CHAPTER 5

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AIAH’S POV

In a world that often feels disconnected, discovering this unexpected sense of ease with people I barely know felt so magical. These brief connections remind us that we're not alone in our journey through life's challenges. I'm amazed at how quickly these two strangers I just met made me feel comfortable and safe.

Colet walked over to us and stood beside me. It was Gwen's turn to sing.

I felt Colet's hand gently rub my back, as if to comfort me. When I looked at her, she moved her hand away to clap for Gwen, smiling and cheering her on. I turned towards Gwen and cheered for her too.

Gwenny started singing Moira’s "We & Us." Her voice was beautiful, creating a sense of calm. Everyone in the hostel fell silent and we were all captivated by Gwen's voice. She was truly amazing. I cheered for her enthusiastically after.

It's incredible to witness how music and art bring people together. As each person took the mic, the atmosphere filled with shared joy and camaraderie. People from different backgrounds and walks of life came together, their voices merging in harmony. It was a special time of sharing and enjoying creativity.

After the open mic, the DJ started blasting party songs, and everyone had a drink in their hand. Gwen and Colet were talking to some of their friends on the island.

I sat alone by the pool. I'm not really the type to party, but I don't mind being at one. A girl with red hair, wearing a snapback and a softball jersey, approached me. "Hi. Is it okay if I sit beside you?" she asked.
She was so pretty. I smiled at her and said, "Sure." I sat up properly.

She leaned in and whispered in my ear, since the music was quite loud, "My name is Mikha, by the way

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She leaned in and whispered in my ear, since the music was quite loud, "My name is Mikha, by the way." She offered a handshake. I shook her hand and whispered back, "I'm Aiah, nice to meet you."

COLET’S POV

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COLET’S POV

I’m entertaining some friend who came to the open mic. I spotted Gwen talking to some of her friends too. My eyes immediately searched for Aiah, baka kasi kung ano na naman ginagawa nun para mapahamak sarili niya.

I saw her sitting by the pool with none other than Mikha Lim, notorious for being a heartbreaker on the island. She's present at every party and has a reputation for having a different girlfriend every week. Ganun siya kabilis magsawa then she moves on to her next victim.

They seem to be enjoying themselves, whispering in each other's ears. Aba, bahala siya! Whatever she does is no longer my concern.

“Grabeng tingin yan ah, nakakamatay.” Sabi ni Gwen na nasa tabi ko na pala. I turned towards her but before I can say anything, “Ano?  Sugurin ba natin?” she asked.

“Pinagsasabi mo?” I rolled my eyes at her. Naiinis ako kay Gwen she was like a devil on my shoulder na gumagatong. “Naku, mukhang si Aiah na naman ang next victim ni Mikha Lim.”

I ignored her

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I ignored her. Someone from the crowd gave me a high-five. “Naku, mukhang nagkakamabutihan na yata sila. Tawa sila nang tawa eh.” Gwen continues…

“Tumigil ka na nga diyan. She can do whatever she wants. She's just my guest here, nothing more, nothing less." Gwen gave me a suspicious look, clearly unconvinced by what I was telling her. “Sige, kwento mo yan eh.”

I tried to continue having fun, but my eyes kept darting to the pool area until the party was almost over.

I keep on checking at Aiah who, was enjoying herself while talking to Mikha by the pool. Ang inosente pa naman ng babaeng yan, in fact, kung may mag attempt man na ikidnap yan siya, baka mag succeed pa yung mga kidnappers effortlessly.

We can’t have a party later than 1AM in the island and almost half of the crowd kanina ay umalis na. Nagsimula nang magligpit ng mga kalat ang mga staff ko nd I joined in to help para mabilis matapos.

Gwen headed towards me after niya magpaalam kay Aiah, “Parang ayaw pa ata umuwi nung isa baka may vacant ka pa na bed diyan for her.”

I gave her a strange look. Ayaw talaga tumigil neto sa pang-aasar. “Una na ko. See you tomorrow.” She tapped my shoulder at umalis na nga siya.

I was heading towards the pool area, as it was on my way to my room anyway. I overheard them talking. “Have you tour around the island na?” Mikha asked Aiah. “Not yet, kakarating ko lang dito kagabi tas umulan pa ng napakalakas kaninang hapon.” Aiah replied.

“If you want, I can tour---” I interrupted before Mikha could finish whatever she’s saying.

“Hey, party’s over. Aiah, 8AM tayo aalis tomorrow.” She gave me a surprised look. “Ha? Saan pupunta?” She asked me. “Island Tour. Yung pinag-usapan natin kanina ni Gwen.” She looks like she’s trying to recall our conversation earlier.

I looked at Mikha, she seemed pissed. I smirked. “Ah, okay. Sure!” She looks unsure though, but I gave her a smile. “Una nako. Good night.”

I headed towards my room with a mischievous grin, but quickly snapped out of it as I realized what I had just done

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I headed towards my room with a mischievous grin, but quickly snapped out of it as I realized what I had just done. I slapped my forehead. Ano na naming katangahan ‘to, Colet?

I heard them say their goodbyes. As soon as I entered my room, I peeked through my glass door and saw Aiah entering her dorm while Mikha was leaving the hostel. Okay, good.

I took a shower and prepared myself for bed. We have a long day ahead tomorrow.

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