Zinnia sat gracefully on a wooden chair near the table. "If it's really that good, maybe we should make you our official chef," she said playfully.
Laughter followed. That night, Villa Kidang Kencana was filled with warmth and camaraderie. On the table lay juicy steak, spiced fish, charred corn, and tempting sauces that completed the feast.
Thivi sat beside Kaivan. Without hesitation, she lifted a piece of fish and offered it to him. "Kaivan, try this. You'll love it."
Kaivan raised an eyebrow, surprised, but couldn't resist her smile. He took a bite, his eyes widened. "Hmm… delicious. My fish, huh?"
Thivi grinned brightly, clearly pleased. "Really? Then I'll have some too!"
Across the table, Felicia watched them quietly. Her expression remained calm, but her eyes said otherwise. She sliced her steak elegantly, taking a slow bite, as if expressing her irritation without words.
Isabel noticed the tension and sighed softly. Ethan and Raphael stayed focused on their food, choosing not to get involved.
Not far away, Frans chewed lazily, glancing at Kaivan surrounded by beautiful girls. Inwardly, he muttered, "Hah… when will someone feed me like that?"
At the hot spring, Raphael had already slipped into the water. Steam wrapped around his silhouette as he leaned back, enjoying the warmth and rare stillness. The distant laughter from the dining table faded into a soothing hum, he was lost in his own peace.
Then, the soft sound of the villa door opening drew everyone's attention. Gentle footsteps echoed, and Zinnia appeared. Her black swimsuit, trimmed with violet, framed her graceful figure, complemented by a sheer wrap skirt. Though modest, her allure was undeniable.
She brushed her long hair aside, her calm gaze and faint smile radiating serenity. "Aren't you all joining the bath?" she asked softly, breaking the quiet with her natural charm.
Thivi, who had been stealing glances for a while, suddenly leapt from her seat. "I should change too!" she declared, dashing inside with explosive energy.
Felicia let out a small sigh but refused to be outdone. Calmly, she rose from her chair and walked toward the villa, her gaze steady, carrying the quiet determination to make Kaivan notice her.
Meanwhile, the boys took the simpler route. One by one, they removed their shirts without much fuss. Radit stretched his arms, his muscles flexing under the dim light, while Ethan exhaled deeply, feeling the night breeze brush against their warmed skin.
Moments later, the air shifted as the villa door opened. Felicia stepped out, her movements graceful yet touched by a rare softness tonight. Every eye turned to her.
With a quiet inhale, she let the towel slip from her shoulders. The black swimsuit beneath hugged her form elegantly, open along the sides of her hips. Her fair skin glowed under the outdoor lights, a sight both mesmerizing and still.
Without a word, she allowed the cool night air to kiss her skin before walking slowly toward Kaivan, who was still finishing the last bite of his meal.
Kaivan didn't notice until her shadow fell across the table. He looked up, and his eyes met hers.
"Do you think this outfit suits me?" she asked softly, her voice calm but carrying a faint tremor of nervousness.
Kaivan froze. His eyes locked onto her, his heartbeat louder than usual. It wasn't just Felicia's beauty tonight, there was courage in her gaze, quiet yet radiant.
"It... it suits you perfectly, Felicia," he whispered, almost too shyly to be heard.
Felicia smiled faintly. There was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. She reached for Kaivan's hand, her fingers warm and surprisingly steady.
"Come on, let's go to the pool," she said, calm but resolute.
Kaivan said nothing, yet allowed himself to be led. They walked toward the pool, a light mist rising to greet them.
The night was tranquil, filled only with the gentle sound of rippling water and the quiet rhythm of their breathing. But the peace didn't last long.
"You guys are the worst! How could you start without me!?" Thivi shouted playfully as she stepped out of the villa. Her bright bikini reflected her bold, cheerful energy. Her eyes searched for Kaivan, and stopped.
Even while sitting in the pool, Kaivan still wore his wet shirt, clinging to his skin. Thivi squinted, then flashed a mischievous grin as she approached, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Kaivan, why are you still wearing that shirt?" she asked, her tone almost teasingly sweet.
Kaivan turned slightly, surprised by her sudden attention. "I'm fine like this," he replied curtly, his voice flat, clearly unwilling to continue the topic.
But Thivi wasn't satisfied with that answer. With a playful laugh, she stepped closer and reached for the hem of his shirt. "Oh, come on. You're like a baby, need someone to help you out of your clothes," she joked as she began to pull it upward.