Breaking the Grid

Home

The sun was beginning to set over Monaco, casting golden hues across the harbor. The past few weeks had been nothing short of unforgettable—long days under the sun, endless cocktails, deep laughter, and nights spent dancing under the stars. It was the kind of summer that I knew I'd look back on years from now and feel the warmth of it all over again.

Standing on the dock, I let out a slow breath, watching as the others finished grabbing their bags. The yacht had been home for us, a floating paradise where we had shared so many moments that now felt too hard to let go of.

Charli was the first to step up, throwing her arms around me. "I hate you for making me have so much fun," she muttered into my shoulder before pulling back with a small grin.

I smirked. "You're welcome."

She rolled her eyes, but there was something warm in the way she looked at me. "No, but seriously. This whole trip was... perfect. Thanks, Blair. For real."

Before I could respond, Katie practically barreled into me, squeezing me tight. "Oi, you better plan something like this again. And don't think I won't crash whatever next ridiculous trip you go on."

Caitlin laughed beside her, shaking her head. "I'll make sure she doesn't actually stow away."

Kyra stood next to me, her hand lightly brushing mine, and I glanced at her, catching the soft smile playing on her lips as she watched the chaos of our friends saying goodbye.

Eli had already left back in Ibiza—school calling her back to reality. Charli, Katie, and Caitlin were headed back to London now, all three of them already dreading the return to normal life.

Kimi, on the other hand, was staying with us. He had tests to do in London before heading back to Germany and Mercedes HQ. I was secretly glad he wasn't leaving just yet.

I turned back to Charli, who was stuffing the last of her things into her duffel bag. "You sure you don't wanna stay another day?" I asked, only half-teasing.

She shook her head, sighing dramatically. "As much as I would love to keep living like a millionaire, reality is calling."

"Boring," I muttered, making her snort.

"Right?!" Katie added. "We should just stay here forever."

Kyra finally spoke, squeezing my hand. "Yeah, but then we'd all go broke, so... maybe not the best idea."

I laughed, nodding. "Fine, fine. Go be responsible or whatever."

We said our final goodbyes, tight hugs exchanged, promises to do it all again soon lingering in the air. And then, just like that, they were gone, disappearing into the car that would take them to the airport.

I let out a slow breath, turning toward Kyra and Kimi.

"Alone at last," Kyra murmured, smirking at me.

Kimi raised an eyebrow. "Am I not standing right here?"

I grinned. "Nah, you don't count."

He scoffed, shaking his head but smiling anyway. "Well, thanks for that."

The three of us stood there for a moment, the energy shifting into something softer. The vacation had been incredible—full of sun, fun, and friendships that felt stronger than ever. But now, as we stood on the dock, reality was creeping back in.

Kyra must have sensed the shift too because she nudged me lightly. "You okay?"

I nodded, glancing around at the now-quiet harbor. "Yeah... just thinking."

"About?" she pressed gently.

I looked at her then, the glow of the setting sun making her hair look even more golden, her green eyes warm and knowing. "Just... how good this was."