In the wake of the wreckage of the Kona Winds, the mood is heavy as it sinks in that we are officially stranded on the island. I heave a heavy sigh, then turn back to the various containers.
"I must've missed something. There has to be something useful in here...I'm always prepared."
"To get shipwrecked?"
"To survive worse case scenarios. Broken pencil during an exam? I've got a spare. Tam finds a new specimen? Good think I've got my test kit. I overpack and over-prepare for all kinds of situations."
"Not for this one."
Kai secure his diving knife to his waist, then looks toward the tree line.
"We're burning daylight. We need to find a fresh water source."
"Wait! I haven't finished with my second look. There might be something we missed."
"We don't have water. I can guarantee that."
"That doesn't mean there's nothing here that will help."
I dig through the boxes again, searching for something to prove Kai wrong.
"Maybe we can use this?"
I pull out the spare bra and twist it in my fingers, so Kai can see everything. He swallows visibly.
"What, er...do you plan to use that for?"
"Not sure yet. It'd be good to hope a couple things though... Maybe some coconuts? I'm sure you could help me imagine something that'd fit it."
His gaze moves past the bra in my hands and wonders down my body, lingering on my chest.
"Ahem. Anyways... None of this seems useful for fetching water."
"I'm not done taking inventory yet. There's still more like... Perfect. I have stuff to collect my samples, and I even have a little bit of iodine to purify water."
"Okay, so it's not a complete bust."
" '(Y/N), you were right. I should really listen to you more often'. Thank you, Kai. I'm happy you see how useful my contributions are."
I pack up a pocket knife, several of my beakers, and a few other items. Kai eyes my supplies, nodding to the beakers.
"Gonna do some science experiments while we're out there?"
"I wish. I figure we can use them to transport any water we find back here and boil some of it instead of using all our iodine."
"That's...not a half-bad idea."
"I know you're hiding how impressed you are. I assure you that your secret is safe with me."
"You had one good idea. That doesn't make me impressed."
"Sorry, did you say something? I stopped listening after you admitted I had a good idea."
He glares pointedly at me, but I smirk and move past him.
"I know what you're thinking. How'd I get so lucky to be stranded with this awesome woman?"
"Yep. You nailed it. Read me like a book. Our best bet is to head inland to find a river or something. Worst case, we can collect any leftover water from last night's storm."
Kai slings his bag over his shoulder, and leads the way into the jungle. I press close against Kai's back as he uses his knife to carve a path through the dense vegetation.
"How do you know we're headed the right way?"
"Intuition...and my memory of that atlas."
He pauses and observes a broken palm frond, the crouches in the mud.
"Just as I thought. Small animal tracks heading inland. These should lead us to fresh water."
"you're a genius! I wish I thought of that. All animals need water to survive. It makes sense to follow where they lead. I just hope it's not that far off."
"Why? Have somewhere to be?"
"Yeah, I've got a hot date."
"Poor guy doesn't know what he's in for."
"The ride of his life if he plays his cards right."
I glance over at Kai and hold his gaze for a lingering moment, before the warmth in my cheeks forces me to look away. I look back to the trail ahead, the spy a patch of vibrant purple flowers.
"Oh, those are beautiful. I wonder what they are..."
I rush ahead to get a closer look, pushing the encroaching branches out of the way. Kai hurries to catch up.
"You can't just go running off. It's dangerous out here."
"I think these are part of the Boraginaceae family. You can tell by the shape of the bloom..."
I excitedly show Kai the plant, but his widened eyes are trained on me.
"Uh... Whatever you do, don't look at your shoulder."
"Why? What's— Get it off...NOW!"
"I'll get it. Just stay still and relax..."
"There's a spider bigger than my fist on my shoulder. This is me relaxing."
I'm hyperaware of all eight legs scurrying on my shoulder. Kai retrieves his knife and sets his eye on the creature. I swallow a deep breath, not daring to move as the spider shuffles in place.
It's just a spider. One GIANT spider.
I remain as still as a statue as Kai brushes the creature off in one fluid motion.
"Got it. I'm surprised you didn't panic."
"Oh thank God."
I breathe a sigh of relief as it scurries away into the bushes and notice how close Kai is to me now. His light breath tickles my face, his hand still resting on my shoulder. I close what little distance remains between the two of us, drawn instinctively toward his luscious lips.
"Thanks for the assist."
"Glad to be of service."
He smirks, angling his head toward me. My lips part in anticipation. All I can hear is the pounding of our heartbeats, the chirps of birds, and an unmistakable sound...
"Is that...?" he turns to me and begins to asks.
"Water! "
I grin, then race through the jungle toward the sound of rushing water. I push a branch aside to reveal a large waterfall cascading into a pool of crystal-clear water.
"Guess we won't be relying on storm runoff after all."
I fill two beakers in the pool, then stir in a few drops of iodine to purify the water. Kai takes one and raises his glass to me.
"Bottoms up."
"Here's to unlimited alone time. Not like I have many choices after all."
"Eh. I guess it could be worse."
I greedily gulp the clean water, relishing the coolness in my dry mouth. I slide my feet into the pool and close my eyes, completely relaxed.
"This is the best I've felt all day."
"Good. Now let's collect as much water as we can carry and head back."
"Already?"
"There's a lot to do before sundown. Build a shelter, hunt for food, make a fire..."
"I get that, and we will. But let's enjoy this win while we can. Besides, it's such a hot day. We'll just get more dehydrated if we work up a sweat."
I dip my hand into the water, then flick a few droplets at him.
"Just imagine how much better you'll feel floating in this cool, crisp water."
He sighs, then looks at me kicking my feet in the refreshing pool.
"You're gonna dig your heels in to stay here, aren't you?"
"Sure am."
"In that case..."
Suddenly, he strips down to his underwear. His skin glistens with sweat, highlighting the contours of his toned form.
"What are you—"
SPLASH! Kai dives into the water, narrowly avoiding splashing me with his entrance. He breaches the surface, lips quirked to the side.
"Water's great. You're missing out."
Before I can respond, Kai dives back beneath the water. I look at my bag and see a swimsuit peeking out.
And he questioned my preparedness.
I pull out a white leaf-patterned bikini and matching cover-up. The soft fabric glides between my fingers.
It's cute and sexy... Perfect to catch Kai off guard.
I strip and toss my old, sand clothes on a rock nearby. As I adjust the bikini's clasp, I glance behind. Kai's head peers out of the water, watching you curiously.
"Hey, this is a private show."
"I don't see anyone else around..."
I can feel his gaze on me as I tighten my straps, then slide the sarong around my waist, letting it flow down my legs.
"Well? What do you think?"
He takes his time to drink in the sight of me, one eyebrow cocked as his gaze trails down my body.
"It's...a look. A very good look."
"How verbose."
"You gonna come in the water or not?"
I slowly wade into the pool and paddle over to Kai. I close my eyes, enjoying the refreshing feel of the water against my skin.
"Who knew water could feel so good? "
"I could stay here all day... You don't mind getting us food and making camp, do you?"
"Depends... Do you like sleeping in the elements? Because if I make camp by myself, I guarantee you, I will be the only one to enjoy it."
"Oh damn. I was looking forward to sleeping together again."
I feel my cheeks grow warm at the thought of our bodies huddled together on the beach. I quickly look away, splashing the water absentmindedly.
"I mean...you can always help. I won't say no."
"Maybe. I'll think about it."
Kai lies back and floats on the water, relaxing as he listens to the hum of the jungle.
"This is the life."
With a mischievous smirk, I plunge underwater. Kai floats just above me, not a care in the world.
A prime target.
I tug his leg and bring him below the surface.
"What the...!"
He flails for a moment, then notices me. A few bubbles escape his mouth as he smirks and I can barely make out what he says through the water.
"You'll regret this."
I follow Kai to the surface and catch my breath. Immediately, he greets me with a hard splash. I wipe away the water dripping down my face.
"I see how it is."
I splash him right back, then swim away, barely dodging his retaliating strike!
"Don't start a water war unless you're ready to finish it."
"I always finish what I've started."
"We'll see about that..."
Kai catches up to me, capturing me in his strong hold. I hold my hands up in surrender.
"Alright, I yield. You win."
He chuckles, the releases me from his embrace. I swim across the pool, closer to the roaring waterfall. I lean my head back and enjoy the refreshing droplets falling on my skin.
"I'll never take water for granted again."
"Might be hard if we make it off this island."
"When, not if. We can't give up hope yet. And when we make it off, I'm taking you to dinner. It's the least I can do to show my appreciation."
"Alright, Doc, but I'll warn you, I'm not a cheap date. I'm thinking a nice, juicy steak and fresh, buttery lobster..."
"And now you're just making me hungry."
"Hey, you mentioned dinner. I'm just figuring out the entrees."
The current from the waterfall pushes me against Kai's chest. He looks at me and begins to chuckle.
"What's so funny?"
"You've got a rogue leaf in your hair... Here, I'll get it."
Kai draws closer, reaching up to gently remove the foliage from my hair. He leaves his hand against my cheek, his laughter now replaced with something else.
"Thanks..."
His eyes dart behind me. A small smirk plays on his face.
"You know...I've got an idea to make this more interesting."
"You really don't understand the concept of rest and relaxation, do you?"
"Says the woman who started a water fight."
And just like that, he takes off swimming toward the waterfall. I continue to wade in the water, watching his every move. He scales the cliffside with ease, then stand at the very top and yells.
"Loosen up, Doc. Come jump with me...I'll make it worth your while."
"How?"
"I'm sure I'll think of something..."
"Whatever you're planning, it'd better be worth it."
"The view's worth it on its own."
I carefully scale the waterfall, following the path I saw Kai take and using the same handholds as him.
"You made this look so easy."
"Good news is...the way down's a lot easier."
When I reach the top, Kai reaches out to help pull me up. My footing is shaky, so he secures an arm around my waist to keep me from falling. I look out and see the island's luscious greenery extending for miles. The waterfall roars beneath us, cascading into the clear pool below.
"You weren't kidding about the view."
"When do I ever kid?"
"You really want me to answer that?"
He chuckles, shaking his head. I look out at the picturesque overlook as the sun moves out from behind a stray cloud, casting Kai in a warm light.
"You can't beat this company."
My eyes wander across his body... The sun highlights his strong jawline, chiseled arms, and toned legs.
"I'm not some piece of meat, you know."
"Can you blame me for admiring the view?"
"Yes."
He wanders to the edge of the cliff. I go to join him and realize how high up we are.
"It's a long way down..."
"Luckily, it's a pretty quick one too. But if it makes you feel better, we can jump together."
"If you comfort me some more, I can do it."
I stare over the edge as the water rushes off the cliff into the pool down below.
"Because it's high. Very high. So high."
"Ignore that. Just look at me. Focus on me."
I peel my eyes off the vista and look at Kai, his gaze unwavering.
"I won't leave your side. You can do this."
My breathing slows at I meet his eyes.
"I'm ready...I think."
I peer over the side. The water roars over the cliff, crashing into the pool far below.
"Maybe. What if I hit a rock? Or trip as I jump? Or land the wrong way—"
Just then, Kai surges forward and kisses me deeply!
"Oh."
Before I can register what just happened, Kai pulls back.
"Don't think. Just feel."
He winks then jumps off the edge! I call after him.
"What about jumping together!"
I don't give it a second thought as I take the plunge after him. Wind whips across my face as the water below rushes toward me.
"Ahhh!"
"Wooo!"
I can't help but smile as I feel the rush of air hitting me.
"This is awesome!"
I plunge into the cool water just after Kai, then surface mere inches from each other. I surge with a mix of adrenaline and relief.
"That was amazing! I can't believe I actually did that."
I throw my arms around Kai, grinning from ear to ear. I replay the events in my head. The rush of the wind against my skin. The beating of my heart inside my chest...and the feel of his lips against me.
"You...kissed me."
I pull back to watch his face carefully. My breathing slows. Time stops as neither of us says a word...
"I..."
Suddenly, Kai closes the distance and kisses me again! On instinct, my arms slide around him, pressing his body tightly to mine.
"Don't stop."
That's all it takes for him to let go. His strong arms encircle me, enticing me closer with his kisses. My tongue slides against his and it feels like my skin is suddenly on fire, despite the water surrounding me.
"Mmm..."
His lips desperately explore mine, each press more urgent than the last. He gently sucks my lower lip, letting out a low groan of pleasure.
"(Y/N)..."
He blazes a trail of kisses across my jawline and down my neck as both of us tread water to stay afloat. I tilt my head back in the water, inviting him in. I propel myself higher in the water, the secure my legs around Kai's waist. His hands clutch the fabric at my thighs as I snake my arms around his muscled shoulders. My tongue desperately seeks his out, my heady kisses driving me into a fever pitch.
"Kai..."
His hands slide down my back, holding me impossibly closer. I hook my ankles around him, wanting no space between us.
"Ohhh..."
A low growl rumbles in the back of Kai's throat as he snags my bottom lip between his teeth. I dig my fingers into his back. I tilt my head back, gasping for a breath of air. Kai's lips find my neck and he lavishes every inch of skin with kisses.
"Yes! "
He returns to my lips, his kisses somehow hungrier than before. Our tongues battle for control, neither of us ready to surrender.
"I want you..."
His hand slinks down my body and plays with my waistband. My muscles tense, aching for his touch.
"Please..."
As my heart pounds and my breathing grows heavier, his fingers begin to slide below... Just then, a roar rings out from the forest nearby!
"What was that?"
"I don't know. I was a bit preoccupied."
"I'm serious. I think I heard something."
The startling sound sobers me from Kai's intoxicating presence. I pull away and head to shore to investigate. I climb out of the water and squint through the forest for the source.
"Hm...I don't see any—"
Just then, Kai's hand squeezes my shoulder, his eyes fixe to the tree canopy above.
"No. Sudden. Movements."
I hear a low growl... Slowly I tilt my head up to find a pair of yellow eyes staring at me from the branches above. The dark figure stalks closer...
"Crap! "