~Zayn's POV~
When I got back to where my friends were seated… Nantam, Nicki, Dean, and the rest I felt a lump rise in my throat. Laughter and small talk filled the space, but my eyes went straight to Nantam.
I took a deep breath, then said quietly, "Nantam, can we talk?"
It was as if he had been waiting for me to approach. He didn't hesitate, he stood up immediately, his face calm but unreadable. "Sure," he said.
We stepped away from the group, the sound of chatter fading behind us as we searched for a quieter corner of the resort. The breeze was gentle, carrying the faint scent of the ocean, but it did nothing to ease the weight pressing down on my chest.
One thing about Nantam was clear, he had always been mature, steady, and patient. He never stayed angry for long. A part of me knew he had already forgiven me, but that wasn't enough. I needed to face him properly, to apologize with my whole heart, to let him see I was truly sorry.