Crushed Underneath the Surface (Complete)

Escape continued - Part 2

A/N: Happy Fall Y'all <3
Thanks for reading!
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Chapter 5.2
Escape Part two
August, Summer in Honolulu Hawaii

Emilio wakes up on the couch of his family's two-story vacation home, the Hawaiian sun gently streaming through the windows. He hadn't even unpacked. The moment he stepped into the house and unlocked the door with his copied key, he collapsed onto the couch for a short nap. Exhaustion from the long flight and the four-hour time difference between Hawaii and Montana weighed on him. It was like going back in time, and despite having vacationed in Hawaii every year, Milo still hadn't gotten used to the disorienting time shift. His phone reads 5:43 PM in Hawaii, though it feels much later.

Stretching his arms, Milo groans and gets up, grabbing his luggage and carry-on bag. He heads to the master bedroom, a spacious and almost surreal room with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a postcard-worthy view of Honolulu. The room was decorated with touches of Hawaiian culture—rich wooden accents, tropical prints, and shades of blue mimicking the ocean just outside. A massive bathroom adjoins the space, boasting dual sinks, an oversized bathtub, and a ceiling-mounted rain shower that seems more luxurious than Milo remembers.

Kicking off his sandals, he wastes no time. The rain shower is powerful, sending soothing streams of water down his body as he lets out a contented sigh. The long travel fades from his muscles, and he hums softly to himself, letting the tropical warmth of the water work its magic. After the shower, feeling refreshed, he dresses in casual beachwear—flip-flops, a sleeveless shirt, and patterned swim trunks. There's no rush here. Just as he likes it.

Milo decides to explore a bar he researched before arriving. Within walking distance, Nā Wai Hōkū was a known spot for its lively yet laid-back energy, a place where locals and tourists mingled in carefree harmony. The sun was just starting to set as Milo arrived at the outdoor beach bar, the vibrant hues of orange and purple reflected in the glistening water.

"Aloha! Welcome to Nā Wai Hōkū!" Three hula dancers, their skirts swaying in unison with the light breeze, greet him with bright smiles. "Mahalo," Milo replies, his dimples flashing as one of the women drapes a lei around his neck. She winks before they move on to greet the next guests. (The Star Waters, thank you)

Milo scans the bar, taking in the scene. Palm trees line the perimeter, their long fronds swaying gently, while tiki torches begin to flicker as the sun dips lower. It's paradise—guests lounge on deck chairs, sip on colorful drinks, and chat happily as laughter mingles with the sounds of waves crashing softly in the background. A live band strums ukuleles nearby, their mellow tunes adding to the island's laid-back vibe.

The bar itself is bustling. Vacationers from all over fill the seats, some in swimwear, others in flowy resort attire. Conversations flow freely, often punctuated by bursts of laughter. The scent of tropical fruit and coconut fills the air, mingling with the salty ocean breeze.

Milo catches the attention of a bartender, a friendly woman with bright sun-kissed skin and short, curly blonde hair. "Aloha! What can I get for you?" she asks, her tone bright and welcoming. Milo quickly scans the drink menu and settles on a Blue Hawaii—its vibrant blue color and tropical ingredients perfectly matching the island's energy. He watches as the bartender expertly mixes the rum, vodka, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and sweet-and-sour mix, topping it with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

The first sip is refreshing, exactly what he needed after the long journey. Relaxing into the experience, Milo's mood lifts. He watches people swimming, dancing, and enjoying themselves—there's a carefree spontaneity in the air that's infectious.

Before long, four drinks in, and with liquid courage pulsing through him, Milo finds himself dancing with a beautiful woman he meets on the dance floor. She's stunning— her eyes a bright and playful blue, her hair shiny blonde and curly. Her curvy body wrapped in a short floral dress that hugs her figure in all the right places.