It was half-past nine when all of us gathered in a jacuzzi at L resort. Good thing we're still able to get together during pandemic. Protocols aren't that strict like before. Eiko's birthday is very well spent, yet the night is still young.
"When do you guys think this pandemic is going to end?" Hakki asked, slowly dipping her knee onto the hot water.
"Maybe three to five years or so-" says Ash but Dasha cut her off.
"I don't claim that energy. If I were to answer that, i hope the pandemic would end this year."
Alwyn and Justin nodded, suddenly sat in the jacuzzi. They believe that if they dip their body in the water as fast as they could, they wouldn't be able to feel the temperature.
Sitting next to them was Ethan. I never knew he'd come with us after declining our invite for at least 7 times. I don't have any more feelings for him but it seems like whenever i see his face, i still feel something that lingers inside me.
Maybe i just missed him.
Eiko was teasing beside me, keeping her eyes focused on mine.
I splashed hot water on her face but she didn't even buldge. She spat the water back at my face and I rinsed it immediately.
"Yo, don't flirt in front of us," Ethan said.
Somehow, it got my blood boiling that I wanted to take it up a notch.
I touched the tip of Eiko's chin, I expected her to laugh it off but it seems like I woke up the challenger in her.
"You want to keep going?" I dared. She gave me a smirk in return.
Dasha splashed water on our head, breaking the intensity but neither of us backed down. "Nadia's going to back down soon." Dasha predicted.
"No, i think it'll be Eiko," Reyn countered.
"These mfs are having a bet right now, should I stop or should i give them a good show?" I teased, whispering to Eiko.
"I thought you we're competitive. Why are you stoping?" She teased back.
Yes, Eiko's a "she" and I see nothing wrong with that.
Amongst our circle of friends, she's the person I'm most comfortable with. I can fully express myself in any way I want. And her, too.
We got each other's back and hopefully she's aware of that.
"Hey, you should both just enjoy the water." Ethan said. "Don't go too far," he expressed in a sullen tone.
Because of that, I wasn't able to keep my calm. Can't go too far? What does that even mean?
I moved my face closer to Eiko's yet she's not even blinking. I roamed my fingers on the outline of her face. I thought she'd cringe but her expression's quite the opposite.
"Want know what Ethan means by "too far"?" She moved her face closer to mine. We're only an inch away, still, neither one's backing down.
There were side comments from our comrades but I had no interest of paying any attention to them.
I could feel her breath as I stare at her strawberry tinted lips. Her scent is very much provoking...
If I do it, would she get mad?
I've got nothing to lose... except our friendship.
But does it really cost that much?
She's provoking me with her every breath that made me press my lips on hers. Eyes closed, I felt her lips move, giving back a soft kiss.
I wanted to prolong the moment even though i knew how bad it would look for us... It even took me long enough to remember that we're not alone in this jacuzzi.
My hands were unconsciously feeling the skin on her right cheek, slowly climbing at the back of her ear to feel her hair.
I stopped immediately after realising how everything went wrong. I slightly grabed her neck, pushing her away.
Eiko's eyes were dilated. Everyone fell silent at our four-second scene.
I stood up and walked away from them as fast as I could.
What have I done?
What happened?
Was that a wrong move?
Should I take it back?
How am i supposed to do that?
While walking away with my thoughts, a hand slid over mine, interlocking our fingers.
It was Eiko.
"Nadia... You need to wake up..."
"What?" I mumbled.
She yelled, "You need to wake up!"
"But..."
