That One Summer

vii

~

Next Day - Merlion Park

One morning, both groups decided to visit Merlion Park to relax and take photos with the iconic landmark.

"Dali na mga bakla! Pose na kayo dali! Maganda ang angle dito!" Fyang called out, brimming with excitement as she rallied her friends. "Wait lang mga bakla. Sali ako!"

Fyang asked a stranger to take their group photo after taking their individual shots. Not too far away, Jarren stood nearby with his group, adjusting his camera. He suddenly noticed Fyang chatting happily with her friends. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched.

Jasmine, ever observant, nudged Therese and whispered with a grin, "Look sis! Sila Fyang diba 'yon? They always look like they're having so much fun, oh!"

Therese gave a half-smile, her gaze shifting to Jarren. "You want to say hi, Jarren?" she asked lightly, but with a hint of curiosity as she noticed him looking.

Jarren shrugged, glancing between Therese and Fyang. "Maybe next time," he replied, trying to sound casual. "Looks like they're enjoying themselves."

Dylan, overhearing, chuckled. "Oh, come on, Jarren. You know it wouldn't hurt to just say hey," he teased, nudging Jarren playfully.

"Kaya nga, Jarren," Jasmine added with a smirk. "Who knows? Maybe you'll get a picture with them, Instagram-worthy!"

Dylan laughed, shaking his head. "A simple hello won't kill you, bro."

Therese raised an eyebrow, smirking at Jarren's clear hesitation. "Looks like everyone's curious," she remarked, amused.

Jarren chuckled, looking sheepish. "Fine. maybe later. For now, let's take our group photo, okay?"

With that, the group set up for their own shots, though Jarren's gaze occasionally wandered back to Fyang's group. As they posed and laughed, Fyang's attention briefly landed on Jarren, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment before they both quickly looked away.

Kanata nudged Joli with a grin. "You think Therese will finally pull it off with Jarren today?"

"Let's hope so," Joli replied with a chuckle. "She's been talking about it since we got here!"

Therese caught the exchange and shot them a playful glare. "Guys, shh! You're not supposed to reveal my plans!"

Dylan, holding his phone for another photo angle, joined in with a grin. "Just go for it, Therese. I don't think Jarren has noticed anything yet."

Meanwhile, Jasmine whispered to Jarren, "Looks like you're a popular guy today. Did you notice Therese giving you extra attention?"

Jarren shrugged, glancing around the park, his gaze occasionally drifting toward Fyang's group on the other side. "I'm just here for fun. Honestly, I'm up for anything today."

~

Sentosa Island

Both groups made their way to Sentosa Island, ready for a beach day. The sun was bright, and the sound of waves crashing filled the air. Fyang and Kolette were building a sandcastle by the shoreline, laughing as they tried to keep it from collapsing.

"Ang saya dito! I can't believe we're actually at Sentosa!" Kai exclaimed, patting down the sand with excitement.

"Tama! I-post natin ito sa IG! Ay, nandito din pala sila Jarren," Fyang said, pointing subtly toward him, her voice quieter.

Jarren, who was about to serve in the game, noticed Fyang watching and felt a rush of nervous energy. He looked over at Therese, who was busy taking scenic photos of the beach.

Just then, Kanata called out to Jarren, "Hey, Jarren! Tara, samahan mo kami dito magbeach volleyball!"

Jarren looked between his friends and Fyang's group, feeling an undeniable pull toward Fyang yet knowing he couldn't just walk over. "Okay, I'm in!" he finally answered, jogging back to his group, though his gaze lingered on Fyang as he joined the game.

Back at the sandcastle, Fyang tried to focus, but her attention kept wandering to Jarren's group. She bit her lip, caught between a mix of excitement and frustration at their missed opportunity to connect.

~

Universal Studios

For their last big adventure, both groups found themselves at Universal Studios. The park was filled with laughter and excitement as they rushed from one ride to the next. Outside one of the roller coasters, Fyang's group was posing for a group shot.

"Teka, selfie tayo bago tayo sumakay sa ride! Wacky!" Fyang urged her friends, grinning as they adjusted for the photo.

In the middle of the excitement, Jarren's voice suddenly called out from behind, "Nice poses you got there!"

Fyang quickly turned, her fingers fumbling over the camera, but as she saw Jarren waving, she redirected her attention to Kolette, pretending not to notice.

"We have to try all the rides! Pero gusto ko talaga yung may water!" Joli said over the noise, her enthusiasm spreading to the others.

Therese laughed at her friend's infectious energy. "We can't do them all, Joli! Let's pick the best ones."

As Jarren's group exited their ride, he glanced back at Fyang, who was busy laughing with Kolette. The colors of the fireworks above lit up the night, and though Fyang hadn't seen him, Jarren couldn't help feeling a tug at his heart.

After an adventurous day, both groups gathered at the exit, their energies high from all the excitement. They chatted as they waited, everyone lingering to savor the last moments.

Therese noticed his gaze and tightened her grip on his arm. "Hey, Jarren, look at the fireworks!" she said, pulling his attention back. "Let's take a picture together!"

As they set up for the shot, Fyang's group was just a few feet away, captivated by the fireworks.

With each encounter, the energy between Fyang and Jarren grew, even without a single word exchanged. Little did they know, this summer held more surprises than either could imagine, waiting to unfold in the days ahead.