The road trip to the coast was louder than I expected.
Music blasted through the speakers at the back of the bus while students laughed, shouted, and switched seats every five minutes. Someone had started passing around snacks, and Tracy was currently stealing chips from three different people without shame.
Meanwhile—
I sat by the window, staring outside while my phone rested quietly in my lap.
Li Wei: Send me a picture when you arrive .
A small smile tugged at my lips.
Tracy noticed immediately.
"There it is again," she whispered dramatically, leaning over the seat. "That smile."
I rolled my eyes.
"Please stop acting like a detective."
"You're smiling at your phone like you're in a romance drama," she accused.
Before I could answer, one of the boys from class leaned over the seat behind us.
"Vicenza, we're stopping at a viewpoint soon. Want to take pictures together?"
Tracy immediately wiggled her eyebrows.
"Oh, he likes you."
"No, he doesn't," I muttered.
The guy laughed awkwardly. "I literally just asked for pictures."
"Sure," I replied politely.
But somehow, my mind drifted elsewhere.
To a cold voice.
Sharp eyes.
A man standing silently beside a jeep every morning.
I quickly shook the thought away.
No.
I was not thinking about Greyson during a school trip.
Absolutely not.
Hours later, we finally arrived at the coast.
Warm ocean air greeted us instantly.
Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze while waves crashed rhythmically against the shore nearby.
The hotel was beautiful—white walls, large balconies, glowing lights reflecting against the water.
Students immediately exploded with excitement.
"Oh my God, we're definitely getting arrested before this trip ends," Tracy announced proudly.
I laughed despite myself.
As everyone grabbed their luggage, my phone buzzed again.
Li Wei: Did you arrive safely, Deer?
Me: Just arrived
Almost immediately—
Li Wei: Video call me later. I want to see the ocean.
My chest softened slightly.
Me: Okay.
As I slipped my phone back into my pocket, our lecturer clapped loudly.
"Everyone gather around!"
Groans filled the air.
"We leave for the marine conservation center tomorrow morning at eight sharp," he announced. "No one disappears. No drinking. No sneaking out."
Tracy whispered beside me, "There goes my nightlife."
I elbowed her.
Later that evening, Tracy forced me down to the beach.
The sky glowed orange and pink while the setting sun melted beautifully into the ocean.
Students were scattered everywhere taking photos and playing games near the shore.
Tracy grabbed my wrist suddenly.
"Picture time."
Before I could protest, she dragged me toward the water.
Cold waves brushed against my ankles as she snapped endless pictures.
"Okay now look mysterious."
"Tracy—"
"No, wait. Turn sideways. Imagine heartbreak."
I burst into laughter.
"Why are you like this?"
"Because I was born talented."
Suddenly—
My phone rang.
Li Wei.
Tracy gasped dramatically.
"Ooooooh."
"Shut up," I muttered quickly, answering the call.
The screen lit up instantly.
Li Wei appeared wearing a black hoodie, his dark hair slightly damp again like he had just showered.
And somehow—
He still looked annoyingly attractive.
"Deer," he smiled softly.
Behind me, Tracy silently pretended to faint.
"Who is that," she whispered. I ignored her.
"You called at the perfect time," I said, turning the camera toward the ocean. "Look."
Li Wei's eyes widened slightly.
"That's beautiful."
"The beach or me?" I teased before thinking.
The moment the words left my mouth—
I froze.
Tracy nearly choked beside me trying not to scream.
Li Wei blinked once.
Then slowly smiled.
"Both."
Heat rushed to my cheeks instantly.
"Oh my God," Tracy mouthed dramatically beside me.
Li Wei noticed her.
"That must be your Tracy?,"
Tracy immediately snatched the phone.
"HI. YES.I AM THE BEST FRIEND."
"You must be the online friend?,"
"Yes I am,my name is Li Wei,nice to finally meet you,".
I buried my face in my hands.
Li Wei laughed softly.
"I've heard a lot about you."
"Oh really?" Tracy grinned suspiciously. "Then you probably know your little Deer here is emotionally confused."
"TRACY."
"What?" she laughed.
Li Wei chuckled quietly.
"I already figured that out."
I narrowed my eyes.
"You two are teaming up against me."
"Absolutely," Tracy said proudly.
That night, after dinner, most students gathered near the beach bonfire organized by the hotel.
Music played softly while waves crashed nearby.
The atmosphere felt warm.
Comfortable.
For the first time in days…
I felt relaxed.
Until my phone buzzed again.
Unknown Number.
I frowned.
Then answered cautiously.
"…Hello?"
Silence.
Static.
Then—
"Miss Vicenza."
My entire body froze.
Greyson.
My heartbeat instantly became uneven.
"Greyson?" I lowered my voice slightly, stepping away from the bonfire. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong," he replied calmly.
But his voice sounded tighter than usual.
"I was instructed to check whether you arrived safely."
Of course.
Professional.
Cold.
Controlled.
I swallowed softly.
"We arrived hours ago."
A pause.
"I know."
That confused me.
Then why call now?
The ocean breeze suddenly felt colder.
"You should avoid isolated areas at night," he continued quietly. "And do not leave the hotel premises alone."
I frowned slightly.
"You sound like I'm being hunted."
Silence.
Then,
"Just be careful."
Something about his tone unsettled me.
Before I could ask anything else—
A male voice suddenly spoke behind me.
"Vicenza, they're starting karaoke near the pool."
It was one of my classmates.
But the moment he spoke,
The line went silent.
Too silent.
Then Greyson asked calmly,
"Who was that?"
I blinked.
"…A classmate."
Another pause.
Longer this time.
Then his voice lowered slightly.
"You should return to your room early tonight."
And before I could respond,
The call ended.
I stared at my phone.
Confused.
Again.
Why did that feel less like advice…
And more like jealousy?
_________________
Greysons pov
Back at the mansion.
Greyson stood near the office window, his phone still clenched tightly in his hand.
Mr. Kuguma sat behind the desk quietly reviewing documents.
"You called her," he observed calmly.
Greyson remained silent.
Outside, thunder rumbled faintly in the distance.
Mr. Kuguma finally looked up.
"You are becoming emotionally involved."
Still—
Silence.
Then Greyson spoke quietly.
"She is unsafe."
Mr. Kuguma studied him carefully.
"Or perhaps," he said slowly, "you simply dislike the idea of another man getting close to her."
Greyson's jaw tightened instantly.
And that alone was answer enough.
End of pov
____________
I stood alone near the balcony outside my room later that night, staring at the dark ocean below.
My mind kept replaying Greyson's voice.
"Who was that?"
Why did it sound so personal?
Possessive even?
I exhaled slowly.
Then my phone buzzed again.
Li Wei.
Li Wei: I miss you already, Deer.
A small smile appeared on my face instantly.
But before I could reply—
Another message came through.
Li Wei: By the way… I forgot to tell you something important.
I frowned slightly.
Me: What is it?
The typing dots appeared.
Stopped.
Appeared again.
Then finally—
Li Wei: I might not be coming to Kenya alone.
My smile slowly disappeared.