The two sleek cars rolled to a stop at the quiet, secluded backside of the beach, where the waves danced gently against the untouched shore. The sun shimmered on the water like a dream, and though the world was wide open, this place felt like a secret only they knew.
Even with caps pulled low and masks on, the boys of Eclipse preferred the quiet route. Fame brought eyes, and today was about peace.
As doors creaked open and soft laughter filled the air, one car door stayed closed.
"Stella?" Serafina leaned in through the window, her voice teasing. "What happened? You dreaming of moonlight kisses or something?"
Stella blinked as if waking. "No, I'm just—Alex's driving." She exhaled, flustered. "The way he turns the wheel with one hand like that… I don't know. It does something to me."
Serafina burst out laughing. "Seriously, girl? You're having a dirty mind moment over a gear shift?"
Stella shoved her playfully, cheeks warm. "Shut up!"
As they stepped out onto the sand, Nyx's voice cut in sharply. "You two better not forget why we're here." She gave Stella a flick on the forehead.
"Ow! What was that for?!"
"I know you're crazy about Alex, but don't flatter yourself too much. We're here on a mission, remember?"
Stella rubbed her forehead with a pout, and Serafina wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry, even if she forgets, I won't. I've got my eye on the target." She winked.
With a lighthearted laugh, the girls began walking down the sand path, the sound of waves growing louder.
Ahead of them, the Eclipse boys were already moving. Alex and Kai stuck close together, talking quietly. The bond between the members was unshakable—each pair had something special—but Alex and Kai shared something easy and unspoken.
"Come on, let's catch up!" Serafina suddenly pulled Stella's hand, dragging her forward with a mischievous grin. As they neared the group, she let go—right as they passed Alex.
Stella stumbled, tripping right into him.
"Oh—! I'm sorry!" she gasped, landing lightly against his chest.
Alex steadied her, a soft smile touching his lips. "You okay?"
Before Stella could answer, Serafina called from a few feet away, laughing. "Oops! My bad! You two looked too cute not to collide!"
"You idiot!" Stella shouted after her, blushing furiously. "I'm gonna get you for that!"
A little farther down the beach, Max raised a brow. "I'm telling you, there's something definitely going on between those two."
Zane smirked. "Anyone with eyes can see Stella's got a huge crush on Alex. The way she looks at him?"
Theo laughed. "It's natural. Everyone around us has a crush on at least one of us."
"Yeah," Max agreed. "But who Alex ends up with... that's gonna be something."
Zane said nothing, but in his mind, a quiet thought formed: I think Alex already has someone. Let's wait and see.
Nearby, laughter erupted again—this time from Nyx, who was dripping wet and furious.
"MAX, YOU IDIOT BUFFALO!" she screamed as seawater dripped from her soaked hair.
Max, grinning like a five-year-old, held up his hands. "I just said 'enjoy the water'! Thought I'd help."
She lunged, dragging him into the water with a huge splash. "I'll drown you myself!"
"Police! Police!" Max shouted, laughing as she dunked him again. "She's trying to kill me!"
Zephyr watched with amusement, her arms crossed.
Zane turned toward her with a gentle smile. "My sunshine, you want anything to eat? I'll get you whatever you want."
"I have money. I can buy it myself," Zephyr replied, not even looking up.
Zane smiled softly to himself. I know… but I still wanted to.
Far from the beach's warmth, on a quiet roadside, Aria walked alone.
The wind tugged at her coat, her footsteps echoing hollowly on the pavement. Her eyes, usually so sharp and calm, were distant—haunted.
Why me? Why am I the one who always has to suffer…?
She kept walking. No destination. Just moving. Her mind was louder than her surroundings.
Why couldn't I change anything?
A memory flashed—her mother's smile. Warm. Alive. Gone.
What's the point of my living? I wish I could die right now.
She stopped walking. Her fingers curled into fists. The pain welled up like a wave about to crash. It wasn't just about powers. It wasn't about the mission. It was about the wound that wouldn't heal.
I'm tired. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't even know who I am without the pain.
The world moved on. She stood still, a shadow of herself.
To be continued…