violet .

11

Johnny woke up to the gentle sounds of waves crashing against the shore, a soothing melody that accompanied the first rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains. The luxurious villa they had chosen for their stay offered a panoramic view of the ocean, and Johnny couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking beauty that greeted him each morning.

As he stretched and got out of bed, memories of the previous day flooded his mind. Their boat tour around the nearby islands had been nothing short of magical, with each stop revealing a new facet of Phuket's natural splendour. From hidden lagoons with emerald waters to pristine beaches framed by towering cliffs, every moment felt like a scene from a postcard.

But amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes and exhilarating adventures, it was the quiet moments with Lyra that Johnny cherished the most. Their conversations had flowed effortlessly, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of nature's symphony. There was a sense of peace and contentment in those shared moments, a feeling of being exactly where he was meant to be.

As Johnny made his way to the living area, the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted him, pulling him further into the waking world. There, he found Lyra in the kitchen, her silhouette bathed in the soft morning light. She turned to greet him with a warm smile, and Johnny couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for her presence in his life.

"Good morning," Lyra said, her voice carrying a melody of its own.

"Good morning," Johnny replied, returning her smile. "You didn't have to do this."

Lyra shrugged lightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "I know, but I wanted to. It's become a bit of a routine, and I enjoy starting the day by making your coffee."

Johnny felt a rush of warmth and appreciation wash over him. The gesture was more than just coffee; it was a reflection of the comfort and care they had found in each other's company during their time in Phuket. It was a small act that spoke volumes about the bond they were building.

"Thank you," Johnny said sincerely, taking a seat at the dining table as Lyra poured the steaming coffee into mugs. The rich aroma enveloped him, awakening his senses and setting a perfect tone for the day ahead.

As they sat together, sipping their coffee and sharing quiet moments of conversation, Johnny couldn't help but feel grateful for the shared moments and the growing bond between them. In that tranquil morning setting, amidst the aroma of coffee and the gentle sunlight, he knew that he was exactly where he wanted to be.

Their morning unfolded at a leisurely pace, with no rush or agenda to dictate their activities. They decided to explore the villa's surroundings, discovering hidden nooks and crannies that offered stunning views of the ocean and lush greenery. They lounged by the private pool, basking in the warmth of the sun and the serenity of their secluded haven.

As the day progressed, they found themselves drawn to the beach once again, unable to resist the allure of the azure waters and golden sands. They walked hand in hand along the shoreline, the cool water lapping at their feet, sharing stories and dreams as seagulls soared overhead.

It was during one of these conversations that Johnny noticed Lyra's phone buzzing intermittently, a subtle distraction that seemed to tug at her attention. He observed her brows furrowing slightly as she glanced at the screen, and he couldn't help but wonder about the source of her concern.

"I heard your phone keep on blowing up this morning, what happened?" Johnny asked as he put his coffee on the coffee table, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.

Lyra looked up from her phone, a faint furrow appearing between her brows as she registered Johnny's question. "Oh, it's just some messages from friends and family," she replied casually, setting her phone down on the coffee table beside Johnny's cup.

Johnny leaned back comfortably on the sofa, one arm draped behind Lyra on the armrest. He couldn't help but notice the slight tension in her expression, prompting him to inquire further. "Anything important?" he asked, his tone gentle yet curious.

Lyra hesitated for a moment before offering a small smile. "Just the usual stuff," she said vaguely, attempting to downplay the significance of the messages.

Johnny raised an eyebrow, sensing that there might be more to the story. "You seem a bit preoccupied. Is everything okay?" he inquired, his concern evident in his voice as he shifted slightly closer to her, rubbing her shoulder in a soothing manner.

Taking a deep breath, Lyra met Johnny's gaze, appreciating the genuine concern in his eyes. "Well, there's some talk back home about the photos from our trip," she admitted, her tone tinged with a hint of unease.

Johnny's expression softened as he listened attentively. "What kind of talk?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Lyra sighed softly, running a hand through her hair. "It's nothing too serious, just a few questions and speculations about us spending time together in Phuket," she explained, trying to brush it off as insignificant.

Johnny nodded in understanding, his arm tightening slightly around her shoulders in a reassuring gesture. "People always love to speculate," he remarked with a faint chuckle. "But it's just us spending time together, right?"

Lyra nodded, a grateful smile playing on her lips. "Exactly. Nothing more, nothing less," she affirmed, feeling a sense of comfort in Johnny's understanding and support.

With the weight of the conversation lifted, they returned to enjoying their coffee and the peaceful morning, basking in the warmth of each other's company and the shared understanding that strengthened their bond.

As they sat together, the gentle morning light filtering through the windows, Johnny couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for Lyra. He admired her strength and resilience, especially in moments like these when she faced scrutiny from outside sources.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with all that," Johnny said softly, his gaze meeting hers with sincerity. "You shouldn't have to explain or justify our time together."

Lyra smiled gratefully, touched by Johnny's words. "Thank you," she replied, her voice warm with appreciation. "It means a lot to have your support."

Johnny leaned in closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "Always," he murmured, his gesture conveying his unwavering support and care.

Their morning continued in a relaxed and tranquil manner, with no rush or pressure to fill every moment with activities or plans. They spent hours exploring the villa's amenities, from the infinity pool that seemed to blend seamlessly with the ocean to the cosy lounge areas that invited moments of quiet contemplation.

As the afternoon approached, Johnny suggested a leisurely walk along the nearby nature trails, a chance to immerse themselves in the lush tropical landscape that surrounded them. Lyra eagerly agreed, relishing the opportunity to explore new paths and discover hidden treasures.

Their walk was filled with discoveries, from vibrant tropical flowers that painted the landscape with bursts of colour to exotic birds that serenaded them with their melodious songs. They paused at scenic viewpoints, taking in panoramic vistas of the ocean and coastline, capturing snapshots of moments that would become cherished memories.

As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Johnny and Lyra found themselves at a secluded spot overlooking the ocean. They sat together on a weathered bench, watching as the waves danced rhythmically against the shore, the mesmerizing sight creating a sense of peace and tranquillity.

In that moment of quiet serenity, Johnny turned to Lyra, his eyes reflecting the warm hues of the setting sun. "This trip has been incredible," he began, his voice filled with sincerity. "But what has made it truly special is sharing it with you."

Lyra met his gaze, her heart swelling with emotion. "I feel the same way," she admitted, her voice soft yet resolute.