness was just his defense mechanism to protect himself from the sympathies of others. However, what he doesn't know that I can never feel pity for him, though I do envy him as he has people around him to whom he matters and who loves him.

Life has gifted him so many reasons to be happy, while my own life consists of trying to steal a ray of happiness for myself from other's happiness.

I have accepted that I can never find my own happiness, however, I have not given up on the idea of being happy. Because if I don't have happiness in my fate then it doesn't mean I can't experience the feeling of being content by celebrating other's happiness.

But sometimes such moments come in my life which makes me realize no matter how much I will try, I am not destined to be happy.

"Ow!" I flinch as my handbag falls from my hand, causing all my stuff to scatter around in the sand when literally out of nowhere a ball hits me. "Are you blind!" I yell, turning around from the direction where the ball has come from.

"No, I am deaf." A sheepish smile appears on Jason's face as he approaches me. "Sorry." He scrunches up his nose, looking damn cute when I rub the spot on my arm where the ball made the contact.

"What are you doing here at the beach?" My lips curve into a smile as I cover my eyes with my hand to shield them from the sunlight which is directly shining on my face.

Today is Sunday, and since the shop is closed I thought he might be chilling at home as I have figured he is not comfortable being around people as he becomes self-conscious. However, I am genuinely feeling glad that he is trying to overcome his insecurities.

Slightly, moving to the right he covers the sun behind him, as his shadow falls on my face.

"I am playing beach volleyball with my friends." He jerks his thumb over his shoulder with a small smile appearing on his lips.

"That's not called playing volleyball, it is called hitting a girl." I tease him while throwing the ball towards him which he catches singlehandedly. However, when I notice a flicker of confusion on his face as he must have not understood any of my words, I quickly sign.

He throws his head back while briefly closing his eyes, as his carefree laugh rings in my ear spreading warmth inside my chest.

"Umm... guys, our game is paused, so can you return the ball so we can continue with our game?" Nick runs and slaps Jason's shoulder. Jason reads what Nick has said on his watch's screen and rolls his eyes as he hands him the ball.

"Nick, can Lina join us for a game? I feel that she thinks we don't know how to play volleyball, " Jason glances at Nick while a devilish smile appears on his lips, stopping Nick when he is just about to leave, "Am I right?" He looks at me pretending to look innocent.

"Is it so? Then why don't you come and play volleyball with us?" Nick arches his eyebrow, as his lips twist in a challenging smirk.

My own lips mirror his smile as I extend my hand towards him silently accepting the challenge. For as long as I can remember I am have been playing volleyball, that at one time I even consider making it a career.

His smirk deepens as he grips my hand in a firm handshake.

He is so going to regret challenging me.

Jason's POV

My initial plan was to relax at home today, however, Nick messaged that they are playing volleyball at the beach so I should join them.

At first, my initial hesitancy almost made me say no to him, but then I decided that I shouldn't think anything negative and just try to enjoy myself with my friends like I used to do earlier. And if feel uncomfortable I will just get back home, so there's nothing to worry about.

While when I was coming to the beach, call it instinct or something I knew I would meet Lina here as I figured that she loves to hang out around the beach.

Honestly, I was kind of hoping that she does come here as I remember how comfortable I felt at the party because of her.

However, much to my disappointment she's not here as my eyes were constantly looking for her familiar face in the sea of strangers.

On the other hand, to my surprise, everyone was genuinely happy to see me and it felt the same as we used to hang out. Although, initially, we did face some communication issues as we played after sometimes everything went smoothly as Nick was constantly giving me cues.

I threw the ball at Fred but it accidentally hit Lina as he moved out of the way at the last moment.

Seeing her, a different kind of happiness bubbled inside my chest, but then I frown realizing that I have hit her. Earlier I was regretting it, but not anymore as it was the best thing which has happened, otherwise, I would not have been enjoying my victory. As we teamed up against Nick and Fred and won three games in a row.

"Next time you are going to be on my team." Nick points at Lina still sour from his defeat.

"Not a chance." Before she can answer, wrapping an arm around her shoulder I pull her to my side, as soon as I have read his words, "She is mine, so she will be always on my team. Go find some other partner." I smile smugly.

Nick slowly raises his eyebrows as a mischievous smile pulls up on his lips, exactly the moment I realized what I have said.

Shit! I am so stupid, why do I sometimes speak without thinking?

Quickly, I glance at Lina to find her looking completely taken aback as her mouth parted in shock, making her look cute.

"I don't mean like that. She is my friend, so she will always be on my side." Turning my face back to Nick, I correct myself although my heart is racing as my earlier words ring inside my head.

I don't know why the thought of calling her as mine brings a feeling of calmness inside my heart. The kind of calmness which I want in my life... the calmness which can settle the storm within me.

"Yeah, sure." This fucker still has that irritating smile on his lips as he slowly nods his head while leaning back in his chair causing me to chuck a towel at his face.

Dodging the towel, he starts laughing, and his laughing is so contagious that even I find myself laughing along with him.

My laugh turns into a smile when I again glance at Lina who is trying to hide her embarrassment. However, the bitter truth of my life comes into my mind making my smile disappear from my face.

Suddenly, my bracelet starts to vibrate making me snap back from my thoughts, as I check to find that I am receiving signals from Lina's bracelet.

Lifting my eyes to her, I look at her questioningly feeling confused that why she is using her bracelet when she is sitting just next to me.

"You got lost so I thought I should call you back." She shrugs her shoulder nonchalantly after she finishes signing.

"If I will get lost, will you always bring me back?" I ask holding her gaze unwaveringly. I don't understand why I asked this stupid question, but suddenly, the answer to this question seems extremely important to me. A part of me wanted her to say no so that the hope which is igniting in my heart dies down before it turns into a flame.

Her expression turns serious and something indescribable flickers in her eyes.

"I meant what I have said to you, Jason." She speaks slowly and strangely it feels like I am listening to her voice clearly, "I will be there with you until you will need me." She smiles softly while placing her hand on mine.

Turning my palm up, I lock our fingers together as I stare at our joined hands. The warmth radiating from her hand soothes the ache inside my heart which I didn't know exists, until now.

I will always need her.

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Thank you for reading.