chapter sixty-eight:
❛ welcome to okinawa ❜

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✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸ ✸

Miguel, Dylan, Arizona, and Sam stepped off the plane and into the warm Okinawan breeze. The air smelled of salt from the nearby sea, and the vibrant blue sky stretched above them like a vast, inviting canvas. The excitement was palpable as they walked through the airport, the hustle and bustle of travelers around them.

"Okay, we officially made it!" Sam grinned, throwing her arms up dramatically as they stepped outside. "Okinawa, baby!"

Arizona laughed, the sound light and infectious. "And it's already beautiful. Just wait until we get to the beach." She pulled her phone from her bag, eyes scanning the traditional Okinawan architecture in the distance. The rustic tiled rooftops and vibrant red banners were picture-perfect.

"Alright, ladies, pose for me," Dylan teased, already whipping out his phone. "I need a good 'we've arrived' photo for the group chat."

"Wait, wait, let's get the sun in the background," Sam suggested, tugging Arizona toward a scenic overlook that framed the coastline. The two girls positioned themselves, leaning slightly into each other, wide smiles painted across their faces.

Miguel shook his head, grinning. "You two look like you're about to start a travel blog."

"Don't tempt us," Arizona shot back playfully, adjusting her hair as Dylan angled his phone just right.

"Okay, work it. Give me fierce. Give me wanderlust. Give me... whatever this is," Dylan joked, snapping a few shots as Sam struck a silly pose, sticking her tongue out. Arizona laughed and joined in, throwing a peace sign up with a scrunched nose.

Miguel couldn't help but stare. Arizona was radiant - the way the sunlight caught the strands of her hair, how her laughter seemed to light up the whole space. Even though they were surrounded by other tourists, she was the only person he could focus on.

"My turn," Miguel declared, stepping forward and gently plucking Dylan's phone from his hand. "I think the photographer deserves a break."

"Oh, you just wanna take pictures of your fiancée," Dylan teased, elbowing him lightly.

"Guilty as charged," Miguel said, unabashed, as he lifted the phone. "Alright, babe. Show me what you've got."

Arizona smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "You sure you're ready for this?"

"Always," Miguel answered softly.

She posed effortlessly, first with a soft smile, then a sultry gaze. Sam giggled from the side. "Okay, model status unlocked."

"Okay, okay, my turn," Dylan chimed in. "You two, together."

Miguel handed the phone to him, stepping beside Arizona and slipping an arm around her waist. Her body fit perfectly against his, like she belonged there. Arizona leaned her head against his shoulder, looking up at him with those deep brown eyes that made his heart skip every time.

"Lovebirds!" Sam called out teasingly. "Say 'I'm engaged!'"

"I'm engaged!" Arizona beamed, lifting her hand to show off the sparkling ring. Miguel grinned, pressing a kiss to her temple as Dylan captured the moment.

"Okay, that's going on the Christmas card," Dylan declared, showing them the photo. "You two are grossly cute."

"Only gross to you," Arizona shot back, nudging him.

After a few more pictures, they piled into a cab, chattering excitedly as the city buzzed around them. Traditional wooden buildings mingled with modern storefronts, and colorful lanterns swayed lazily in the breeze.

Before long, they arrived at their hotel - a beautiful, sleek resort with ocean views and pristine gardens. The sliding glass doors opened to a grand lobby with towering ceilings and polished stone floors. An elaborate fountain bubbled gently in the center, and tall windows let in the golden afternoon light.

"Welcome to the Ryukyu Grand Resort," a cheerful clerk greeted them from behind the front desk. He was young, probably around their age, with neatly styled hair and a polite smile. "Checking in?"

"Yep!" Dylan confirmed, digging into his bag for their booking confirmation.

As he handled the logistics, Arizona lingered a step behind, admiring the artwork on the walls. The clerk's gaze flickered to her, lingering a little too long. His smile grew wider.

"You have excellent taste in resorts," he commented, his tone noticeably more flirty. "But then again, someone like you probably has excellent taste in everything."

Miguel, who had been helping Sam with her bag, froze mid-motion. His jaw tightened as his gaze darted between the clerk and Arizona. The subtle way the guy leaned forward, the glint of interest in his eyes - Miguel saw it all.

Arizona, however, seemed entirely unfazed. She offered a polite but distant smile. "Thanks."

"Your name, miss?" the clerk asked, still clearly smitten.

Miguel stepped forward, his arm sliding protectively around Arizona's waist. "She's Arizona," Miguel said firmly. "And I'm her fiancé. Miguel."

The word fiancé came out with a little extra weight, and Miguel didn't miss the slight drop in the clerk's smile. Satisfied, Miguel gave a tight smile of his own.

"Nice to meet you," the clerk muttered, clearly trying to recover. "Congratulations."

"Thanks," Miguel said, his voice a little too chipper.

Arizona turned toward him, a knowing sparkle in her eye. "Miguel," she teased in a low voice, placing her hand on his chest. "Are you... jealous?"

Miguel scoffed, but the slight pink in his ears betrayed him. "What? No. I'm just making sure he knows the facts."

"Uh-huh," Arizona grinned, brushing her fingers along his jaw. "You know, jealousy is like a flame. It can burn away reason."

He narrowed his eyes playfully. "And where'd you hear that? Some ancient Zen proverb?"

"Actually, I think I saw it on a tea bag once," she quipped, smirking. "But it applies, don't you think?"

Miguel shook his head with a laugh. "You're impossible."

"And you're adorable when you're jealous," she teased, rising on her toes to peck him on the lips.

Dylan returned with the keycards, eyeing Miguel's flushed face. "Everything good here?"

"Perfect," Arizona grinned, slipping her arm through Miguel's. "Shall we?"

As they walked toward the elevators, Miguel's grip on her waist remained firm. He could still feel the faint ember of jealousy from the clerk's shameless flirting, but it was quickly overshadowed by the overwhelming pride that she was his - and he was hers.

Arizona leaned into him, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips. "See? All that jealousy for nothing."

"Whatever you say, Zen master," Miguel mumbled, his heart still racing as he pressed the button for their floor.

Miguel unlocked the door to their hotel room, pushing it open with a satisfying click. The soft golden light from the bedside lamps illuminated the space, casting a warm glow over the modern, minimalist decor. The room was spacious, with sleek wooden furniture, cream-colored walls, and a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the ocean. The sound of gentle waves crashing against the shore echoed faintly in the distance.

"Wow," Arizona breathed, stepping inside and dropping her bag on the bench at the foot of the large king-sized bed. She spun around, taking in every luxurious detail-the plush white linens, the elegant framed artwork, and the sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony. "This is... so much nicer than I expected."

Miguel grinned, shutting the door behind him. "Well, only the best for my fiancée." He set his own bag down, walking over to the window. The view was breathtaking-endless blue water stretching to meet the sky, the horizon tinged with the faint blush of the setting sun. "You see that?" He gestured toward the water. "We're literally in paradise."

Arizona walked over, standing beside him. "We really are." She leaned her head against his shoulder, savoring the moment. The peacefulness of the ocean, the hum of distant laughter from the beach, and the warmth of Miguel's presence-it all felt perfect.

But then Miguel's mind wandered back to the lobby, and the way that hotel clerk had so shamelessly flirted with Arizona. He exhaled, the memory still lingering despite the beautiful view in front of him.

"Okay, I have to ask," Miguel said, his voice teasing but tinged with curiosity. "Was I... too much back there?"

Arizona raised her eyebrows. "You mean when you practically growled at the clerk and made sure he knew I was your fiancée?" She smirked. "Nah. Totally subtle."

Miguel groaned, rubbing his face. "I wasn't growling. I was just... clarifying."

Arizona laughed, stepping in front of him. "Clarifying that you're madly in love with me?" She tilted her head, placing her hands on his chest. "Because, if so, that part was pretty obvious."

"Maybe." Miguel's hands instinctively rested on her waist, pulling her closer. "But can you blame me? You're literally irresistible. Guys like that clerk don't stand a chance."

Arizona's fingers trailed up to the back of his neck, her touch sending a shiver down his spine. "Possessive Miguel is kind of cute," she whispered, her lips brushing his ear. "But you don't have to worry. I only have eyes for you."

Miguel couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. "Good," he murmured, before leaning down and capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. Her hands tangled in his hair, deepening the kiss as his fingers traced small circles along her waist.

When they finally pulled away, both a little breathless, Arizona smiled. "Okay, I'm officially calling it. This is already the best vacation ever."

Miguel chuckled. "And we haven't even unpacked yet."

"Well, we have all week to unpack," she said, tugging him toward the bed. "But right now, I think we should just... enjoy this moment."

Miguel didn't argue. He kicked off his shoes, watching as Arizona pulled her hair loose from its ponytail, the strands falling effortlessly around her shoulders. She flopped onto the bed, letting out a satisfied sigh as she stretched her limbs.

"This bed is dangerous," she mumbled, her voice muffled by the soft pillows. "I may never leave."

Miguel laughed, sitting down beside her. "I mean, I'm not complaining."

Arizona peeked up at him through her lashes. "You really are in love with me, huh?"

Miguel leaned down, brushing a kiss to her forehead. "More than anything."

A comfortable silence settled between them as Miguel laid back, his arm draped lazily over Arizona's waist. She traced invisible patterns on his chest, the rhythmic motion soothing.

"Okay," Arizona finally said, her voice light. "So, what's first on the agenda? Sightseeing? Food? Beach time?"

Miguel smiled. "I vote food. Airplane snacks don't count as a real meal."

"Agreed," Arizona nodded. "But let's order room service. I'm way too comfy to move."

Miguel laughed. "Room service it is."

He reached for the menu on the bedside table, but Arizona caught his wrist, pulling him back down. "In a minute," she whispered. "I just wanna stay like this a little longer."

Miguel's heart swelled. He kissed her temple, savoring the peaceful stillness of the moment. "Anything you want, cariño."

And with that, they stayed wrapped in each other's arms, the sound of the waves lulling them into complete serenity.

Arizona barely managed to keep her eyes open as she stumbled into the hotel room. The travel fatigue had hit her like a ton of bricks, and now all she wanted was to collapse into bed. Miguel followed close behind, pulling the curtains shut as the last slivers of golden sunlight filtered into the room.

"You sure you don't want to stay up a little longer?" Miguel teased, though his voice was equally tired. "We could order food, maybe watch something..."

Arizona gave him a half-hearted glare, her face already buried in the plush pillows. "No. Sleep now. Food later."

Miguel chuckled, slipping off his shoes and tugging off his shirt before climbing into bed beside her. "Fine. But if you wake up at three a.m. starving, I'm not responsible."

She mumbled something incoherent in response, already half-asleep. Miguel wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. The warmth of his body and the gentle hum of the ocean outside made it impossible not to relax. Within moments, Arizona was completely out, her soft, steady breathing the only sound in the room.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the wall, Sam and Dylan were far from sleepy. Their room had a nearly identical layout to Arizona and Miguel's - sleek, luxurious, and far too nice to waste away in. But while Sam sprawled on the bed with her phone in hand, scrolling through pictures they'd taken earlier, Dylan paced restlessly.

"I can't just sit here," Dylan declared, running a hand through his hair. "We're in Okinawa. We should be out exploring!"

Sam shot him a look, but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It is pretty tempting," she admitted. "I mean, we can't waste our first night here."

"Exactly." Dylan grinned, already slipping on his shoes. "Miguel and Arizona are probably down for the count. Jetlag's a killer."

Sam hesitated for a moment, glancing toward the connecting wall. "You don't think they'll be mad if we go without them?"

"Nah," Dylan waved it off. "We're not gonna go far. Just a little walk. Maybe find a cute spot for breakfast tomorrow. Besides, they deserve their rest. And we..." He flashed her a grin. "We deserve an adventure."

Sam couldn't argue with that. Within minutes, she was lacing up her sneakers, excitement bubbling beneath the fatigue. The hotel's dimly lit hallways were eerily quiet as they made their way to the lobby.

The front desk clerk from earlier greeted them with a polite nod, though he looked far less amused without Arizona around to flirt with. Sam gave Dylan a knowing smirk as they passed, resisting the urge to tease him.

Outside, the evening air was warm and humid, tinged with the salty breeze from the ocean. The streets were lined with glowing paper lanterns, casting a soft, golden hue over the cobblestone paths. Traditional wooden buildings stood alongside modern cafés and shops, their signs illuminated with bold, vibrant lettering.

"Oh my God," Sam whispered, spinning slowly to take it all in. "This place is beautiful."

Dylan grinned. "Told you."

They wandered aimlessly at first, their steps guided more by curiosity than any particular destination. Street vendors were still open, the scent of grilled seafood and sizzling noodles filling the air. A small group of children laughed as they chased each other down the street, their excited chatter blending with the occasional hum of passing scooters.

"I can't believe we're actually here," Sam said, a sense of awe creeping into her voice. "My dad's always talked about Okinawa, but seeing it in person... it's surreal."

Dylan nodded, but his gaze lingered on her, captivated more by the way her eyes lit up than the scenery itself. "It's pretty amazing," he agreed, though he wasn't just talking about the view.

They continued walking until they reached a small, quiet alleyway lined with glowing lanterns. A narrow canal ran alongside it, the water reflecting the vibrant reds and golds above. At the far end, a traditional wooden bridge arched gracefully over the canal.

"This looks like something out of a movie," Sam murmured, taking a step closer to the water. "It's so peaceful."

Dylan smiled, leaning against the railing. "Definitely beats a night in a hotel room."

Just as they were about to turn back, a flicker of movement caught Sam's eye. She froze, narrowing her gaze as she spotted a small black cat perched on the edge of the canal. Its glowing green eyes gleamed in the dim light, watching them curiously.

"Look," Sam whispered, pointing.

Dylan followed her gaze and smiled. "A little night explorer."

The cat blinked slowly, as if acknowledging their presence, before gracefully leaping off the edge and disappearing into the shadows.

"Well, that was mystical," Sam joked. "I think we've just been blessed by the cat guardian of Okinawa."

Dylan laughed. "I'll take it. Maybe it's a sign that this trip's gonna be even better than we thought."

As they began their walk back to the hotel, the streets had quieted further, with only the distant sound of ocean waves and the occasional chatter from late-night passersby. Sam glanced at Dylan, her heart feeling inexplicably light.

"Tomorrow," she said, a playful grin spreading across her face. "We wake Miguel and Arizona up early, drag them out of bed, and find the best breakfast spot in town."

"Deal." Dylan grinned. "But for now, how about we sneak back before they realize we're gone?"

Sam laughed, already picking up the pace. "Race you."

And just like that, they sprinted down the lantern-lit street, laughter echoing through the night, their first Okinawan adventure already one to remember.

Arizona stirred awake as the soft light of the Okinawan sunrise streamed through the cracks in the hotel curtains. The sky outside was painted with hues of pink and gold, casting a gentle glow over the room. Miguel lay beside her, his arm draped protectively around her waist, his face relaxed and peaceful.

But Arizona, ever the early riser, couldn't ignore the pull of adventure. She shifted carefully, trying not to wake him, but Miguel stirred anyway. His dark eyes blinked open, hazy with sleep, and he smiled when he saw her.

"Morning, hermosa," he mumbled, his voice thick and warm.

"Morning," Arizona whispered, brushing her fingers through his messy curls. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Miguel shook his head with a sleepy grin. "I don't mind." He pulled her closer, nuzzling against her neck. "But if you're awake... what do you say we explore a little? Before Sam and Dylan even think about getting up."

Arizona's face lit up. "I thought you'd never ask."

They dressed quickly, Arizona slipping into a flowy sundress while Miguel threw on a simple t-shirt and shorts. After a quick stop at the hotel's café for iced coffee, they stepped out onto the quiet morning streets. The air was cool and crisp, the sounds of the bustling day still hours away.

"Where to first?" Miguel asked, sipping his drink as they wandered hand in hand.

Arizona's eyes sparkled. "Let's just see where the day takes us."

They meandered through narrow alleyways lined with wooden stalls and colorful lanterns. The faint scent of roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries mingled with the sea breeze. Shopkeepers were beginning to set up for the day, sweeping the stone walkways and arranging their displays. Arizona pointed out every charming detail - the intricate carvings on the beams, the delicate paper cranes hanging from storefronts, the cheerful koi fish swimming in a small canal beneath a stone bridge.

"I can't believe we're actually here," she murmured, squeezing Miguel's hand.

Miguel smiled. "Me neither. But I'm glad we are."

As they rounded a corner, a small, tucked-away booth caught Arizona's eye. It was draped in vibrant red and gold fabric, with a hanging sign that read "Fortunes of the Heart" in elegant script. The woman inside the booth, dressed in a flowing kimono, beckoned them closer with a serene smile.

"Ooh, a fortune teller," Arizona said, her curiosity instantly piqued. "Come on, let's do it."

Miguel hesitated, his brow furrowing playfully. "You really want to let a stranger tell us our future?"

"Absolutely," Arizona grinned. "Besides, we're engaged. I think the universe owes us a little peek into what's ahead."

With a laugh, Miguel relented, allowing Arizona to tug him forward. They ducked beneath the curtain and entered the dimly lit booth. The air smelled faintly of incense, and strands of delicate chimes jingled softly with every breeze.

The fortune teller's eyes twinkled with warmth as she gestured for them to sit across from her. "Welcome," she said, her voice melodic. "You seek guidance on your path?"

Arizona nodded, barely able to contain her excitement. "Yes. We're engaged, and we thought it'd be fun to see what the future holds."

The woman studied them for a moment, her gaze lingering on their intertwined hands. "Ah," she said knowingly. "Love binds you both, but it is the strength of your connection that will shape your destiny."

Miguel swallowed, his fingers tightening slightly around Arizona's. She smiled reassuringly, her thumb brushing over his knuckles.

The fortune teller reached into a velvet pouch, pulling out a deck of beautifully illustrated tarot cards. With practiced ease, she shuffled them, then laid them face down on the table. "Each card represents a piece of your journey," she explained. "Together, they reveal what lies ahead."

Arizona's heart pounded as the first card was flipped. The image of two golden cups, overflowing with water, shimmered in the soft light.

"The Two of Cups," the woman murmured. "A symbol of harmony, partnership, and deep emotional connection. Your bond will continue to grow, rooted in trust and shared dreams."

Miguel shot Arizona a grin, his nerves melting away. "I like that."

The second card revealed a radiant sun, casting golden rays over a blossoming field.

"The Sun," the fortune teller said, her smile widening. "Pure joy and fulfillment. You will find happiness not only in each other but in the adventures you will share. This is a card of celebration and new beginnings."

Arizona's heart swelled. She could already picture their future - spontaneous road trips, lazy Sunday mornings, laughter echoing through a house that was truly theirs.

Finally, the last card was flipped. A large tree with twisting roots and vibrant leaves stood tall, with symbols of family and legacy woven through its branches.

"The Ten of Pentacles," the woman announced. "This card speaks of long-term stability and the building of a strong foundation. Together, you will create a life filled with abundance - not just in material wealth, but in love, support, and cherished memories."

Arizona blinked, overwhelmed by the reading. "That... that's beautiful."

Miguel kissed the side of her head, his voice low and sincere. "It sounds like everything I've ever wanted."

The fortune teller clasped her hands together, her eyes shining with approval. "Your love is rare. Nurture it, and the universe will continue to bless your journey."

Arizona and Miguel thanked her, leaving the booth hand in hand. The sunlight seemed a little brighter, the air a little lighter.

"So," Miguel teased as they strolled down the street, "are you convinced we have a great future ahead?"

Arizona grinned. "I didn't need the cards to tell me that."

Miguel stopped, cupping her face gently. "Me neither."

He kissed her softly, savoring the perfect morning and the promise of everything yet to come.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

sorry for the shortish chapter... what would you like to see happen in okinawa???(please tell me)

RANT TIME!!! (hopefully for the last time-might be a new permanent thing i put here at the end)🙏🏻

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters in a row on this chapter is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

i dont understand how hard it is for people to vote. i know im annoying with the unpublishing the chapter and republishing every few minutes or hour but its because of these freaking ghost readers.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

okay end of rant.

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE. IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE JUST VOTE!!!!

PLEASE STOP BEING FREAKIN A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE VOTE! PLEASE!!!!! stop being ghost readers!!!! its really annoying!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER AND JUST VOTE!!

the reason i keep unpublishing and republishing is chapters is because when i see views go up and votes aren't... its really annoying. cause its not hard to vote and show support on fanfics.

can you guys please stop being ghost reader and just freaking vote please. this is so annoying

THIS IS VERY ANNOYING TO SEE VIEWS GO UP BUT NOT VOTES. its annoying for us writers. so please just vote and comment!! its not that hard!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!
im so sorry for all the notifications but please stop being a ghost reader!!!! i dont how many times i have to say this. i am so sorry for the notifications but this is really annoying to see views go up when the votes aren't. PLEASE JUST FREAKIN VOTE!!!