Part 27

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple, the group sat on the warm sand, enjoying the breathtaking view. The salty breeze was cool against their skin, and the sound of gentle waves created a relaxing atmosphere.

Jhoanna sat next to Stacey, absentmindedly drawing patterns in the sand with her finger. "This place is something else," she murmured.

Stacey, watching the waves, hummed in agreement. "Yeah... It feels nice to just be here and not think about work or anything else."

Gwen, with Sheena leaning against her shoulder, chuckled. "That's the point of this trip, babe."

Colet had her arm around Maloi, who was tracing circles on Colet's palm with her fingers. "I don't think I ever wanna leave," Maloi sighed dramatically.

While the group was absorbed in their quiet moments, Maloi suddenly noticed something—or rather, the absence of two certain people. She nudged Sheena, who had also just realized the same thing.

"Where did Aiah and Mikha go?" Sheena whispered, eyes scanning the beach.

Maloi smirked. "I have a guess, but let's wait and see."

A few minutes later, just as the group started stretching and preparing to leave, Mikha and Aiah reappeared, walking back toward them with an air of nonchalance—except for the tiny blush dusting Aiah's cheeks and the barely-there smirk on Mikha's face.

Maloi and Sheena exchanged a knowing glance but chose not to say anything.

Jhoanna, completely oblivious, clapped her hands together. "Alright, ladies, let's pack up before it gets too dark."

As they gathered their things and made their way back to the estate, the warm glow of the sunset faded into the night, leaving behind an unspoken understanding between a few of them—something was definitely brewing between Mikha and Aiah.

---------------------------------------

After returning to the estate, Maloi immediately went to freshen up. The warm water washed away the remnants of the beach—salt, sand, and the lingering sun-kissed warmth on her skin. Feeling refreshed, she changed into a loose oversized shirt and comfortable shorts, her damp hair cascading down her back.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, Colet was already waiting for her, sitting comfortably on the edge of their shared bed, scrolling through her phone. She looked up as Maloi entered, a small smirk forming on her lips.

"You clean up nicely," Colet teased, setting her phone aside.

Maloi playfully rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Of course I do. You think I'd come out looking like a mess?" She dramatically flipped her hair, making Colet chuckle.

Colet patted the space beside her. "Come here."

Without hesitation, Maloi climbed onto the bed, settling beside Colet. She leaned her head against Colet's shoulder, sighing contentedly. "Today was fun."

Colet hummed in agreement, wrapping an arm around Maloi's waist and pulling her closer. "Yeah, it was. Seeing you happy makes it even better."

Maloi felt her heart flutter at Colet's words. She tilted her head up to look at her. "You're really sweet, you know that?"

Colet raised an eyebrow. "Only for you," she said, her voice low and teasing.

Maloi giggled before pressing a soft kiss to Colet's jaw. "Good. I don't want you being this sweet to anyone else."

Colet turned her head slightly, catching Maloi's lips in a gentle kiss. It was slow, unhurried—just the two of them in their little bubble of warmth. When they pulled away, Maloi rested her forehead against Colet's.

"Can we stay like this for a while?" Maloi whispered.

Colet smiled, her hold on Maloi tightening. "As long as you want."

And so they stayed there, wrapped in each other's warmth, enjoying the peaceful intimacy of the moment.

-------------------------------------

As they lay in bed, tangled in each other's warmth, Colet lazily traced patterns on Maloi's arm with her fingers. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the bedside lamp casting gentle shadows.

Maloi let out a content sigh, nuzzling into Colet's shoulder. "This place is really something else," she murmured. "It's so peaceful here. No cameras, no schedules, no deadlines... just us."

Colet pressed a kiss to the top of Maloi's head. "If you want," she said softly, "we can always come here anytime. Just the two of us. Whenever things get too hectic back in the city, we can escape here and relax."

Maloi lifted her head slightly, her eyes searching Colet's face. "Really? We can just... come here whenever?"

Colet nodded. "Yeah. This estate belongs to me, Mikha, Gwen, and Jhoanna. We rarely use it outside of trips like this, but you—" She brushed a stray strand of hair from Maloi's face. "—you can come here anytime you want. With me."

Maloi's heart swelled at the thought. Colet was already spoiling her so much, but this felt... different. More intimate. More meaningful.

She grinned. "So you're saying I have a personal getaway now?"

Colet chuckled. "Pretty much. I'll take you anywhere you want, but I figured you'd like it here the most. No distractions. Just us."

Maloi felt a warmth spread through her chest. She leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to Colet's lips. "You really are the best, you know that?"

Colet smirked. "I try."

Maloi laughed, snuggling back into her. "Let's make this our place then. Just for us."

"Just for us," Colet agreed, holding her close as they drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

----------------------------------------

As Colet and Maloi joined the group at the dining table, the atmosphere was cozy and relaxed. The dinner was light but filled with warm conversations, soft laughter, and the occasional teasing between pairs.

Maloi sighed as she leaned back in her chair. "I can't believe how fast time flies. Feels like we just got here, and now we're heading back to the city tomorrow."

Sheena, Aiah, and Stacey nodded in agreement. Aiah pouted slightly, absentmindedly stroking Honey's fur as the puppy rested on her lap. "Yeah, I don't wanna leave yet. This place feels like a dream."

Mikha smirked from across the table, glancing at Aiah. "You know, dreams don't have to end. You're all always welcome here anytime."

Jhoanna nodded, taking a sip of her wine. "Seriously, just say the word, and we'll arrange everything. No need for special occasions, just come whenever you feel like getting away from the city."

Gwen leaned back with an easy smile, wrapping an arm around Sheena's chair. "Yeah, we've got plenty of space, plenty of food, and now even a new puppy running around." She chuckled as Honey let out a tiny sleepy yawn.

Maloi looked around at everyone, appreciating how effortlessly their two groups had blended together. This trip had started with some awkward introductions and uncertainties, but now, it felt like they had all known each other forever.

She turned to Colet with a grin. "I guess we'll be taking you up on that offer pretty often."

Colet smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Stacey playfully nudged Jhoanna. "You better not forget that offer when I randomly show up at your place."

Jhoanna chuckled, trying to act cool but utterly failing when it came to Stacey. "You can show up whenever you want, princess."

That earned a collective "Ooooh" from the table, making Jhoanna groan while Stacey just smirked in satisfaction.

The night carried on with more banter and warm conversations, the reality of returning to the city lingering in the back of their minds—but for now, they enjoyed the moment.

--------------------------------

After dinner, the group migrated to the living room, settling into the plush couches and warm ambiance of the estate's lounge area. The large screen was set up for a movie, and they had an assortment of snacks, from popcorn to chocolates, along with glasses of wine.

The seating arrangement fell into place naturally—Stacey nestled comfortably into Jhoanna's arms, leaning her head against Jhoanna's shoulder as she lazily popped a grape into her mouth. Jhoanna, ever the lovesick fool for Stacey, tightened her hold slightly, savoring the rare moment of closeness without the usual teasing.

Mikha and Aiah had settled into the corner of one of the couches, their legs tangled together as they shared a blanket. Honey, the now-spoiled puppy, was comfortably curled up on Aiah's lap, snoring softly. Mikha occasionally reached out to pet the puppy, but her gaze always lingered on Aiah, watching her reactions to the movie with quiet amusement.

Colet had her arm draped around Maloi, keeping her close. Maloi leaned into her warmth, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on Colet's thigh. Every now and then, she'd glance up at Colet and flash her a soft smile, which Colet returned with a light kiss to her temple.

On the other side, Gwen and Sheena were just as wrapped up in each other. Sheena was tucked under Gwen's arm, sipping her wine as she rested her head against Gwen's chest. Gwen kept one hand on her waist and the other playing with Sheena's fingers, occasionally whispering something that made Sheena giggle softly.

The movie played in the background, but half the group was too wrapped up in their own little worlds to fully pay attention. Every now and then, someone would throw a comment about the film, only to be met with a teasing response or laughter.

At some point, Stacey turned slightly in Jhoanna's arms and smirked. "I never thought you'd be the cuddly type, CEO Robles."

Jhoanna scoffed but didn't let go. "Only for you, princess."

Maloi snickered from across the room, whispering to Sheena, "I can't believe she actually said that out loud."

Sheena, trying not to burst out laughing, whispered back, "She's down so bad."

Mikha and Aiah exchanged amused glances before going back to absentmindedly petting Honey, while Colet just shook her head at the antics around her.

The night passed with soft laughter, warm embraces, and the quiet realization that this trip had not only brought them together as friends but, for some of them, as something much more.

------------------------------

After the movie, the couples bid each other good night, retreating to their respective rooms. Maloi and Colet entered their room, the dim lighting casting a soft glow over the space. As soon as the door closed behind them, Maloi turned to Colet with a teasing smile.

"You were so sweet today, spoiling me like that," Maloi murmured as she wrapped her arms around Colet's neck, pulling her closer.

Colet smirked, her hands naturally settling on Maloi's waist. "I spoil you every day. You just noticed now?"

Maloi giggled, resting her forehead against Colet's. "I always notice. And I love it."

Colet exhaled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Maloi's forehead before tilting her chin up to capture her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. The world outside faded away as they melted into each other, their touches soft but full of emotion.

They eventually settled into bed, Maloi curled up against Colet's chest, feeling warm and safe in her embrace. Colet stroked Maloi's hair, pressing absentminded kisses against her temple.

"I meant what I said earlier," Colet whispered. "Anytime you want to come back here, just say the word. This place... it's ours now, too."

Maloi looked up at her, eyes shining with something tender. "Ours?"

Colet nodded, tucking a strand of Maloi's hair behind her ear. "Ours."

Maloi smiled, leaning up to kiss Colet once more before whispering, "Then I'm holding you to that promise."

With that, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's warmth, the estate now holding yet another cherished memory for them.

----------------------------

Maloi stirred awake to the feeling of soft, lingering kisses trailing along her cheek, down to her jaw. She hummed sleepily, eyes fluttering open to see Colet hovering over her, a small smirk playing on her lips.

"Good morning, princesa," Colet murmured, pressing one last kiss to Maloi's nose.

Maloi groaned playfully, tugging the blanket over her head. "Five more minutes..."

Colet chuckled and gently peeled the blanket away. "If we stay in bed any longer, the others will eat all the good food."

At that, Maloi's eyes snapped open. "Why didn't you say that earlier?" she huffed, quickly sitting up and stretching before leaning in to steal a quick kiss from Colet.

After freshening up, the two made their way downstairs, hand in hand. The smell of freshly brewed coffee, warm bread, and breakfast dishes filled the air. The rest of the group was already seated at the long dining table, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their last morning in the estate.

"You two are late," Stacey teased, eyeing the way Maloi clung to Colet's arm.

Maloi rolled her eyes playfully. "Blame Colet. She kept me in bed too long."

Jhoanna choked on her coffee, while Aiah and Sheena exchanged amused glances. Mikha, ever the composed one, simply raised an eyebrow, while Gwen shook her head with a smirk.

Colet shrugged, completely unbothered. "Can you blame me?" she said, casually placing a piece of fruit on Maloi's plate.

The group laughed as Maloi playfully smacked Colet's arm before digging into her breakfast. Even though their weekend at the estate was coming to an end, the bonds between them felt stronger than ever.

-----------------------------------------

The girls enjoyed their breakfast, savoring the delicious food and the last morning they had together at the estate. The table was filled with laughter and lighthearted teasing, making the atmosphere feel warm and familiar.

Jhoanna, in between bites of her toast, leaned back in her chair and smirked at Stacey. "You know, I think I deserve a 'Best Surfer Coach' award for teaching you yesterday."

Stacey scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Please, you barely taught me anything! I figured it out myself."

"You fell off the board five times before you even stood up," Jhoanna shot back, grinning.

"That's because someone kept staring at me instead of giving proper instructions," Stacey quipped, poking at Jhoanna's arm.

The group burst into laughter as Jhoanna dramatically placed a hand over her heart. "How could I not stare? You were breathtaking," she said in an exaggerated, dreamy voice, making Stacey groan.

Meanwhile, Aiah was feeding little pieces of fruit to Honey, who sat contently on her lap. Mikha, sitting beside her, sipped her coffee while watching the scene unfold with an amused look.

"You're spoiling that puppy," Mikha pointed out, nudging Aiah lightly.

Aiah just smiled, scratching behind Honey's ears. "So? Look at this face. How could I not?"

Mikha chuckled, shaking her head. "Guess I'm competing for your attention now, huh?" she teased, earning a playful nudge from Aiah.

Across the table, Sheena happily enjoyed her meal, while Gwen made sure she had everything she liked on her plate. Colet, on the other hand, was busy making sure Maloi ate properly, placing extra food on her plate every now and then.

Maloi pouted. "Colet, I can get my own food, you know."

"I know," Colet replied, nonchalantly adding another piece of toast to Maloi's plate. "But I like taking care of you."

Maloi couldn't even pretend to be annoyed, feeling her heart melt instead.

The morning sun cast a golden glow through the wide windows, the peaceful surroundings of the estate making their last breakfast together even more special. Even though they knew they'd be heading back to the city soon, this weekend had created unforgettable memories, and they all knew it wouldn't be the last time they'd gather like this.