Cadenza [BINI Mikha X OC]

Chapter 27: Ocean Breeze

A/N: Sorry for the delay, got hit with the storm and power just resumed today (10/26/24). I made this chapter longer to include character interactions. 

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Jon and the group were scouring the area around the beach house that Percy's grandparents owned, a charming, secluded retreat nestled in Albay. Maxwell and Sarah, Percy's doting grandparents, had generously offered the beach house to them for the duration of their stay. It wasn't unusual for Percy to be spoiled by his grandparents, after all, he was their favorite, and they never missed a chance to show it. This time was no exception, and the group couldn't have been more grateful.

As they made their way through a short trail, the crisp sea breeze hit their faces, carrying with it the salty scent of the ocean. A few meters later, they finally reached the beach, and the sight left them momentarily speechless. The shoreline stretched out before them, covered in pristine white sand that shimmered under the midday sun. The water was impossibly clear, showing a teal hue, reflecting the blue sky with no trace of clouds to stain the view. The scene was almost picture-perfect, as if they had stumbled into a postcard paradise.

Even though the sun shone brightly, the sand remained cool underfoot due to its whitish hue. There was a stillness in the air, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves on the shore. It felt almost surreal, being the only ones here, with the beach all to themselves, a rare treat since the property was private. A handful of staff could be seen in the distance, setting up decorations for the evening's hangout, their movements adding a sense of anticipation to the peaceful surroundings.

Scattered along the beach were wooden cabins, rustic but well-maintained, each with its own unique charm. One particularly large cabin stood out, able to accommodate up to twenty people. Despite its traditional wooden structure, it was sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, blending seamlessly into the beach landscape. Off to the side, near the edge of the property, a bonfire pit was being assembled. Large rocks were arranged in a perfect circle, and a pile of dried wood was already stacked in the center, waiting for the night's festivities to begin. And of course, the crème de la crème of the whole beach area was the beach house situated a few meters from the entrance. It was fairly large, but relatively small compared to the mansion.

With the heat of the sun still strong, swimming wasn't at the top of their minds just yet. Instead, they turned their attention to preparing for the evening. Percy, along with Rose, Elio, and Charles, set off to explore the rest of the property, eager to discover more hidden spots along the beach. Meanwhile, Ben and Jon stayed behind at the beach house to handle the most important task, preparing the food for tonight's feast.

Jon had always loved beach trips, not just for the ocean or the company, but for one specific reason, the grill. There was something about the mix of charcoal smoke and the savory aroma of meat sizzling over the flames that brought him a unique sense of joy. It had become a tradition for him, a core memory that he carried with him from past trips. Whether it was chicken quarters, pork belly, or some other cut of meat, Jon always made sure to take charge of the grill.

"So, you finished the marinade last night, right?" Ben asked, already setting out the grilling utensils.

"Yeah. It's been sitting overnight, so it's going to be perfect by the time we start grilling," Jon replied, a hint of excitement in his voice. "What time is it now?"

Ben glanced at his phone. "Around 3 p.m."

Jon nodded. "We'll start by 4. We've got a lot of portions to cook, so we'll need the time."

He looked out at the beach again, feeling the familiar buzz of anticipation. This was what he lived for on trips like this, the simple pleasure of good food, good company, and the rhythm of waves crashing in the background. The food, generously provided by Percy's grandparents, was more than enough to feed their group for days. Initially, they had been reluctant to accept the offer. Grandpa Maxwell and Grandma Sarah's hospitality was almost overwhelming but they had insisted. "It's been a while since we've had a chance to spoil Percy," Sarah had said with a smile, and no one could refuse that kind of kindness.