Summer had crept up on us like a slow tide, washing away the intensity of finals, deadlines, and endless hours at the club headquarters. The quiet hum of campus had faded to a soft murmur, and for the first time since Selene joined Hillwood, the air felt lighter. Freer.
Except for one thing: the club wasn’t dispersing like most did after the semester ended.
Lucas, Irene, Wendy, Clark, and Clint should’ve been donning caps and gowns by now, walking proudly as fourth-year graduates. But they didn’t. Instead, they dropped a subject or two—just enough to delay their graduation by a semester. All so they could finish the year together with the rest of us.
Selene wasn’t sure whether to call that reckless or loyal. Maybe both.
“She didn’t want to miss what comes next,” Lucas said, brushing it off like it was no big deal. “Besides, one more semester means more time to torment Kairo.”
Kairo, who was still grumbling about it days later, had no comeback. Maybe because deep down, he was glad they stayed too.
Only two people would remain to officially run the club next year—Lana and Kairo. Lana was entering her third year in Civil Engineering, already taking leadership responsibilities with calm precision. Kairo was in third year Electronics Engineering, sharp as ever with a side of sarcasm. They would hold the fort until the next wave of members could take the reins.
But before all that—before internships, summer classes, and planning the future—we had a vacation to enjoy.
And the destination?
Grandbay Town, South Island.
The bet had been sealed months ago in the club’s conference room during one of our late-night brainstorming sessions. The club agreed that whoever made the biggest project contribution would get to choose the summer trip location.
Sebastian didn’t argue when Selene suggested Grandbay.
She didn't meant to win.
But she did.
Grandbay was famous for its pristine sea and thriving tourism—a dream escape of sun, white sand, and aquamarine water. Selene even suggested a side trip to Brewery Town, a charming spot known for its fresh wines and scenic vineyards. Everyone loved the idea.
A few days after finalizing the itinerary, Sebastian’s private plane was ready.
Yes, his private plane.
She still wasn’t used to that part of him. The wealth. The reach. The quiet authority that booked things like jets and resorts like they were basic travel essentials.
The members arrival at Grandbay felt surreal.
The resort—The Book Resort—was tucked along the curve of the coastline, where lush greenery met dazzling white beaches. Palm trees swayed lazily in the breeze, and the air was filled with the scent of saltwater and tropical blooms.
But what really stunned us?
The silence.
There was no crowd. No screaming tourists or flocks of beachgoers.
Just staff. Smiling, polite, and clearly expecting us.
Selene raised a brow at Sebastian, who had remained cool and collected the entire ride. “Is something wrong? Why’s it so quiet?”
He glanced at the others, who had also started to notice the strange stillness, then finally said, “I booked the entire place. For us. Full privacy.”
Clark let out a low whistle. “Wait, the whole resort?”
“All twenty cottages. Plus the main lounge and beach deck,” Sebastian confirmed, as if he were talking about booking a dinner table. “You said you wanted peace, right?”
Irene squealed, practically spinning in place. “This is unreal!”
Wendy clapped her hands. “I call the first dip in the ocean!”
It was like someone flipped a switch. The quiet awe turned into wild excitement. Everyone scattered—exploring, laughing, already snapping pictures of the stunning landscape and blue, endless sea.
The resort cottages were something out of a dream.
Constructed low and close to the sea, each wooden cottage stood on stilts embedded into the white sand. Beneath them was clear, sparkling water that shimmered even at twilight. You could walk just a few steps outside and dip your toes into the ocean, day or night. Lantern lights lined the walkway bridges, casting golden glows against the waves after sunset.
Selene stepped into her own cottage and dropped her bag by the entrance. The walls were wide open to the view, glass doors leading out to a private deck. She slid one open and stepped barefoot onto the warm wood, looking down.
The sea below was a mirror—blue and endless and perfect.
“Not bad, huh?” a voice said from behind me.
Selene turned.
Sebastian was standing at my doorway, hands in his pockets, a trace of smug amusement on his face.
“Not bad?” Selene echoed. “You booked a dream.”
He shrugged. “ You suggested a great place to unwind and relax and I just want to set the bar high.”
“Too high,” Selene said, unable to hide her smile. “How will we top this next summer?”
Sebastian looked out at the sea beside Selene, silent for a moment. “We’ll find a way. Or maybe… we just come back here.”
Selene studied his profile. The strong jaw. The seriousness in his gaze. This side of him—unbothered, almost relaxed—it was rare. And yet, here in Grandbay, under soft sunlight and ocean breeze, it felt… right.
“Thank you,” Selene said quietly.
Sebastian eyes flicked to mine. “For what?”
“For making us feel like we belong somewhere. Even for just a few days.”
He didn’t smile, but his voice softened. “You’ve earned more than a few days, Selene despite being new to the club you manage to contribute using your knowledge in investing and you being an architect.”
"Well I have to prove myself to the Club and even to the University" 
"You just did so for now let's enjoy our summer vacation" 
Sebastian urge selene to joinnwith the other members planning for their activities
The breeze danced between them, carrying the scent of sea and freedom.
Somewhere beyond the cottages, can be heard the laughter—Lucas shouting, Clark challenging Clint to a race, Wendy and Irene planning a photoshoot, Lana warning them all not to break anything. Kairo’s unmistakable groan followed.
It was chaotic.
Warm.
Real.
And for the first time in a long time, Selene let herself believe she was exactly where she was meant to be.