NOVPUB"I'll film the game. Besides, I still need to record the rest of this." Rini gestured toward Azzy's sandcastle, her expression unreadable. "It's too good to ignore."
The others gave her skeptical looks but didn't argue. Soon, they had formed teams and moved a little further down the beach, setting up for their game.
Meanwhile, Rina took a seat beside Azzy, her camera resting on her lap. She watched him for a moment before speaking.
"You ever gonna take a break?" she asked, tilting her head.
Azzy, still focused on shaping the details of a tower, replied without looking up. "No need."
Rina chuckled. "Figures."
A pause.
She leaned back, resting on her elbows, and let her gaze drift toward the sky. "You know, you're a weird guy, Rael."
Azzy didn't respond.
"Most guys would be out there, playing, showing off, trying to impress the girls," she continued, glancing at him. "But you? You're just here, making a sandcastle like it's some kind of serious mission. What if you made a bet with Leiza? You just have to make a simple sand castle, not this grand."
Azzy finally paused, turning his head slightly. "Does that bother you?"
Rina smirked. "Not at all. In fact, I think it's kinda cool."
Silence stretched between them, the distant sounds of the volleyball game filling the space.
She studied him carefully before deciding to push further. "So… you and Leiza. What's the deal?"
Azzy gave her a blank look. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean." She raised an eyebrow. "Is there something going on between you two?"
Azzy went back to smoothing out the sand. "No."
Rina observed him, searching for any hint of dishonesty—but there was none. He was either telling the truth, or he was ridiculously good at hiding things.
"So you're just her bodyguard?" she pressed.
"Yes."
"No feelings? No tension?"
"No."
Rina hummed thoughtfully, her lips curving into a small smile. "Huh. Interesting."
Another pause.
"Guess that means you're single, then."
Azzy didn't answer immediately. He was single but at the same time wasn't. But, why should he bother himself telling her his love story with Claire and make up all kinds of logical reasons, etc… Hence, he glanced at her briefly before nodding. "Yes."
Rina's smile grew. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she continued watching him.
The more they talked, the more intrigued she became. There was something about him—something untouched by the usual social games people played. He wasn't trying to be charming, wasn't trying to impress anyone. He was just… himself.
And for some reason, she found herself wanting to know more.
Azzy wiped the last grains of sand from his hands and exhaled slowly, stepping back to admire his work.
The sandcastle, now complete, stood as an intricate fortress against the golden shoreline. Towers, archways, and even the illusion of a moat surrounded the grand structure, each detail carved with meticulous precision.
"Damn," Rina murmured, clearly impressed. "This thing looks like it belongs in a museum."
She reached into her bag and pulled out a cold bottle of water, offering it to him.
"Here. Hydration is important, you know."
Azzy took the bottle without hesitation, twisted the cap, and drank deeply. Then, in one swift motion, he tilted the bottle and let the remaining water cascade over his head. Droplets traced down his face and onto his already damp shirt, clinging to his toned frame.
Rina, still kneeling in the sand, blinked.
Well. That was unfair.
Clearing her throat, she quickly busied herself with her phone. "Alright, now that you're all refreshed, it's my turn."
She handed him the phone. "Take a picture of me with the castle."
Azzy raised an eyebrow but took the phone without question.
Rina wasted no time, jumping to her feet and positioning herself in front of the grand structure. She threw up peace signs, did mock regal poses, and even pretended to "guard" the entrance like a knight.
Azzy took the pictures, his face impassive as always, though a flicker of amusement briefly crossed his eyes at her exaggerated expressions.
From the volleyball court, Leiza was supposed to be focusing on the game. But as she prepared to receive a serve, her gaze wandered—and landed on them.
She saw Rina laughing, twirling in the sand as Azzy captured the moment with practiced ease. The two of them looked… comfortable. Relaxed.
Something tightened in her chest. "Why does this bother me?" She bit her lip in discomfort
It was then the volleyball shot past her.
"Leiza!" Ciesta's voice snapped her out of it.
The ball smacked against the sand. Point lost.
Ciesta let out a frustrated sigh. "Seriously, can you focus?"
Leiza hesitated for half a second before handing off the ball. "I'll be right back."
Before anyone could question her, she turned on her heel and walked toward Azzy and Rina, her expression unreadable.
As she approached, Rina was in the middle of striking another playful pose. "Okay, last one. I swear—" 𝔫𝖔𝔳𝖕𝖚𝔟.𝔠𝔬𝖒
Leiza stopped right beside them. "Are we done with the photoshoot?"
Rina paused mid-pose. She glanced at Leiza, then at Azzy, before lowering her hands.
Leiza's gaze flickered to the sandcastle. "It's impressive," she admitted, though her tone was neutral. Then, she turned her attention fully to Azzy. "Come on, let's go. We're playing volleyball."
Azzy glanced down at Rina's phone, then back up at Leiza. "I'm not interested."
"You don't have to be," she replied smoothly. "We need players."
Rina smirked slightly, sensing the shift in atmosphere. She dusted off her shorts and stretched. "Well, I guess that means I'm playing too."
Leiza met Rina's gaze briefly. Neither girl said anything, but something unspoken passed between them.
Azzy, as usual, said nothing at all.
Instead, he handed Rina her phone and followed Leiza toward the game.
Azzy didn't overthink it. He simply followed Leiza and joined the others at the volleyball court. The sand felt warm under his feet as he took his position, standing tall and relaxed.
Behind him, Rina was about to jog past and join the game when a hand caught her wrist.
She turned, only to find Leiza staring at her with narrowed eyes.
"What are you doing?" Leiza's tone was casual, but her gaze was sharp.
Rina blinked innocently. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Leiza crossed her arms. "You know exactly what I mean. I've been watching you."
Rina let out a small laugh, but something about Leiza's unwavering stare made her uneasy. "Okay… and?"
"You were flirting with him," Leiza stated bluntly.
Rina's amusement faltered for a second before she shrugged. "So what if I was?" she admitted, tilting her head. "It's been a while since I broke up with my ex. I'm just having some fun."
Leiza's lips pressed into a thin line. "That doesn't mean you should just—"
"Relax," Rina cut in, waving a hand. "I'm not looking for anything serious. Just a little… fling." She followed Leiza's gaze toward Azzy and let out an appreciative hum. "And with a body like that? I mean, let's be real, even Ciesta's boyfriend doesn't compare."
Leiza felt a strange irritation crawl up her spine.
"Besides," Rina continued, turning back to her, "unless you have feelings for him, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Leiza stiffened.
