Then it’s officially a party!

Scene: Backyard of the Lykn house, late morning

The backyard is buzzing with life, voices overlapping like waves. Beach bags are half-zipped and tossed onto patio chairs. A large cooler sits open, ice and bottles rattling inside, and towels are strewn like flags over the railing. The sun is already warm, casting a summery glow over everyone.

Tui is sitting on the edge of the porch steps, fumbling with a tangled pair of headphones and muttering under his breath. His flip-flop dangles loosely from one foot. He looks up occasionally, distracted, scanning for Est.

Est is by the back door, arms crossed, watching the whirlwind unfold. He’s already in swim shorts and a sleeveless hoodie, clearly waiting for someone to stop forgetting things so they can finally leave. When he sees Tui struggling, a soft crease forms on his brow, but he says nothing. He’s still not sure how to navigate being here with everyone, especially with William around.

William, meanwhile, is kneeling by the cooler, carefully trying to organize it as if it’s a Rubik’s cube. “Who brought five different brands of sunscreen?” he calls out, lifting a bottle like evidence. “Pick one or we’re gonna smell like a fruit salad.”

Hong emerges from inside with two armfuls of snacks, dropping a bag of chips onto Tui’s lap without looking. He’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses way too big for his face, clearly in vacation mode. “You’re welcome,” he says smugly, before turning and shouting, “Nut! Did you pack the speaker?!”

Nut yells back from somewhere inside the house, “Yes! No! Wait — hold on, maybe!” followed by the sound of something crashing and then a very long silence.

Lego bursts through the side gate, holding tightly onto Diamond’s hand. Lego has beach towels draped over both shoulders like capes and a bucket hat half on, half falling off.

“I found him! He’s coming too!” Lego announces, like he’s bringing the guest of honor to a parade. Diamond clings to his hand, clearly not planning to let go either. No one even tries to stop them.

“Told you he was coming,” Lego grins. “He’s ready.”

Hong lets out a loud whoop and tosses him a pair of sunglasses. “Then it’s officially a party!”

The backyard is a mess of movement and laughter. Someone’s music starts playing from a phone. Tui finally gets his headphones untangled and promptly gives up trying to use them. Est walks over and nudges William with his foot, wordlessly offering him a cold drink. William looks up and smiles, soft and grateful.

Nut finally reappears with the speaker held triumphantly above his head. “Got it!”

“Then let’s gooo!” Lego shouts.

They tumble toward the gate in no particular order, bags swinging, sunblock spilling, snacks crinkling in every hand. It’s chaos, but it’s bright, and warm, and theirs.

Scene: Arrival at the Luxury Beach Hotel – Early Afternoon

The sleek black van pulls up under the arched stone entrance of the five-star beachfront hotel. Polished marble, flowing palms, and the scent of ocean air greet them before the doorman even opens the van door.

Diamond gasps as he steps out, he wide sunglasses nearly slipping down his nose. “It’s like a palace.”

“It is a palace,” Lego says, slipping out beside his and offering his hand with exaggerated gallantry. “And we are royalty.”

The group files into the lobby, all designer duffels and stylish chaos. High ceilings stretch overhead, and behind the glass wall, the turquoise ocean sparkles like a private jewel. Concierge staff are already handing out cold towels and fruit water.

“Three rooms,” the manager says cheerfully. “Ocean view suites, as requested.”

“Perfect,” William says, handing over the black card. “We’ll take it from here.”

Scene: Upstairs – Outside the Hotel Rooms

A bellboy rolls up their luggage, stopping in front of three side-by-side suites. The hallway is flooded with golden light. The group huddles by the doors, tension quietly building beneath the luxury.

“Okay,” Nut says, immediately stepping forward. “Hong and I will take the one on the end.”

Hong raises a brow but doesn't argue. “Are we doing this already?”

“Obviously.” Nut flashes a smile.

William casually drops his hand onto Est’s shoulder. “Then we’ll take the one in the middle.”

“Wait, what?” Lego turns around, frowning. “Then what about me and Diamond?”

Tui leans against the wall, watching silently.

“We said three rooms,” Nut says, like it’s obvious.

“Exactly!” Lego argues. “One for me and Diamond, one for Hong and Nut, one for William and Est. That’s three.”

“You and Diamond?” Nut repeats. “He’s like… eight.”

“He’s 20 and has impeccable taste in hotels,” Lego shoots back. “Besides, he already asked to room with me.”

Diamond nods, arms folded. “He gives me gummy bears at night.”

“I’ll give you gummy bears in the morning,” Nut says. “That’s not a reason.”

“Okay, pause,” William cuts in, trying to stay calm. “I’m not bunking with Lego again. Last time he watched anime with the volume on until 3 a.m.”

“That was for emotional regulation!” Lego snaps.

Tui finally speaks, voice low but clear. “So… what? You’re all pairing up?”

Everyone turns.

There’s a pause. A slightly too-long pause.

“Yeah?” Nut says. “I mean… we’re all kind of…” He gestures vaguely. “Y’know.”

“With someone,” William finishes quietly.

Est shifts uncomfortably but doesn’t deny it.

Tui doesn’t move. “So who am I staying with?”

Nobody answers right away.

Diamond raises his hand. “He can stay with us!”

Lego beams. “Perfect. Triple room. Like a sleepover.”

But Tui’s eyes flick to William — just for a second. He swallows and shakes his head lightly. “It’s fine. I’ll take the couch in the suite.”

“That’s dumb,” Nut says. “It’s a luxury suite. There are only king beds.”

“Exactly,” Tui says with a dry smile. “Couch is better.”

A long, awkward silence.

Hong speaks up, gentle and quiet. “We could rotate. It’s just two nights.”

But no one answers that either.

Tui pushes off the wall. “Just give me the key. I’ll figure it out.”

William starts to say something, maybe an apology, but Est shifts beside him, eyes narrowed. Tui catches it, and the words die in William’s throat.

The bellboy clears his throat, politely ignoring the tension.

“Room keys?” he asks.

Nut grabs his and hands Hong his with a wink. Lego tosses his in the air and catches it dramatically. William takes his without looking up.

Tui lingers for a moment, then takes the last one.

No one says anything as they file into their separate rooms.

Behind them, the wide hallway echoes faintly with the sound of waves.