Aria's POV
By the time the last bell rang, the hallway was alive with chatter about the upcoming midterm break. Desks were closing, lockers slamming, laughter echoing off the walls.
Aubrey and I walked toward the cafeteria together, weaving through the crowd. The smell of coffee and warm bread drifted from the corner stand, and my stomach growled softly. I hadn't eaten much all day.
We spotted Caleb and Noah already sitting by the window, their trays half-empty. Caleb waved the moment he saw us.
"So," he said, leaning back in his chair as we sat down, "did you ask her?"
I frowned slightly. "Ask me what?"
Aubrey shot him a look before turning to me with a grin. "We're actually planning a little trip during the break. Nothing too big just us, a few days to relax before school kicks in again."
Caleb nodded eagerly. "Yeah, kind of a short getaway. Thought it'd be fun if you joined us."
"Me?" I asked, surprised.
"Yeah, why not?" Aubrey said. "You deserve a break too. Besides, you always say you don't do much during holidays."
I smiled faintly. "That's true… but where exactly are we going?"
Caleb's grin widened. "We found this nice spot outside the city sort of an exclusive hotel with a beach view. Perfect for swimming, late-night movies, the works."
I hesitated, glancing between them. "I don't know…"
"Oh, come on," Aubrey nudged me playfully. "Say yes already."
Before I could reply, Noah, who'd been quiet till now, looked up from his drink. "You guys might have to go without me," he said. "My dad wants me to travel with him. Won't be around for the break."
Caleb groaned. "Seriously, man? You're ditching us?"
"Not my choice," Noah replied with a shrug. "You'll survive without me."
Aubrey rolled her eyes. "Barely."
We all laughed softly, and for a moment, it felt like everything had slowed down like the stress of classes, assignments, and crowded halls had been replaced by something simple.
Caleb turned to me again, still smiling. "So, Aria. What do you say?"
I looked out the cafeteria window, sunlight spilling across the courtyard, and felt a small tug of curiosity. "Maybe," I said.
"Maybe?" Aubrey repeated dramatically. "That's basically a yes."
Caleb chuckled. "Good. It's settled, then. I'll handle the booking, and we can figure out the details later. Just… be ready for some fun."
Noah shook his head, smiling despite missing out. "You guys are going to get sunburned without me."
"You mean, I'm going to get sunburned," Aubrey teased, pointing at him. "Caleb and Aria are careful."
I rolled my eyes but laughed along with them. It felt good really good to have something to look forward to that didn't involve school stress or endless obligations.
As we finished our lunch, Caleb pulled out his phone, already showing me pictures of the hotel and the beach. The place looked almost too perfect white sands, clear water, cozy lounge chairs, and even a small café overlooking the ocean.
"See?" he said, nudging me. "This is exactly what we need. A break, just us."
I nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah… it looks amazing."
Aubrey leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially, "Just wait until you see the sunset there. It's… wow."
Noah groaned. "Stop tempting her, you guys. She's going to want to spend the whole break there now."
We all laughed again, the cafeteria noise fading into the background as I pictured myself walking along that beach, toes in the sand, the sun warming my face, and the laughter of my friends echoing around me.
I felt a little spark of excitement, a little hope that this break could be exactly what I needed.
—-
I slung my bag over my shoulder and stepped outside the dorm, the morning sun warm against my skin. Aubrey was already waiting, bouncing on her toes like a kid who couldn't sit still.
"Aria! Hurry up, or Caleb's going to leave us behind," she called, tugging at my sleeve.
I squinted down the street and spotted him almost immediately leaning casually against his car with that trademark grin that somehow made even a Monday morning feel like a party. "You guys ready?" he asked as we approached, flipping his keys in one hand.
"Ready-ish," I said, though my stomach fluttered with nerves and excitement. Aubrey was practically vibrating next to me.
"'Ready-ish?'" Caleb echoed with mock horror. "That's not how you start a road trip. You need enthusiasm!"
Aubrey laughed and shoved me playfully. "Ignore him. He's just trying to make everything dramatic."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. Caleb always had this way of turning even the simplest moments into a show.
"Hop in," he said after loading our suitcases.
Aubrey practically dove into the backseat while I slid in beside Caleb. As soon as I buckled up, he started the engine, the car rumbling to life. "Alright, ladies," he said, glancing at me with a grin, "you're officially on beach time. No complaining about the sun, the sand, or my singing in the car."
I laughed, shaking my head. "I make no promises about complaining if you sing."
"Challenge accepted," Caleb said, flicking the radio on. A pop song blasted through the speakers, and Aubrey immediately started singing along, completely off-key.
I settled back in my seat, looking out the window as the dorm faded behind us.
—-
The car rolled up to the hotel driveway, and I caught my first full view of the place. White-washed walls gleamed in the afternoon sun, and the waves lapped gently against the private beach just beyond the patio. Aubrey squealed, practically bouncing in her seat.
"Oh my gosh, Aria! Look at this place!"
I stepped out, stretching my arms as the salty breeze hit me. Caleb followed behind, already teasing, "Careful, ladies. Don't trip over your excitement. We have a long weekend ahead, and I need all of you in one piece."
Before I could reply, someone came around the corner. Tall, confident, with that easy, magnetic grin, it was Liam.
"Hey," he said, walking toward us. "You made it."
My stomach gave a small, unexpected flutter. Something about the way he looked at me casual, yet like he was genuinely glad I was here made me feel… noticed.
"Hey," I replied, trying to sound calm but probably failing. Aubrey waved enthusiastically behind me, practically bouncing forward.
Liam chuckled at something Aubrey said and glanced at me again, briefly, before turning to Caleb. The ease with which he moved, the way he smiled I couldn't help noticing it.
"This place looks amazing," Liam said, taking in the view. "You're going to love it here."
"I already do," I admitted, letting the breeze wash over me.
Caleb rolled his eyes playfully. "Wow, Aria. You're practically poetic. We'll have to write that down."
Aubrey giggled, tugging my arm toward the entrance. "Come on, let's check in before Caleb starts singing on the beach."
As we walked in, I couldn't shake the feeling that something about this trip this hotel, this group, and maybe even Liam himself was going to make these few days unforgettable.