The sun had dipped just enough to cast long golden streaks across the deck as the housemates, still towel-drying their hair and rubbing sunscreen off their cheeks, gathered around the patio lounge.
Drinks had been prepared—iced teas, lemon water, and someone (probably Jayden) had already found the hidden stash of sodas.
"Pool games are fun until your butt hits cold water," Marcus groaned, sprawled on a lounger like he had survived a war.
Angela stretched out on the wicker sofa, looking completely untouched by chlorine. "Some of us were born with balance. Others…" She flicked her gaze at Jayden, "...are just here to provide the comedy."
Jayden dramatically clutched his heart. "I gave that flamingo everything I had."
"I thought you were going to cry when it flipped you," Ruby teased, curled up on the rug with her towel still wrapped like a superhero cape.
Nathan sat at the edge of the table, sipping iced tea quietly. He offered a small smile when Mikha passed him a bowl of grapes, like they had silently agreed to be the chill corner of the group.
Lena was sitting cross-legged on the floor cushion, her hair damp and a little messy, hands cupped around a cold drink. She wasn't really talking, but she was watching—listening.
Mostly to him.
Jason sat two seats away, a towel draped across his shoulders, staring at the pool as if deep in thought. He hadn't said much since the float game, especially not to her.
But he had remembered what she wrote on her application.
Heartbreak.
She sipped her drink.
Ruby slid closer, nudging her lightly. "Sooo," she whispered, "he remembered your heartbreak detail. That's not small."
Lena stared at her. "Please. Don't start."
"I'm not starting," Ruby whispered back. "I'm observing. That's different."
Before Lena could retaliate, Jordan came over holding a tray. "Snack delivery! We've got chips, fruit skewers, and—Angela, don't murder me—but no hummus."
Angela let out a dramatic sigh. "Tragic."
As everyone reached for snacks, the mood shifted into something softer. Calmer. The kind of atmosphere where people opened up—not just to the camera, but to each other.
The night had settled like a velvet curtain over the house, soft music drifting through the living room. The glow from the string lights gave everything a cozy, intimate feel—perfect for a game to break the ice.
"Alright, everyone," Ruby clapped her hands, eyes sparkling. "It's time for the first Truth or Dare of the season!"
The guys and girls circled up on the plush rugs, the air thick with a mix of excitement and nerves.
Angela tossed a cushion at Jayden. "You're starting."
Jayden caught it with a grin. "Okay, I'll start easy." He looked around, eyes landing on Lena. "Lena, truth or dare?"
Lena's stomach fluttered. She swallowed and said quietly, "Truth."
Jayden smirked. "Okay. What's the craziest thing you've done for love?"
The laughter from the last question faded into a strange, waiting silence. Even the sun felt heavier, like it was leaning in to listen.
A pause.
She glanced down at her hands resting on the edge of her float, fingers curling in. Then, slowly, she looked up—right into Jayden's eyes.
He looked… unsure. Kind. But guarded.
It took her a second to realize what the question had stirred up.
She only had one real ex. One real love.
Jason.
And the craziest thing?
"The craziest?" she echoed, stalling, trying to smile. "Uhm…"
All eyes were on her. Waiting.
It wasn't aggressive—just curious.
But she felt like she was being peeled open.
And she was not sure of the craziest thing she have done. Then, she remembers it. That moment.
"Maybe... when I was the one who ended the relationship, but I still wanted him to stay."
A few soft gasps. A beat of silence.
Then a few murmurs of understanding. Even respect.
Mikha nodded slowly. "That's... real."
"Yeah," Ruby said, her voice gentler now. "That's more common than people admit."
Angela looked over, genuinely surprised. "You mean, like... you broke up but didn't really want it to be over?"
Lena gave a small nod, her throat tightening. "Things are complicated. I just..." she trailed off, voice catching slightly.
A few of the housemates leaned in, but no one pushed.
She gave a small, apologetic smile, trying to brush it off. "Sorry, guys. That was too personal for me to—"
"No, it's okay," Mikha said gently, cutting in before Lena could finish. "You don't have to explain anything."
"Seriously," Ruby added, eyes softening. "You answered honestly. That's more than most would do."
Angela gave a low whistle. "That's what these challenges are for, right? Showing what's under the surface." She tried to lighten the mood with a wink. "Not just the swimsuits."
There were a few chuckles, the tension easing just slightly.
But Lena could still feel it—him.
Jason.
He hadn't spoken. Hadn't reacted.
But the silence between them crackled with something unspoken.
Regret?
Recognition?
Or just... memory?
She still couldn't tell.
And maybe that was the worst part.
Because somewhere deep in her chest, she wasn't even sure what she wanted from him anymore. A look? A word? A closure? A sign he still cared?
Or maybe… just proof that she hadn't made it all up in her head.
Or does she still need closure? They already broke year ago.
Ruby cleared their throat, voice light again.
"Alright! That one got a little deep. Next question guys!"
Groans and laughs broke out again, the mood shifting.
And Lena stayed in the circle, pretending not to feel the weight inside her chest.
She laughed when the others laughed. Smiled when someone teased Ruby for secretly being afraid of ducks. Clapped when Angela correctly guessed who had never been kissed until college.
But inside?
She wasn't really there.
She felt like she was floating—not just on the water, but somewhere between memory and reality. Everything around her was moving, lighthearted, loud. But inside, it was quiet. Still. Unsettled.
There was a heaviness she couldn't name.
And she didn't want to look too closely at it.