ONE AND ONLY, love island usa '24

52, sick

i blink rapidly as the lights turn on, rob letting out a tired groan as he rolls further into my body. i run a gentle hand through his hair, "i've gotta get up, robby. i need to check on the girls." he nods, sitting up slightly as i slide out from under his warm frame. "i'll meet you in a few minutes, i could use a shower." rob presses a gentle kiss against my cheek, telling me he'll gather our stuff and start the water. i pad into the hallway on silent feet, hoping to not disturb the girls if they're still resting. peering into the room i notice their sleeping forms, their eyes still swollen from crying last night. i frown, my heart aching for the hurt they're experiencing. i step back, making my way into the bathroom.

as promised, rob has my toiletries set out, my towel hanging outside the shower stall. i tap the glass lightly, hoping to not startle him as i step into the shower. his head jerks up, the sweet smile slipping off his face as he takes in my worried expression. he pulls me into his arms, his hold tightening around me as i relax into his arms, telling him about the current state the girls are in. he shakes his head, a frustrated expression crossing his eyes as he mutters, "what the hell is wrong with them? i don't understand how they left in the first place, let alone act like that after two days." we shower quickly, sending each other reassuring touches as we try to prepare ourselves for today.

i step into the beauty room, surprised to see the girls sitting around the vanity. "how are you all feeling today?" i whisper, trying to fight off a frown as they murmur half hearted answers. we get ready, the room filled with unease as the girls deal with what they've learned about what happened at casa. we head downstairs, the casa boys handing out breakfast. their kind gesture pulls small smiles out of the girls, before a chime rings through the air. "i got a text!" leah shouts, her voice wavering slightly as she reads out the text. "girls, tonight there will be a recoupling. it's time to decide if you want to maintain your current relationship status, or recouple with one of the new boys. #faceyourfeelings #casanomore" my stomach rolls as i look at the girls, their faces pinched in similar expressions.

we settle on the daybeds, rob following behind as he pulls me into his lap. i arch a brow slightly as the girls pull him into the conversation, totally comfortable with him being "one of the girls". serena and kaylor both decide to stay single, regardless of what aaron and kordell choose. leah seems conflicted, unwilling to couple with one of the new boys, but aware miguel will likely couple with someone else. jana and nicole are holding out hope their guys will choose to stay loyal to them. i look at liv, a smile tugging at my lips as she gives me a small nod. we spend a little longer talking before it's time to get ready for tonight. rob grips my hand as we head upstairs, murmuring gentle encouragement to the other girls. i give him a warm kiss, pouring my appreciation into the movement as he melts against me. i promise to see him soon, his hand gently patting my hip as he heads back downstairs.