Zinnia paused, her eyes lighting up. She clapped her hands, a bright smile spreading across her face. "That's it! Let's go before they close!"
Thivi and Felicia exchanged glances before smiling back. The four of them quickly rushed out, their hurried steps echoing through the living room. The villa door opened, letting the cool night air slip inside.
Outside, Ethan and Kaivan relaxed near the car. Ethan took a slow drag from his cigarette, while Kaivan leaned against the door, gazing at the dimming sky. The sound of hurried footsteps made them turn.
The four girls passed by in a blur, their expressions oddly serious, as if on a mission. Ethan raised an eyebrow, watching them go before glancing at Kaivan.
"Where are they off to?" he asked.
Kaivan gave a faint smile. He opened his bag, pulling out an old, worn book. Omnicent, the tome of all answers, glowed faintly as it opened. Its pages turned on their own, and glowing letters slowly appeared.
He read for a moment, then closed it quietly. "Just buying something they forgot."
Inside the resort shop, Thivi walked between rows of swimsuits, her eyes bright with excitement. Her fingers brushed along the fabrics, drawn by their colors and textures. The warm yellow light, the soft hum of the air conditioner, and the faint scent of new clothes gave the place an elegant, cozy air.
Her gaze stopped on a daring swimsuit, low-cut at the chest, high at the hips. A pleased smile curved her lips as she lifted it for a closer look.
"Ah, this one looks perfect!" she said, her voice breaking the quiet.
Isabel approached, her gentle yet sharp eyes taking in the swimsuit. She turned to Thivi with a soft smile.
"But Thivi… isn't that a bit too revealing?" she asked kindly. "Maybe something a little less open would suit you better."
Thivi wasn't offended. She only raised an eyebrow, amusement glinting in her eyes.
"Too revealing? That's fine," she said casually. "I remember Kaivan saying he likes confident girls."
Her lips curved playfully, her smile holding both charm and a teasing spark.
Isabel blinked a few times before letting out a small laugh. "I didn't know Kaivan had that kind of taste," she teased, then picked up an even smaller bikini, barely enough to cover anything. With a mischievous grin, she held it up. "Then why not go all out?"
Thivi's eyes widened, not in shock, but with excitement. She grabbed the bikini eagerly, examining every seam. "Wow! This one's even better! Thanks, Isabel! I'll wear this instead!"
Felicia, who had been quiet the whole time, glanced over. The moment she saw the design, her brows furrowed. "Seriously, Thivi? That looks more like a ribbon than clothing."
Thivi laughed and tossed the first swimsuit at her. "Then this one's for you! It'll fit your chest perfectly."
Felicia stared at it for a moment before lifting her head, clearly offended. "I don't need that. I'll take this one instead, more elegant and… better suited to my slim figure."
Her gaze deliberately flicked toward Thivi's waist, a silent challenge. Thivi caught it immediately, crossing her arms with an amused grin. "Heh, who cares about your tiny chest anyway?"
Laughter and teasing filled the little boutique, their voices mingling and bringing life to the quiet night. In the middle of it all, Zinnia simply smiled faintly. A modest yet graceful swimsuit hung from her arm. She didn't join the banter, elegance, she believed, didn't need attention.
A few minutes later, the four of them stepped out of the marketing office. The night sky glittered with stars as they walked down the narrow path, their laughter floating softly in the mountain air.
When they reached the barbecue area, the scent of grilled meat welcomed them. A small bonfire flickered nearby, casting dancing shadows across the smiling faces waiting for them. The villa had turned into something like a second home, warm, lively, and full of laughter. The night was only just beginning.
Radit, sleeves rolled up, stood confidently at the grill, flipping a tomahawk steak with practiced skill. Oil crackled and sparked as the meat touched the hot metal, but he remained calm. "Look at this, my masterpiece! Perfectly cooked, juicy, well-done steak!"
Beside him, Kaivan focused on grilling fish. The tongs in his hands moved with precision, ensuring the meat cooked evenly without losing its tenderness. He wiped his brow, not from the heat, but from the quiet desire to make everything perfect. "I don't know about steak, but this fish is nearly done. Smells amazing."
Laughter echoed from inside the villa. Thivi emerged first, light steps and a confident grin, carrying a bag of swimsuits. Isabel followed with her gentle smile, Felicia behind her with graceful composure, and Zinnia last, serene as always.
Radit looked up and waved a tong in the air like a trophy. "Finally! You're back! We've been waiting to eat together!"
Thivi smirked. "Oh? Missed us already?" she teased, glancing at Kaivan, who was plating the fish.
"Hey, I'm the grill master here!" Radit puffed out his chest. "Look at this, ready to serve!"