Epilogue: Isla Hildebrand en Costa Rica

The waves gently broke against the sandy shore of the private beach with a quiet rush. As they did, they brought with them a soft breeze that rustled at the palm trees and kicked at the oversized umbrella that Hayami rested under.

Her eyes were closed, hidden beneath the oversized sunglasses that saved her from the glare of the water. Meanwhile, the lower half of her body poked out from the umbrella’s shade, warming under the tropical sun. As the breeze rustled the light, flowing kimono she wore over her bikini, she opened her heavy eyes. A sound nearby caught her attention as the sand crunched under heavy footfalls.

Shifting her gaze, Hayami watched as a rust-coloured horse galloped across the shore, kicking up sand as it passed by. She stared at it with a weak, wistful smile, remembering that day.

“That goddamn devil mare.” A frustrated voice spoke up from behind her.

Hayami adjusted her posture, tilting her head back to see Oto approaching in his short-shorts and bohemian beach robe. Even from behind his glasses, she could tell his hateful glare was locked on the horse as it passed.

“How did you even get on board my yacht, Alhambra?” Oto cursed as he stepped around his companion, resting on the chair beside her. “You don’t have hands, and you can’t fit in an elevator.”

“Oh, Oto.” Hayami huffed, reaching over and toying with his shaggy hair. “Just let the horse be.”

“Never! I have nothing but time now. I will figure this out.”

With a chuckle, Hayami lounged back into her chair with a pleased sigh. Resting in content silence for a moment, the two enjoyed the crashing waves and gentle breeze.

“You know,” Oto eventually spoke, holding something towards Hayami. “We’re still trending.”

She glanced over at the tablet in his hands. On the screen, the video captured by the paparazzi was on full display. She had seen it a dozen times and could watch it a dozen more. The way the night sky lit up as the fireball that had been their helicopter plummeted to the ocean below. The headline of the particular post Oto referred to reading, ‘Remains of Idiot-Idol and White-Tiger Yet to be Recovered.’

It had been nearly two months since the night of the Ball, and the conspiracy theories were still going strong in the public sphere. People wondered if it had truly been an accident or if it was, in fact, a suicide pact between Oto and Hayami, driven by the pressure of fame. Or whether the mob, which had infiltrated the party, had a hand in their demise. Yet, still others rumoured that the duo had faked their own deaths. This theory was often shot down as quickly as the helicopter had been. Even Oto's dearest fans believed it would have been impossible to pull off, since their idol wouldn’t have been smart enough for that, nor ever agreed to give up the spotlight.

“Let them talk, dear.” Hayami looked away, getting comfortable once more. “And stay away from the conversation.”

“What, I would never dream of blowing our cover.”

“Is that so. Username Hito Oldebrand?”

Oto blushed, quickly becoming flustered as he pulled the tablet away. Closing out of the currently trending section, he cleared his throat.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about…”

Hayami smiled before releasing a yawn.

“Any word on Boss or Pa-pa?"

"They still haven’t found them either.” A stern voice approached from behind. “More cola, Miss Hayami?”

“Yes, Giles.” She responded, motioning to the half-full glass at her side. “Thank you. And that's unfortunate, I would have thought we’d gotten both of them.”

“Try not to worry,” He replied with a smile, bowing his head down as he filled her glass. “Their identities are blown and bank accounts frozen. As such, they cannot hide forever. Also, lunch will be served at the top of the hour in the veranda.”

“Thank you, Giles,” Hayami said once again. "Can't wait."

“Perfect,” Oto added, sitting up and removing his robe. “Just enough time for a little doggy style.”

“Here? Now? On the beach?”

“Oh, Hayami,” Oto turned his gaze to her and flashed a wink. “Don’t be so lecherous. I’m only talking about a swim. Would you care to join?”

Stretching her arms out, Hayami slipped the robe from her shoulders and glanced at Oto with a pleased smile.

“Spend time with you?” She replied pleasantly. “I could think of nothing I’d enjoy more in this moment.”