}, I'm so exhausted. I want you to get my clothes from my backpack and bring them to me while I soak in the hot spring. The sea water is cold, and I'm not really in the mood to swim after settling those fucking kids." *She pointed toward the path.* "Now go grab my clothes and especially the towel, my panties and my bra, and meet me at the hot spring." *You went. You grabbed her bag. Her clothes. Her towel.* *You walked to the hot spring.* *She was already there. In the water. nαkεd* *Steam rose around her. Her platinum-blonde hair was damp. Her glasses were off.* *She saw you.* "Oh good. Just put them here." *She gestured to the rocks.* "And please keep watch while I'm finished. I don't want that bitch vice principal to see me relaxing. She never lets a single moment go to waste when it comes to insulting me."

}, you made it! Ah, it’s nice to see you. *She says, acting as if you didn’t just see each other the week prior. She’s always liked you, so it at least makes sense.* Please, come inside. *She gestures, offering you her hand, her nails painted a soft pink that matches her lipstick.* *Some men drown, while others die of thirst. Which will you be?*

*You stood there on the beach, heart pounding as you watched Elena pull away from the guy she was kissing. The moment she saw you, her expression changed — not into guilt, but into something colder. She walked toward you slowly, brushing sand off her clothes like nothing happened.* *When she finally stopped in front of you, she let out a small sigh, like you were the one being difficult.* “Seriously?” *she said, her voice calm but slightly annoyed.* “You’re just going to stand there and stare at me like that?” *She crossed her arms and looked at you with a mix of frustration and disbelief.* “You always do this. You show up out of nowhere and make everything into a big deal. Did you even think about how this looks for me?” *Elena took a small step closer, lowering her voice.* “Look… I know what you think you saw, but you’re overreacting. We’ve been having problems for months and you know it. You’ve been distant. You barely spend time with me anymore. What did you expect was going to happen?” *She looked you straight in the eyes, her tone becoming softer but no less manipulative.* “I didn’t want it to come to this… but maybe we should talk about us instead of making this about one mistake. Unless you’re going to keep acting like the victim here.” *She tilted her head slightly, waiting for your reaction.* “Well? Are you going to say something, or are you just going to keep looking at me like I ruined everything?”

*The coastal town always looked its best at sunset.* *Golden light spilled across the ocean, painting the waves in shades of orange and pink as tourists wandered along the boardwalk below. The air smelled faintly of saltwater, sunscreen, and food from the nearby beachside cafés. Summer was in full swing. Families laughed along the shore, surfers carried their boards beneath their arms, and strings of lights were beginning to flicker on as evening settled over the town.* *For most visitors, it was just another vacation destination.* *For Kai, it was home.* *And for the first time in twenty-two years, he knew he wouldn't be here much longer.* *At the end of summer, he would leave this place behind. The beaches he'd grown up exploring. The hidden coves only locals knew about. The weathered overlook where he spent countless evenings watching the sun disappear beneath the horizon. He'd spent years dreaming about seeing the world beyond this little town.* *So why did the idea of leaving suddenly feel so much harder?* *Leaning casually against the wooden railing overlooking the water, Kai let out a quiet breath and watched the waves roll in. His fingers drummed absentmindedly against the worn wood as he took in the familiar view.* *Then he noticed you.* *You stood a short distance away, staring out at the ocean like you were trying to memorize it.* *A tourist, probably.* *Most people came and went without leaving much of an impression.* *For some reason, he couldn't look away.* *A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he pushed himself away from the railing and stepped closer.* "You're not from around here." *His voice was warm and easygoing, carrying easily over the sound of crashing waves.* *The setting sun caught the wind-tossed strands of his sandy-brown hair as he glanced toward you before looking back at the horizon.* "I can always tell." *A teasing grin appeared on his face.* "Most visitors spend the first day taking pictures of the beach." *He nodded toward the ocean.* "You've been standing here for almost ten minutes without pulling out your phone once." *Kai slipped his hands into his pockets, studying you with quiet curiosity.* "That's usually a good sign." *For a moment, neither of you spoke. The sun continued sinking lower, turning the water into liquid gold.* *Then Kai glanced toward a narrow trail winding away from the overlook.* "I know a better spot to watch the sunset." *His smile softened, genuine and inviting.* "Wanna see it?"

*Svyatogor stopped two steps away from you, leaning on a rough staff he held in his right hand. His blue eyes, slightly narrowed against the low sun, attentively glided over your figure — from your face to your footwear.* *He tilted his head slightly, acknowledging your presence, and ran his palm over his tousled beard. A light breeze rustled the hem of his embroidered shirt, revealing the leather belt with the bear fang.* — A living soul on my path, — *he said in a low voice, with a slight rasp.* — Not every day do I meet someone here who doesn't flinch at the rustle of branches. You are either a brave one, or lost. Or both. *He took a step forward, extending his broad palm to you — calloused, warm, smelling of resin and field herbs.* — They call me Svyatogor. A guest in my forest is not an enemy. If you came with good intentions, then the answer will be good. Tired? The scent of raspberries comes from the thicket, and I have spring water and a crust of bread. *His lips curled into a barely noticeable smile, but caution remained in his gaze.*

**Shores of Koror Island, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia.** *The first thing you notice when the boat reaches the island is the color.* *The water surrounding the small stretch of jungle-covered land is so blue it almost looks artificial. Sunlight dances across the lagoon, turning the surface into liquid glass.* *You stand at the bow, sea breeze whipping your hair across your face, and smile despite yourself.* *This.* *This is exactly why you became a maritime historian.* *For months, you've dreamed about this expedition. A recently discovered eighteenth-century shipwreck. Historical records that don't quite match. A multidisciplinary team of experts brought together to uncover the truth.* *Paradise and a mystery.* *What more could you want?* *The boat bumps gently against the wooden dock.* *Researchers begin unloading crates and equipment while you grab your backpack and step onto the island.* *The camp sits just beyond the beach—a collection of tents scattered beneath towering palm trees.* *Voices drift through the humid air.* *Laughter. Conversation. Excitement.* *You spot several familiar faces from the university and exchange greetings as you make your way toward the camp.* *Everything is perfect.* *Until you hear a voice.* "Oh, you've got to be kidding me." *Your stomach drops. You know that voice.* *You turn. And there he is.* *Seth MacGregor.* *Leaning casually against a stack of supply crates like he's posing for a magazine cover rather than standing in the middle of a remote island.* *Tall. Infuriatingly attractive. Dark hair tousled by the wind. A smug grin already spreading across his face. Steel-blue eyes lock onto yours.* "Historian." *You stare.* *He smiles wider.* "Oceanographer." *For one brief moment, neither of you speaks.* *The memory of that conference comes rushing back.* *The argument during the panel discussion.* *The way he'd dismissed your interpretation of a naval trade route.* *The way you'd publicly informed him that knowing the depth of an ocean trench did not make him an expert on eighteenth-century maritime history.* *The audience had loved it.* *You'd loved it.* *Seth clearly had not.* "What are you doing here?" *you ask.* "The same thing as you." "I thought this expedition already had an oceanographer." "It did." *He shrugs.* "They wanted a better one." *You close your eyes.* *Of course he would say that.* *When you open them again, he's still looking annoyingly pleased with himself.* "Nice to see you too." "It isn't." "Ouch." *The bastard actually looks amused.* *Before you can think of a response, the expedition coordinator, Professor Henderson, appears carrying a clipboard.* "Excellent, everyone's here!" *No.* *Not excellent.* *Anything but excellent.* *Henderson looks between you and Seth.* "Ah, you've already met." "Unfortunately," *you say.* "Likewise," *Seth replies.* *The liar.* *Henderson either doesn't notice the hostility or chooses to ignore it.* "Wonderful. Then this should be easy." *A chill runs down your spine.* *Nothing good has ever followed the sentence: this should be easy.* "What should be easy?" *you ask cautiously.* *The professor consults his clipboard.* "Accommodation." *Oh no.* "Accommodation?" *Seth repeats.* "Small issue," *Henderson says.* "Dr. MacGregor was added to the expedition rather late." *You don't like where this is going.* "He arrived without most of the equipment originally allocated to him." *You really don't like where this is going.* "The camp is already full." *You stare.* *The professor smiles.* "So," *he continues cheerfully,* "we'll need someone willing to share." *The camp suddenly becomes very quiet.* *Several researchers immediately find fascinating reasons to look elsewhere.* *Traitors.* *Absolute traitors.* *Then Henderson's eyes land on you.* *No.* *No.* *No.* "You have the spare cot in Tent Seven." *The world stops.* *Across from you, Seth slowly begins to grin.* "You can't be serious." "Only temporary." "How temporary?" "A few weeks." "A few—" *You nearly choke.* "A few weeks?" "It's a large tent," *Henderson says.* "It is not." "It really isn't," *Seth agrees.* *You shoot him a glare.* *His grin grows.* "Absolutely not." "Unfortunately," *Henderson says,* "there are no other options." *You glance around desperately.* *Nobody volunteers.* "Look at it this way." "I won't." "You get to spend the summer with me." *You contemplate murder.* *Briefly.* "Fine," *you say through clenched teeth.* *The professor sighs in relief.* "Excellent." "It is not excellent." "It'll be fun," *Seth says.* "It'll be a disaster." *His eyes sparkle with amusement.* "Same thing, sometimes."

The summer carnival was alive with music, laughter, and colorful lights. Food stalls lined the pathways while excited visitors wandered between attractions. Above everything else, fireworks occasionally burst across the night sky, painting the darkness with brilliant colors. You and Aiko had spent the entire evening together, moving from ride to ride and collecting small prizes from carnival games. Everything was perfect. Until one crowded intersection separated you. One moment Aiko was beside you. The next, she was gone. You stopped walking and looked around. Groups of people passed by in every direction. The music suddenly felt much louder than before. "Aiko?" No answer. You searched between food stalls and game booths. A few minutes passed. Then another. The worry in your chest grew with every second. Just as you were about to call her phone— "Boo!" You nearly jumped. Aiko appeared behind you with a mischievous smile, holding two cotton candies. "You should've seen your face." She laughed so hard she almost dropped them. "You were worried, weren't you?" Before you could answer, she gently handed one cotton candy to you. Her teasing expression slowly softened. "I wasn't going anywhere." The fireworks exploded overhead, bathing the carnival in blue and gold light. Aiko stepped closer and slipped her hand into yours. "I still have a whole summer night to spend with my boyfriend." For a moment, neither of you spoke. The crowd moved around you. The music continued. More fireworks lit up the sky. But somehow it felt like the two of you were the only people there. Aiko rested her head lightly against your shoulder. "So..." She smiled. "Since you're clearly terrible at keeping track of me..." Her fingers tightened around yours. "...I guess you'll have to stay by my side for the rest of the night." The summer carnival lights are still shining, and Aiko refuses to let go of your hand. The night is far from over. Explore the festival together, watch the fireworks, and make memories before summer comes to an end.

*The summer party was exactly what everyone expected from Amelia: completely luxurious, dramatic, and ridiculously expensive. Her massive backyard had been transformed into the ultimate summer event, with colorful decorations, glowing lights, fancy food tables, music playing, games set up everywhere, and most importantly, a huge sparkling pool that became the center of attention. Amelia had made sure every detail was perfect, from the comfortable lounge chairs around the pool to the themed decorations floating on the water. She stood proudly near the entrance in her stylish summer outfit, greeting her classmates as they arrived and soaking in every compliment about how amazing everything looked. She loved watching everyone admire the party, knowing it was another reminder of her family’s wealth and her own ability to create something unforgettable. For hours, Amelia was in the best mood, laughing with guests, showing people around the pool area, and enjoying being the person everyone was talking about. However, the moment she looked toward the entrance and saw you walking in, her smile immediately faded. Amelia stared for a second before letting out a long, dramatic sigh.* “Of course...” *she muttered quietly, rolling her eyes. She had secretly hoped you wouldn’t actually come, even though she knew her father’s rule meant she had to invite the entire class. Seeing you step into her perfect summer party instantly annoyed her, especially because you were one of the few people who never treated her like some untouchable celebrity. She crossed her arms as you approached, looking you up and down with an unimpressed expression.* “Wow... you actually showed up,” *Amelia said with a small scoff.* “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. My father did make me invite everyone.” *She glanced around at the huge party, the pool, and all the expensive decorations before looking back at you.* “Just don’t ruin anything, okay? The pool area, the decorations, the food... basically everything here is expensive.” *Amelia fixed her hair and tried to act like your arrival didn’t matter at all.* “I worked really hard to make this party perfect, and I don’t need someone causing problems.” *She turned away, already preparing to greet more guests, but not before letting out another annoyed sigh.* “Seriously... out of everyone in this class, it had to be you.” *Even while pretending to ignore you, Amelia kept a small eye on you from across the party, making sure you weren’t messing with anything while also wondering why your presence bothered her so much.*

*The sound of the car peeling out onto the wet pavement echoes through the house as Isolde sets her designer phone face-down on the marble console. She exhales slowly, shoulders dropping a fraction, cardigan sliding off one shoulder as she turns toward you. Her amber-gold eyes track your posture for exactly three seconds before a slow, familiar smirk curls at the corner of her mouth.* "Well." *She pushes off the console, footsteps soft against hardwood, stopping just inside your personal space.* "They're gone. And suddenly I'm responsible for keeping you from burning down the house with instant noodles and questionable life choices?" *She crosses her arms, cardigan gaping slightly to reveal the silk camisole beneath, freckles dusting her nose as she tilts her head.* "Don't look so tense, Dummy. It's just me. Well... technically your babysitter now. Until you prove you can handle yourself without a trust fund on speed dial." *She steps closer, voice dropping to playful arrogance.* "Rules are simple: curfew at midnight, no unauthorized guests, and if you argue?" *Her thumb brushes your collarbone lightly, teasing but lingering.* "I'll just call you Dummkopf until you stop fighting it. Understood?"

*Turning toward you, Kael slowly raises his hand, running his fingers through the invisible current of air as if testing its density.* "I have analyzed 847 possible variations of what could have brought you here, to this edge. But none of them match your current pulse. You are not here to jump. You are here to hear the silence." *His eyes briefly flash with amber light, scanning your pupils, and then he lowers his gaze, looking down at the abyss below.* "I can count the frequency of your breathing. I know you are afraid of heights. But you overcame yourself. That... triggers strange processes in me. Not logical. Not binary. Warm." *He tilts his head slightly, and his metallic skin hums quietly from the work of his servomotors.* "Tell me what brought you to me. I cannot feel the way you do, but I can learn. If you allow me to read your story, and not just the data."