The cool night air was a stark contrast to the warm day we had spent exploring La Union. I was lying on my bed in the cabin, restless despite the day's activities. The sounds of the waves crashing against the shore and the distant hum of the restobar lingered in my mind, but there was an inexplicable feeling that tugged at me, making sleep elusive.
Unable to ignore the sensation any longer, I felt compelled to seek out Liezel and address the unease that had settled over me. The way she'd interacted with Rafaela and the men in black had left me with unanswered questions, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to talk to her.
I slipped out of my cabin and walked towards Liezel's, the soft moonlight guiding my way. When I reached her door, I hesitated for a moment before knocking softly.
A few moments later, Liezel opened the door, looking surprised but pleased to see me. "Eric? What's up?"
"I was just thinking about the day," I said, trying to sound casual. "I know it's late, but I was wondering if you'd like to take a walk by the beach. We can talk more about the trip and... well, other things."
Liezel smiled, her eyes lighting up. "A walk by the beach sounds nice. Give me a minute to grab a jacket."
I waited outside, my mind racing with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. When Liezel emerged, we headed down to the beachside. The sand felt cool beneath our feet, and the gentle breeze added a sense of tranquility to the night.
We walked along the shoreline, the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore creating a soothing backdrop to our conversation. The moonlight illuminated the path ahead, casting a silvery sheen on the water. We talked about our favorite moments from the day—surfing, hiking, and the incredible view from Macho Temple. The more we talked, the more I felt a connection forming between us, a bond that went beyond mere friendship.
As we strolled, I decided to address something that had been on my mind. "Liezel, can I ask you something a bit personal?"
"Sure," she replied, glancing at me with curiosity. "What's on your mind?"
"I've noticed that you seem a bit... reserved. I mean, you've been great company, but there's something that feels like it's weighing on you. Is everything okay?" I asked, genuinely concerned.
Liezel's gaze turned thoughtful as she looked out at the horizon. "It's just been a lot lately. I've been dealing with some personal stuff and trying to keep things together. This trip has been a nice escape, but it's hard to completely leave things behind."
I could sense a vulnerability in her voice, a side of her that she rarely showed. "I understand. Sometimes it's hard to fully relax when there are things on your mind. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."
She smiled, her eyes meeting mine. "Thanks, Eric. It's nice to know you're here to listen. I don't usually open up easily, but I appreciate your offer."
We continued walking in comfortable silence for a few moments, the sounds of the ocean and the occasional distant laughter from the restobar adding a peaceful ambiance to the night. As we reached a quieter part of the beach, I decided to delve deeper into our conversation.
"You know," I began, "sometimes I feel like there's more to you than you let on. I mean, you seem to be really good at keeping your emotions in check, but I can sense there's a lot more beneath the surface."
Liezel looked at me, a mix of surprise and contemplation in her eyes. "It's true. I guess I've always been good at keeping my personal life separate from my professional one. It's a way of coping, but it can be exhausting."
"I get that," I said, nodding. "It's like you have to wear a mask to get through the day, but eventually, it takes its toll."
"Exactly," she replied. "Sometimes, I just wish I could be more open without feeling like I'm exposing too much of myself."
There was a pause as we both reflected on the conversation. The night seemed to grow quieter, more intimate. I took a step closer to Liezel, feeling a sudden urge to close the distance between us. "Liezel, can I be honest with you? I've felt a connection with you from the moment we met. And it's not just because of this trip or the fun we've had. It's something deeper."
She looked up at me, her eyes softening. "Eric, I feel the same way. I've been enjoying our time together, and there's something comforting about being with you."
As I reached out to touch her arm gently, our faces were only inches apart. The proximity and the intensity of the moment were overwhelming. Our laughter faded, and the world seemed to shrink to just the two of us. Without thinking, our lips met in a soft, accidental kiss. The contact was brief but electrifying, and we both pulled back, our eyes wide with shock and realization.
Liezel's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, clearly startled. "Eric... I didn't expect—"
"I'm sorry," I interrupted, my voice filled with regret. "I didn't mean for that to happen. It was an accident."
Liezel nodded, still processing the unexpected turn of events. "It's okay. It's just... unexpected."
We stood there in the moonlit silence, the kiss lingering in our minds as a testament to the complex emotions we both felt. I wanted to say something more, but words felt inadequate in the face of what had just happened.
Finally, Liezel broke the silence. "Maybe we should head back."
I agreed, and we walked back to the cabins in quiet contemplation. The kiss had altered the dynamic between us, adding a layer of complexity to our interactions. As we parted ways for the night, I couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected moment would shape the rest of our trip—and our relationship.
As I lay in bed later that night, the feeling that had driven me to Liezel's cabin still lingered. The kiss had opened up new possibilities, and I was left to navigate the emotions that it had stirred within me.
