The next day, around noon, Phu glanced at me while sipping his coffee. "Should we check on your sister? Just a quick knock… see if she wants to join us for lunch."
I nodded. "Yeah, let's do that."
As we strolled over to her villa, soft music drifted through the air—something calming, the kind that sounded like waves in slow motion. We paused outside her door. Phu knocked gently. No answer. He tried again, just a little louder this time.
"Maybe she's still asleep," he whispered.
I pulled out my phone and called her. She picked up. "Inside shower," she said, her voice soft but steady. "Come in and sit at the pool view, I'll be out soon."
We stepped inside and settled near the patio, facing the pool. The view from there was soothing—lush greens meeting the calm blue sky. Fifteen minutes later, she stepped out, dressed and composed. I looked at her with a small smile.
"Ready?"
She gave a little nod. "Yeah. I'm"
Phu smiled warmly. "Let's go."
We decided to try the main restaurant by the water. The hostess gave us a table near the edge of the open-air dining area, overlooking the ocean, where waves lazily kissed the shore. We placed our orders and settled in, letting the salty breeze play with our hair.
Just as our food arrived, a resort staff member approached our table with a clipboard.
"Excuse me," he said politely, "we have a small event happening tonight—a sunset music and water experience by the garden pool. It's THB 500 per person, but for guests, it's buy two, get one free. Would you like to join?"
Phu looked at me, then at my sister. "So… you guys wanna go?"
I turned to my sister. We both grinned and said "Yes" at the same time.
Phu chuckled. "Gosh, both of you," he teased, already reaching for his wallet. "Alright, alright. I'll go grab the tickets."
The event would start at 6 p.m. and run until 11. We agreed to be back at the resort by then. In the meantime, we planned a short trip to the Viewpoint near the Sanctuary of Truth, and maybe grab some food before heading back by five.
After lunch, we returned to our rooms to freshen up and change.
I slipped into a crisp white poplin shirt paired with light brown formal trousers, a white crossbody bag slung over my shoulder, and white sneakers to keep it casual. My sister wore a white flared cotton dress scattered with delicate red flowers—simple but effortlessly elegant. Phu pulled on a solid black half-placket knit top with light grey formal pants and sleek black shoes, as if he'd walked out of a style magazine without trying too hard.
It felt like the kind of day we all needed—not to run away, but to remember there were still quiet joys, good company, and moments worth holding on to.
Looking at the time—1:30 p.m.—we decided to head out and drive to the Viewpoint near the Sanctuary of Truth. The road was quiet, sunlight filtered through the trees, and the ocean teased us from a distance.
When we arrived, we took a few pictures, each of us finding our favorite angle of the stunning scenery. Then we strolled around slowly, taking in the breathtaking view—the sea shimmering under the afternoon sun, the horizon stretching endlessly like a dream just out of reach.
By 3:00 p.m., we had explored most of the area and made our way down closer to the sea. Large stone blocks scattered along the shore offered a place to sit, and we stood there for a while in comfortable silence. The sound of waves lapping at the rocks, the breeze brushing against our skin—it was a rare, quiet kind of peace.
Around 3:30, we left and drove to The Palms Restaurant, a cozy spot known for its view and drinks. We ordered something refreshing and light, chatting and laughing while we waited for the evening to begin.
At 4:45 p.m., we got ready to leave since the drive back to the hotel would only take a few minutes. But just as we were about to pull out of the parking area, Phu slowed the car and frowned.
"We've got a flat," he said.
He told us to wait in the restaurant while he called for tyre service. We offered to stay, but he insisted. "No point all of us standing in the heat."
So we waited inside with our drinks, watching through the window as Phu handled it calmly. It took longer than expected. By the time the tyre was replaced, it was already 5:30 p.m.
Back at the hotel, my sister sighed. "Phi… I don't want to change now," she said. "Once we start playing with water, I'll have to change again. Tomorrow we check out—I didn't bring extra wet clothes. I don't want to carry anything smelly."
I gave her a look, half teasing. "Fine, do what makes sense."
She smiled and shrugged, and we all went to get ready—our excitement building again, even after the little delay. There was still a night of music and laughter waiting for us.
________________________________________________________________________________________
While Phu and my sister waited in the lobby, I ran to the restroom for a quick touch-up. On my way back, as I walked past the hallway toward our villa, I noticed a small group of men lingering near the opposite room—not directly at ours, but close enough to catch my attention.
I didn't think much of it at first. I offered a polite smile as I walked past, but they didn't smile back. They just looked at me—steadily. Like they knew me.
The look in their eyes made something in me pause, but I kept my face neutral and walked straight to the lift. I pressed the button and waited, hoping it would come quickly.
Just as the doors slid open, I heard their footsteps behind me. All five of them entered the lift with me.
They looked to be around the same age—early twenties, maybe—but one of them stood out. He walked in the middle like he was the one they all revolved around. His posture screamed money and confidence. His clothes were clean-cut, his shoes expensive, and his silence—louder than the rest.
The ride down was dead quiet, but I felt it. A stare—burning against the back of my neck. My skin prickled.
I kept my eyes forward and my face calm, choosing to ignore it. I knew better. Reacting would only stir up something unnecessary.
I walked straight into Phu's arms the moment I saw him. He wrapped me up gently, sensing something off.
Phu looked down at me and smiled. "What is it, baby?"
"Nothing," I said quickly. "Let's go. It's already 5:30—we've got thirty minutes before the event starts."
The three of us headed toward the entrance lane, joining a growing crowd. The vibe was electric—music playing in the distance, laughter echoing through the courtyard. Hotel staff handed us each a water gun and a shared bucket for refills, promising they'd top it up as needed.
We wandered past food stalls, picking up drinks and snacks while waiting for the event to kick off. A local band was getting ready to perform on the stage nearby, and people were already cheering.
Phu stood behind me as I leaned against him, my sister right beside us. The music started, the crowd roared, and water began flying everywhere.
We were laughing and ducking sprays of water when, out of nowhere, James appeared.
I blinked in surprise. He was smiling—completely drenched but looking like he didn't mind one bit.
Phu reached out to shake his hand. "Meeting's done?"
James nodded, eyes playful. He looked at me. "You having fun?"
"Yeah," I said, smiling back. "By the way—this is my sister."
Before either of us could say more, James suddenly squirted me right in the face with his water gun.
"Hey!" I shrieked, laughing.
But before I could retaliate, my sister took her shot first—blasting James straight in the chest.
We all burst into laughter.
Phu just stood there, smiling at the scene.
We were completely soaked and laughing as the water games went on. Even Phu joined in, laughing freely as he got sprayed by kids and adults alike. It was one of those rare moments where everything felt light and easy.
"I'm gonna grab something to drink," my sister said, brushing her wet hair back as she pointed toward the refreshment area. They were serving alcohol too, and she needed something cool.
James quickly offered, "I'll walk with you."
I glanced at Phu, then looked at the two of them. "Be careful," I told her. Then I turned to James and added in a mock-serious tone, "I'm watching you."
He grinned. "Fine, brother-in-law."
I raised a brow. "Hey, don't call me that."
James gave me a mischievous smirk. "Aik, I thought I could—since Phu is older than me."
Phu turned to look at me just as my face went bright red. I rolled my eyes, flustered, and quickly shooed James away.
"Shoo, shoo! Go faster—she's waiting!"
James laughed and gave me a mock salute before jogging to catch up with my sister.
Phu slipped an arm around my waist, his smile warm. "Brother-in-law, hmm?"
"Don't start," I mumbled, burying my face in his shoulder.
He chuckled and kissed the top of my head. "Too late."
I looked into Phu's eyes, heart thudding in my chest. Standing slightly on my tiptoes, I pressed a soft kiss to his lips. He responded instantly, his hand gently pulling me closer. The world seemed to vanish as his kiss deepened, one of his hands slipping beneath my damp shirt, igniting sparks across my skin.
For a few moments, there was nothing but us—no music, no crowd, just the warmth of his touch and the rhythm of our connection.
When I finally opened my eyes, breathless, I whispered, "Not here, baby… You need to be patient."
Phu let out a low groan, a playful frustration in his voice. "Arghhh, fine. This is torture," he muttered, eyes raking over me. Then with a teasing smirk, he added, "You look delicious."
I laughed softly. "Why? I'm still in the same clothes."
"Yes," he said, "but you're wet… and in this lighting, soaked through? It's candy for my eyes."
I playfully swatted his arm, cheeks warm. "Behave."
He grinned. "No promises."
James and my sister returned with four drinks—two for them, two for us. The strong scent hit before the tray even reached us.
"It's whiskey," James grinned. "One shot. Let's do it together."
I shook my head. "No way."
James smirked. "Yes, brother-in-law. Just one. Come on."
I glanced at Phu for backup, but he surprised me with a gentle smile. "Just once, baby. I've got you."
I sighed. I wasn't good with alcohol—especially whiskey. But with Phu by my side, I figured I could handle one shot.
James raised his glass. "Okay, ready? One, two—go!"
We all downed the shots in unison. The burn hit my throat hard. I winced as dizziness washed over me like a wave. That was strong. But the others looked fine, unfazed. I took a deep breath and tried to stay steady.
The band shifted to loud English music, the beat pulsing through the air. My sister pulled me toward the crowd and we started moving to the rhythm, laughing and swaying. It was fun. I was hot and lightheaded, but still in control—barely.
Then it hit me harder.
I stopped dancing and looked at Phu. "Can you get me some water? Just plain water. Please."
He nodded immediately. "Of course, baby. Wait right here."
Phu walked off toward the refreshment stall.
I stayed in place, surrounded by people, while my sister and James continued dancing nearby. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to cool down. Something felt...off. The heat was one thing, but the dizziness was heavier now, hazier. My pulse felt too fast.
Then I felt it—a light touch on my back, just below my shoulder blade.
I turned, startled.
It was one of the men I'd seen earlier outside our room—the group near the opposite villa. The same men from the elevator. His expression was unreadable.
He stepped slightly closer and said, "That gentleman you're with asked me to bring you this. He had to take a call."
He held out a small, sealed bottle of water.
My mind hesitated. But I took it. "Thanks," I said quietly.
He walked away.
The heat, the dizziness—it was becoming too much. Without really thinking, I opened the bottle and drank all of it in one go.
Why did I finish the whole thing so quickly?
My hand trembled slightly as I lowered the empty bottle.
Something didn't feel right.
I looked around, scanning the crowd for Phu—but he was nowhere in sight.
My chest tightened.
I turned to James and my sister—both lost in the music, dancing and laughing, completely unaware.
I fumbled for my phone and called Phu. No answer.
The dizziness was worse now. My skin felt clammy, heat rising to my face. I swallowed hard.
"I'm going to the restroom," I said to James, raising my voice above the music.
He paused mid-dance. "You okay? Want me to come?"
"No, no—it's fine," I forced a small smile. "Please stay with her."
He nodded, a little hesitantly. I turned away, walking toward the signs.
The first restroom I reached had a sign: Out of Service.
I cursed under my breath, glancing around. The next nearest one was further, near the lobby area. I didn't have a choice. I started walking, holding my phone, trying to stay upright.
I tried calling Phu again. Still no answer.
My fingers flew across the screen—I dropped him a pin and texted:"I'm going to the other restroom. Feel dizzy. Please find me soon."
My heart was beating faster than it should. Something was wrong. I could feel it.
I pushed into the empty restroom, rushed into a stall, and sat down—hands gripping my knees, trying to breathe. I closed my eyes, counted. Five minutes passed.
My head felt a little clearer, but my body still burned. I pushed myself up, unlocked the stall, and walked to the sink. Cold water rushed over my hands. I splashed my face and took a deep breath.
My phone buzzed—Phu.
I grabbed it quickly, drying my hand on my shirt. But before I could swipe to answer, the call dropped.
I cursed again, reaching to call him back.
And that's when I felt it.
That eerie sensation—like a shadow had slipped into the room behind me.
I froze.
My eyes slowly lifted to the mirror.
A figure stood behind me.
My breath caught in my throat.
It was him.
The man from earlier—the one outside the room. The one from the elevator. The one who gave me the bottle.
He just stood there. Watching.
My blood ran cold.
Why… why was it just the two of us in here?
Why was no one else in the restroom?
I turned around slowly, heart pounding.
He didn't speak.
Neither did I.
But my instincts screamed—something is very, very wrong.