The After of Everything

All I See

Third Person's P.O.V

"GOD, I AM SO EXCITED!" Laine squealed, doing little jumps while holding Solemn's hand. Solemn was goggling at how cute Laine was.

Laine was taking another course, so they weren't always together. It was just seldom that they see each other since they started college. Only when they go to this summer getaway can they let loose and meet everyone else.

"Chillax, woman. You'll run out of energy when we get there." Nine said, eyes still sleepy.
"You probably watched anime until dawn, didn't you?" Jaden asked, shaking her head.
"Can you blame me? It's summer vacation, so of course I'd not waste my time just sleeping." Nine said proudly with her chest puffed out and with a bright smile.
"Hey! It's been a year since we saw you!" Rhea said, hugging everyone.
"Yeah, how are you? You look thin." Solemn couldn't help but point out, concerned for her friend's well-being.
"Yeah, I just can't seem to get hungry. Eating is hard at the moment. I'd rather sleep because I haven't been able to sleep. Damn schoolwork."
"There, there," Jaden patted Rhea's head.

Nine, Laine and Solemn were smiling in mischief. They know how Jaden liked Rhea. Rhea was beautiful with her fair skin, her cute smile and her black hair. She was also considered the sexiest in the group with her petite physique and her breasts that are way bigger than her body proportion should be.

"Jaden gets it." Solemn giggled.
"Yes, yes, Jaden gets it." Jaden threw a glare at Solemn and Solemn looked away, feigning innocence.

But she regretted looking away. She finally saw him. He was talking to Baks and some other guys and girls.  They surrounded him like they were close. Maize was smiling, but Solemn couldn't help but notice how empty it was. As if on timing, Maize met Solemn's gaze.

"He really came." Nine said in disbelief.

All three years that they practically begged him to come, he only came when they stopped asking.

"I wasn't informed that he was coming. Will you be okay?" Rhea asked, putting a hand behind Solemn's lower back.
"Yes, it's been almost three years since we've broken up. Why wouldn't I be okay?" the others exchanged looks before letting Solemn be.
"Alright, since everyone's here, why don't we start putting our bags inside the vehicle and drive our way towards the villa?"

Solemn couldn't help but bite her lips. He was handsome even before all the glamour, but now that he's finally taking care of his skin and how he looks, he is gorgeous. He was glowing and his lips looked so pink.

Solemn and Maize didn't stop the staring contest, not until Baks started talking to Maize.

It's in the past now, Solemn. I thought you moved on?

After everything was settled, Baks was assigning everyone their seats.

"And so, I have concluded that since Maize and Solemn want their privacy, I'll be putting Maize and Solemn, as well as me, Nine, Jaden and Rhea in one car."

Of course, there were complaints. People wanted a piece of Maize, but Baks thought that it was for the greater good. And even if Maize says that it wasn't Solemn that he finally wanted to come, Baks knows that he misses her. Maize was crazy for Solemn like that.

"Don't I have a say in this?" Solemn asked, speaking up, full of spite.
"No worries, I'm just as against this as you are." Maize walked away and went to the car to start the engine, so it could heat up properly.
"Girl, relax, okay? I'm not.putting you two in one car because of your history. I just thought that one less curious person would do you both good when it comes to your past." Baks explained lightly, not wanting to start their summer getaway with a negative note.
"He does make a point there, babe." Rhea was worried for her friend's well-being, but logically speaking, Baks was right.
"I can't believe there comes a day that I'll say this, but yeah, Baks is right." Nine inserted, wanting to ease up the tension in the air.
"Same here." Jaden was unsure, but nonetheless followed.
"Wow, guys. Thank you for being supportive. Well then, that settles it! Everyone to your cars and let's start driving!"

Baks was sitting on the passenger's seat, while the others were behind.

"This your car, Maize?" Nine asked, looking around to get a good feel of the car.
"Yeah. Baks can't afford something like this."
"Why am I getting bullied? I didn't even do anything."

Solemn was silently observing Maize. His voice was now lower and more manly. She could tell that he worked out. He finally did what he was telling Solemn before. He worked out, he was doing skincare, and he took good care of his health. But she can't help but notice how distant he was. As if he wasn't there with them.

"You alright?" Jaden was worried that it was getting stuffy for Solemn. Jaden was always a worrywart. She was what you'd call the softie of the group.
"I'm good."

Solemn looked at the rearview mirror and saw that Maize was looking at her. Those eyes that pierced through her barrier before as if it was nothing. She looked away, not ready to feel what she has been hiding for three years.

"I thought you were on tour, Maize. What happened?" Rhea asked, curious. Although he was detached from the group, he was still considered their friend. Maize was a great friend, and everyone made him their standard when it came to relationships. He was above and beyond for Solemn back then. He showed her love everyday and without fail he let her know that he was madly in love with her.
"I simply took a break."
"Simply? As in, you said you wanted a break and they said 'okay'?" Baks knitted his eyebrows in confusion.
"Of course, not. I needed it. I was on the grind for three years straight. I needed this."
"I see. So, the tour was just a rumor?" Laine asked.
"No, I'll be on tour next year."
"What will you be doing before then?" Jaden asked.
"Breathe, I guess."

"I can't do this."
"Slow, deep breaths, my love."

Solemn couldn't stop the flashback and was forced to remember a memory that she wanted to forget. But of course, she couldn't help but wonder if he was okay.