XX. A Weekend Escape and Unspoken Tensions

Alex shrieked the moment he saw me and hugged me tightly.

"Oh my! Thank you so much! The operation happened because of the money you lent me. I can't thank you enough!"

"I'm just glad that everything went well," I said, offering a quick smile.

"What's going on, Kaesu? Why do you look so down?" Lara leaned in, her face full of concern.

"Uh, it's just that... I'm sorry I wasn't there with you guys when the operation happened," I said, struggling to come up with a better excuse. I couldn't exactly tell them everything.

"Nah, it's okay. We understand. The fact that you're even thinking about that shows how selfless you are. But you know what? You helped Alex, and that's a huge thing. You should be proud of yourself," Lara said, patting my back.

Alex nodded in agreement before pulling both of us into another hug. He was so happy I could tell he could jump all day just to express his gratitude.

It was the weekend, and we were now lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out what to do for the next two days.

"I think I deserve to pamper myself," Lara suddenly announced, making us turn to her.

"Well, only rich girls can afford to pamper themselves nowadays. I can't even spare a single penny because I need to help my father with his medical bills," Alex sighed.

"How can we help Alex?" I asked.

"Oh no! You've done more than enough," he quickly said. "Besides, I found a part-time job around the corner—"

"Then that's something we should celebrate!" Lara suddenly jumped up.

"Are you even in your right mind? I just told you I can't afford to waste a single penny—"

"Shush, shush, Alex! I've got you. Just take this as my way of making up for not contributing to your father's expenses. The least I can do is make his handsome prince happy," she teased, ruffling his hair.

"Oh, shut up! It's princess," Alex huffed, flipping his imaginary long hair dramatically.

"Come on!" Lara whined, pouting like a child begging for a treat.

I couldn't help but laugh at them.

"You agree with me, Kaesu, don't you?" Lara pressed.

I hesitated just to tease her, but in the end, she managed to convince both Alex and me. We quickly packed our bags, excitement bubbling between us.

We stood at the side of the road, waiting for a cab, when a car pulled up in front of us. I knew whose car it was before he even stepped out.

"Where are you guys headed?" Canim asked, appearing out of nowhere.

"Uh, to the beach? Doesn't our outfit explain it all?" Alex said sarcastically, twirling in place and dramatically waving his arms to show off his beach attire.

But I wasn't paying attention to that—I noticed Lara and Canim exchanging that look again. It was a look I still couldn't decipher. Right. They always had those secret conversations that somehow involved me, yet I still hadn't figured out what their relationship really was.

Well, this was the perfect opportunity.

"You know, we badly need a driver. I think you should give us a ride and join us," I suggested, my voice sweet but insistent.

Canim hesitated, glancing at Lara again. She simply gave him an empty stare.

"How about I give you a ride?"

We all turned in surprise as Antonio suddenly appeared in front of us.

Do these people love popping up out of nowhere?

But Antonio could ruin my plan, so I quickly thought of an excuse.

"No, we all won't fit on your big bike. Canim's car is way more spacious, and I'm sure he won't decline, right, Canim?" I smiled, knowing he wouldn't dare back out now that he had competition.

"Let's go," Canim finally said.

Knew it.

We were about to leave when Antonio grabbed my arm gently.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice low.

"You'll see," I replied with a smirk.

"Then can I join?" he asked.

"No!" I pulled my arm from his grasp and smirked, teasing him.

"But how can I see if you won't let me join?"

"Urgh! Figure it out yourself!" I huffed before following Alex and Lara into the car.

I settled into the passenger seat while Canim placed our bags in the trunk. Once he was done, he climbed in and started the engine.

"To the beach, it is," he said.

I must have dozed off during the ride because when I woke up, I was alone in the car.

Why do I always fall asleep on trips? I always end up being the last one left behind.

I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and was about to step out when I saw Canim walking toward the car. He opened the door before I could.

"You're awake," he said.

"Sorry, did we just arrive?" I rubbed my eyes.

"We already finished unloading the luggage. We didn't wake you up because you were sleeping like you hadn't slept in days. Actually, I was about to come back and wake you, but you woke up on your own," he explained.

If only you knew that you're one of the reasons I can't sleep.

I simply nodded and followed him to where Alex and Lara were waiting. They excitedly invited me to join them in the water, but I refused since the sun was still too harsh.

"Your room is ready. We already brought your bags inside," Lara said.

I nodded in thanks and headed to my room.

After unpacking, I carefully placed a framed photo of my grandfather and me on the nightstand beside the lampshade. I always brought this with me wherever I went—it made me feel like Grandpa was still here with me.

"She'll be happy, Grandpa. I'll make her happy," I whispered, running my fingers over the picture.

Sighing, I lay down on the soft bed, and before I knew it, sleep pulled me under once again.