Love on Strings

Splash of secrets

The last week of the halfterm holidays arrived with a burst of excitement as Melo and Mica announced their pool party. Sunny could hardly contain her enthusiasm. The prospect of sun-soaked fun, laughter, and friends was exactly what she needed to shake off the remnants of the previous weeks' tensions.

As she prepared for the party, Sunny picked out her favorite swimsuit—bright and cheerful, adorned with colorful flowers. She felt a rush of anticipation, imagining a day filled with laughter and splashes. Ally, her cat, watched her with curious eyes, seemingly judging her outfit choices.

"Don't worry, Ally. I'll be back before you know it," Sunny promised, giving her cat a quick scratch behind the ears before grabbing her towel and heading out.

The sun blazed in the sky as Sunny arrived at Melo and Mica's house. The backyard was a vibrant oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, colorful beach balls, and a table laden with snacks. Friends were already gathered, their laughter ringing out like music.

As she stepped inside, Sunny felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She waved at Mica, who was busy arranging drinks, and Melo, who was chatting animatedly with a group near the pool. Everything felt perfect.

"Sunny! You made it!" Mica called, her smile contagious. "Grab a drink and join us!"

Sunny grabbed a fruity beverage from the table and made her way to the poolside, where the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Just as she settled into a lounge chair, her eyes were drawn to the entrance.

Ibri walked in, his easygoing charm lighting up the scene. He wore a casual tank top and swim shorts, effortlessly attracting attention. Sunny felt her heart flutter at the sight of him, a warmth spreading through her as he greeted everyone with his trademark smile.

"Looks like we've got a party!" Ibri exclaimed, his voice bright and inviting.

Sunny couldn't help but watch as he mingled, laughing with a group of friends. The way he moved, the light in his eyes—it was magnetic. Just then, she caught a glimpse of Jed standing at the edge of the pool, arms crossed, watching Ibri with a frown that didn't go unnoticed by Sunny.

"Hey, is everything okay?" Mica asked, noticing Sunny's distracted gaze.

"Yeah, just... looking at Ibri," Sunny admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "He really knows how to light up a room."

Mica followed her gaze, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "I think he's got a thing for you too. Just wait and see!"

As the party continued, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, splashes, and the sounds of summer. Sunny and Mica joined a game of pool volleyball, and Sunny felt herself getting lost in the moment, giggling and cheering with her friends.

But she could feel Jed's gaze on her, the way he lingered on her every laugh. It was confusing—he had always been competitive, but today, he seemed more tense. Each time Ibri made her laugh, she noticed Jed's expression shift, a hint of jealousy flickering in his eyes.

Later, as the game wrapped up and everyone took a break, Sunny found herself sitting on the edge of the pool, feet dangling in the water. Ibri joined her, his presence instantly calming.

"Hey, you were amazing out there!" he said, flashing her a genuine smile.

"Thanks! It was so much fun," Sunny replied, feeling her heart race. "You should join us for more games!"

"I'd love to. Just gotta watch my moves; I'm not as graceful as you are," he teased, splashing her lightly.

Sunny laughed, feeling a spark of connection. "I doubt that! You look pretty graceful to me."

As they chatted, Sunny stole glances at Jed, who was now sitting with TinTin, his expression still troubled. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Did he really care about her, or was it just a competitive instinct?

The music pulsed in the background, and the energy shifted as Melo announced a new game. "Alright, everyone! Time for a dive contest! Let's see who can make the biggest splash!"

Sunny joined the others at the edge of the pool, excitement bubbling inside her. The idea of diving in with everyone, feeling the cool water envelop her, was exhilarating. She glanced at Ibri, who was already prepping for his turn, and her heart skipped.

Jed stood a little apart, crossing his arms as he watched the preparations. The contrast in his demeanor was striking; he seemed to be battling an internal conflict, torn between joining the fun and his competitive instincts.

When it was Ibri's turn, he took a deep breath and ran toward the edge of the pool, executing a perfect dive that sent waves crashing against the sides. Everyone cheered, and Sunny clapped enthusiastically, feeling a rush of admiration for him.

"Okay, who's next?" Melo called, her eyes sparkling with energy.

Sunny felt a sudden surge of determination. "I'll go!" she shouted, not wanting to back down from the challenge. She approached the edge, feeling the thrill of the moment. With a deep breath, she took off, launching herself into the air.

The water enveloped her as she dove in, the coolness refreshing against her skin. When she surfaced, laughter and cheers surrounded her, and she couldn't help but grin.

As she swam back to the edge, she noticed Jed watching her, a mixture of admiration and something else flickering in his gaze. Was it jealousy? Or something deeper? Sunny's heart raced at the thought.

Once the contest concluded, everyone gathered to relax, floating on pool noodles or lounging on chairs. Sunny found herself between Ibri and Jed, the two boys embodying different energies—Ibri's carefree charm and Jed's quiet intensity.

The conversation flowed easily, but Sunny sensed the tension brewing beneath the surface. She caught Jed glancing at Ibri, his jaw tight as he forced a smile. It was as if he was battling his own feelings, the unspoken competition clear between them.

As the afternoon wore on, Sunny couldn't shake the feeling that she was at the center of something more than just a friendly gathering. The pool party had turned into a stage for unspoken emotions, and she was right in the middle, unsure of where her heart truly lay.

Just as the sun began to dip low in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything, Sunny knew one thing for certain: the upcoming week at school would be anything but ordinary. With tensions rising, friendships evolving, and the weight of unexpressed feelings hanging in the air, it was only a matter of time before everything came to a head.

*writers notes*
Sorry if some parts dont add up to the plot, im honestly struggling to keep things together as i write these chapters on my way to and back from school..