The morning after the night on the cliffside carried a trace of heaviness in the air.
Yet beneath it, something delicate was taking root—an unspoken pull between Elle and Vincent. Around them, the group stirred restlessly near the cliff's edge, where their tents stood half-packed.
The sea stretched endlessly below, waves crashing against the rocks with rhythmic power. The salty wind tangled through Elle's hair as she lingered at the edge, staring at the horizon.
Their makeshift campsite was slowly being dismantled. Bags were packed, tents folded, and laughter drifted faintly in the air. Today, they would leave for the beachside hotel, trading the wildness of the cliff for comfort and luxury.
For Elle, though, the cliff felt like more than a memory. Leaving it behind was bittersweet.
Vincent stood a little apart, his sharp profile outlined against the ocean. Elle's gaze drifted toward him, her chest tightening when he turned and caught her staring. He didn't smile, but the intensity in his eyes was enough to send warmth rising into her cheeks.
Amara, sharp-eyed and mischievous, leaned close with a grin. "You know, Elle, you're blushing again." Her voice carried across to Noah and Kai.
Elle spun around. "Amara!"
Noah perked up instantly, smirking. "Oh? What's this about?"
Amara tapped Elle's shoulder playfully. "Our grey-eyed beauty has a certain someone making her heart race."
Kai froze mid-step, fussing with his backpack straps to mask his reaction. His jaw tightened as he bent to retie a knot that didn't need tying.
Elle sputtered, "It's nothing like that—"
"Sure, sure," Amara teased with a wink. "You can't fool me."
Kai's voice cut in, calm but heavy. "Amara, enough. We've got a hotel to get to."
Noah caught the flicker of sadness in Kai's eyes. Later, when the group set off along the narrow coastal path, he pulled Kai aside.
"You alright?" Noah asked quietly.
Kai gave a dry laugh. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"You're not fooling me. You like her."
Kai's smile faded. "Noah, stop. She only sees me as a friend. I won't ruin that. She deserves to be happy." His tone darkened. "But Vincent… there's something about him. The way he looks at Elle when she isn't watching—like he's unraveling her piece by piece."
Noah frowned. "Then tell her. Ask her out before it's too late."
Kai shook his head. "No. I won't risk her trust. I just… want to protect her."
Noah sighed, clapping him on the back. "You're too noble for your own good."
By midday, they arrived at the beachside hotel. The golden sand glistened under the sun, the sea stretched out like a sheet of sapphire. Excitement washed over the group as they dropped their bags and rushed toward the shore.
Amara flopped onto a towel dramatically. "Finally! Sun, salt, and zero responsibilities."
Noah tossed her sunglasses. "Try not to fry."
Vincent lingered by the surfboard stand, calm and unreadable. Elle hesitated nearby, nervous but drawn to him. She hadn't surfed in years, but his presence steadied her.
"Don't overthink it," Vincent murmured as he adjusted her board strap. "The sea responds to confidence."
Elle bit her lip. "You make it sound easy."
His lips curved faintly. "With me here, it will be."
Her chest tightened, and she looked away quickly, though her blush betrayed her.
From a distance, Kai watched, silent. His fists clenched at his sides until Noah dragged him toward the jet skis. "Come on. Let's tear the waves apart before you brood yourself to death."
Their laughter and shouts echoed over the tide. For a fleeting moment, Elle let herself believe in simple happiness. Almost.
That night, shadows lingered in corners where laughter could not reach.
Clarisse stood by the balcony, nails digging into the railing. Below, Elle and Vincent exchanged quiet smiles, their closeness undeniable. Rage boiled in her veins.
Always Elle. Always her.
Clarisse's eyes narrowed when she spotted Giselle passing through the hallway alone. Perfect.
"Giselle," she called sweetly.
The girl paused, hesitant. "Yeah?"
Clarisse stepped closer, her smile sharp. "Don't you ever get tired of Elle? Acting so innocent, stealing all the attention—even Vincent's?"
Giselle shifted uneasily. "She does… get noticed a lot."
"Noticed?" Clarisse gave a bitter laugh. "She's fake. Everyone falls for it. But we see through her, don't we?"
Giselle frowned, confused. "What are you getting at?"
Clarisse's voice dropped to a hiss. "Tomorrow's dive. Her oxygen tank. A small cut in the pipe. No one will suspect a thing. Imagine her panic—gasping, helpless—while everyone realizes she's not untouchable."
Giselle's face drained of color. "That could kill her!"
Clarisse leaned in, her tone silky. "The reef is shallow. Someone will notice before it gets serious. It's just a scare. A lesson." She tilted her head. "Or would you rather keep fading into the background while she takes everything?"
Giselle trembled, biting her lip until it bled. "I… I don't like this."
"You don't have to like it," Clarisse whispered, her eyes glittering. "You just have to do it."
The pressure broke her. "Fine," Giselle whispered, voice cracking. "I'll do it."
Clarisse's smile was razor-sharp. "Good girl."
The next morning dawned bright, the sea glittering like glass. The group gathered by the dock, excitement buzzing. Diving gear gleamed in rows, tanks lined and waiting.
Elle adjusted her straps, while Amara fidgeted like a child. "This is only my second dive! I'm so ready!"
Elle smiled faintly. "I've done it many times before. It feels… familiar."
"Then you'll take care of me?" Amara teased.
"Always," Elle promised.
Nearby, Giselle's hands shook as she checked her mask. Clarisse, however, was radiant, her smile cutting whenever her eyes strayed to Elle. Kai, watching, felt unease coil in his chest.
The boat pushed off, carrying them toward the coral reef. The waves sparkled under the sun, concealing the danger below.
Vincent's gaze never left Elle. She leaned over the railing, unaware of the storm waiting beneath the surface.
Kai clenched his fists. Something was wrong.
The stage for betrayal was set.
The dive awaited.