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**Chapter 1: Into the Deep**
_Nine Sebie Pov:_
The sun was still high in the sky when we set off from the harbor, the water sparkling beneath the hull of our luxurious yacht. I stood at the bow, sunglasses perched on my head, pretending to care about the view. In reality, I was more interested in the party awaiting us than the scenic tropical islands on the itinerary.
“Can you believe this, Nine?” Yvonne gushed beside me, her sleek brown dress somehow managing to stay wrinkle-free despite the sea breeze. She twirled with excitement, her dark curls bouncing as she threw her arms wide. “This is going to be the best trip ever! Islands, parties, no parents!”
I forced a smile, adjusting my oversized shades. "Yeah, amazing," I muttered, though my mind was already on the deck party. The boat was buzzing with excitement, music pumping through the speakers as more guests poured on board. I scanned the crowd, already plotting my next move. A few guys from school were standing near the bar, laughing loudly. Maybe this trip won't be so bad after all.
As we strolled toward the party on the upper deck, Angelica, dressed in her signature black leather jacket and crop top, sneered. “Let me guess, Nin. You’re already planning your next conquest, aren’t you?”
“Jealous?” I shot back with a smirk, adjusting the strap of my sundress. Angelica always had something snide to say, but I knew how to handle her.
“Of you?” She scoffed. “Please.”
Cris, ever the peacekeeper, sidled up next to us in his casual hoodie, trying to diffuse the tension. “Come on, guys, it’s a party! Let’s just enjoy it. Nin’s got plenty of time to flirt. Right now, it’s all about relaxing and having fun!”
I smiled at him. Cris always had a way of lightening the mood. Even Angel, our introverted bookworm, giggled softly from behind her floral blouse.
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As we mingled through the crowd, I couldn't help but notice how many familiar faces there were—schoolmates and classmates, all here for what seemed like the trip of a lifetime. It was a little strange seeing everyone out of the usual school uniforms, but I wasn't complaining. The freedom, the laughter, the music—it all felt surreal.
I kept a smirk plastered on my face, joining in on the conversations, though my mind drifted. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the water. I needed a moment away from the noise. Slipping away from the group, I made my way to the railing, leaning over to watch the horizon. The cool breeze brushed my skin, and for a brief second, I let myself relax. The sky was ablaze with fiery orange and pink hues, and I couldn’t help but sigh, feeling a strange mix of excitement and unease.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts, everything went dark.
“Guess who?” A playful voice whispered in my ear, and a hand covered my eyes.
For a second, my heart skipped a beat, but I quickly caught on. I knew that voice. “Really?” I scoffed, pulling the hand away and turning around. Sure enough, it was Cris, grinning like a kid who had just pulled the best prank ever.
“I knew you’d guess right,” he laughed, his boyish charm always making it hard to stay annoyed for long.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. “Do you ever grow up?”
“Not if I can help it.” He leaned against the railing beside me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You seemed lost in thought. Deep thinking during a party? That’s not like you, lazybones.”
