My Once True North

New Memories

The next day, they went over their itineraries for their Palawan trip.

The man suggested going island hopping to see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Maya agreed and they hopped on a boat to explore different islands.

As they rode the boat, the wind whipped through Maya's hair, and she felt free, alive, and full of excitement. The turquoise water glimmered in the sunlight, inviting her to dive in and explore its secrets. She eagerly jumped off the boat and swam to the shore, her heart beating with joy.

As they hopped from one island to another, the beauty of each one took Maya's breath away. The pristine beaches with soft sand and swaying palm trees made her feel like she was in paradise. The colorful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish they saw while snorkeling left her in awe.

As they took a break and sat on the boat, the man's eyes lingered on Maya's figure, and he couldn't help but think how breathtaking she looked in her swimsuit. "You look stunning," he said, unable to contain his admiration.

Maya felt her cheeks warm up as she turned to look at him. She felt beautiful, appreciated, and alive, with his gaze fixed on her. "Thank you," she said, feeling grateful for his kind words. "You don't look so bad yourself," she added, admiring his toned physique and contagious smile.

Next to the itinerary is the Underground River. As they entered the mouth of the cave, a cool gust of wind welcomed them. It was pitch black inside, and the only source of light came from the boatman's flashlight. The sound of water dripping echoed through the cave, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The girl's heart raced as they went deeper into the unknown, but she squeezed the guy's hand tightly, finding comfort in his presence.

The boatman pointed out different rock formations that looked like animals and mythical creatures. They saw stalactites and stalagmites that seemed to touch the water's surface. The girl gasped in amazement as they passed through a part of the cave where hundreds of bats were hanging upside down. She couldn't help but shiver at the sight.

Feeling her tremble, the guy leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry, I'm here."

His voice was like a warm blanket on a cold night, and the girl felt her fears slowly melting away. She looked up at him and smiled gratefully. "Thanks, I feel safe with you."

As they continued the boat ride, the girl felt a sense of awe and wonder. She felt like she was on an adventure with the guy, exploring the unknown and facing her fears with him by her side. The darkness and eeriness of the cave only made the experience more thrilling and memorable.

After their trip to the Underground River, they arrived at the zip line park. Maya's eyes widened as she looked up at the massive towers that stood in front of them. She felt her stomach churn, and her palms grew clammy. Her fear of heights was slowly creeping in, and she didn't know if she could handle it.

The man noticed her unease and held her hand. "Don't worry, I'm here. We can do this together," he said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Maya nodded, and they went to the safety briefing. She listened attentively to the instructions, but her mind kept wandering to the thought of being suspended high up in the air. As they got geared up, Maya's heart raced, and she started to feel dizzy.

"I don't think I can do this," she said, her voice shaking.

The man hugged her tightly. "Yes, you can. You're strong, and I believe in you," he said, kissing her forehead.

As the man pressed his lips gently against her forehead, Maya felt her cheeks flush with warmth. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent, feeling safe and protected in his embrace. She had never felt so vulnerable yet so content at the same time. The small gesture of affection from him made her heart skip a beat and a surge of emotions ran through her body. Maya realized in that moment that she had developed feelings for him during their trip, and she wondered if he felt the same way. She opened her eyes and looked up at him, her lips slightly parted as she searched his eyes for a hint of what he was feeling.