One more try

It’s the next morning. Last night, Emili had asked Yuri if he was free to meet up today.

It was Monday, and since check-ins always slowed down after the weekend, Felipe had agreed to give Yuri the day off in exchange for him taking Friday instead. And so, Yuri finally had time to meet Emili at the resort beach.

— So you really were stuck with work — Emili murmured to herself, nodding slowly as Yuri finished explaining last night’s chaos.

They’d been walking and talking for a few minutes now, following the firm sand near the waterline before the sun climbed high enough to roast them alive.

Emili wore a yellow bikini under a half-buttoned white shirt, a straw hat tilted on her head, flip-flops dangling from her fingers. She clearly loved the feeling of warm sand between her toes.

— Sorry. I should’ve at least sent a message — Yuri admitted, shoes in hand just like her, walking at her side.

— It’s okay — Emili smiled, and a quiet wave of relief softened her expression. — Honestly… I’m relieved.

That caught Yuri’s attention.

— I’m glad you weren’t in some dark place, you know… thinking about the accident the whole time — she continued, voice gentler now. — Or punishing yourself by refusing to have any fun.

— No, it really was just work — Yuri reassured her, offering a small, lopsided smile.

— Then let’s try this again properly. — Emili stopped walking and turned to face him directly. — Do you have to help that friend again tonight?

— Huh? No… I don’t think so — Yuri paused, thinking it over.

— I’ve got rehearsal at the municipal theater this afternoon. How about we meet up after I’m done? — Emili asked, that bright, hopeful smile blooming across her face again.

Yuri hadn’t expected her to be this understanding, this willing to keep trying. The realization hit him like a quiet push: she was still completely in.

— Sure — he answered, a real smile breaking through, light sparking in his eyes. — What time?

“Hah… hah… hah…”

Suddenly, heavy, ragged breathing closed in fast from behind.

— Hel… oh my god… — It was Ana, soaked in sweat, white sports top and red running shorts, sun visor slightly askew. She looked like she’d just sprinted half the coastline. — Hi! — she finally wheezed.

She tried to smile while bent over, hands braced on her knees.

— Hey, Ana. Training for a triathlon now? — Yuri teased, smirking.

— Just taking care of the new goods!— Ana winked, thumbing the fresh scar on her chest.

Emili takes a sharp, quick look at Ana before the name registers.

— Ana? — Emili’s face lit up instantly. She extended her hand with a warm smile. — Hi! Yuri was literally just talking about you.

Ana straightened, trading her teasing grin for a big, confident one. She shook Emili’s hand firmly, then leaned in for the quick cheek.

— Did he say anything good? If he did, he was lying — Ana shot back, keeping the playful energy rolling. — You’re Emili, right? He told me about you too.

— Wow. No introductions needed, I guess — Yuri cut in, smirking. — Since you’ve both decided I’m the biggest gossip alive.

The three of them cracked up together.

Ana clearly decided this was the perfect opening.

— Sooo… what is the couple up to? Just enjoying some quality beach time? — she asked, voice dripping with fake innocence.

Yuri froze solid. His eyes widened in pure panic.

"What the fuck, Ana?!", his mind screamed.

— I just asked him to talk for a bit. Figured he could use a break from the front desk — Emili answered easily, letting out a light giggle.

“Holy… Thank god she didn’t catch it”, Yuri exhaled inwardly.

— I’m sure he needed one — Ana agreed, then her smartwatch chimed. — Oops, one sec. — She glanced at the screen. — Ah, it’s my mom. Gotta go!

She pulled Emili into a quick, warm hug — catching her a little off guard.

— Really nice meeting you, Emili! See you around! — Ana said brightly.

— Have a great Monday off~ ♫ — she threw at Yuri with one last teasing lilt, already turning toward the trail back to the resort.

Yuri watched her jog off, shaking his head, still mildly traumatized.

— She’s… definitely energetic — Emili commented, turning back to him with an amused little smile.

— Yeah. That’s Ana — Yuri replied, the warmth still lingering in his expression as he faced Emili again. — So… tonight?

— Right. Rehearsal ends at six. How about we meet at the city square around six-thirty? — Emili suggested, enthusiasm bubbling back up.

— Sounds good. Six-thirty it is — Yuri nodded.

They ended up sitting on the sand for a while longer, chatting as the sun climbed higher. Eventually they followed the shaded trail back, and after a short walk, they arrived at the small bridge that led across the river to the hostel and the bungalows.

Emili stopped there.

— See you tonight — she said, adjusting her straw hat with a small smile.

They shared a quick hug. Then Emili headed toward the row of bungalows hidden among the trees.

Yuri watched her go for a moment before turning toward reception. He checked in briefly with Felipe, made sure everything was covered, then walked the short distance to his parents’ house.

The rest of the day passed quietly. He changed, watered the tiny lily bud Ana had given him, cleaned up around the house a bit, and crashed for a much-needed nap since he hadn’t slept properly in two days.

The afternoon was calm but charged with anticipation. He kept glancing at the clock, determined not to be late.

Around five he got ready: long shower, fresh white t-shirt, light jeans. Simple and comfortable.

He checked his phone one last time. 5:45 PM. Perfect window to walk to the square.

Twenty minutes later, Emili had just finished rehearsal. She was wandering through the tourist crowd near the fair stalls when she heard her name.

“Emili!”

Yuri waved from near the center fountain.

Her face brightened instantly. She wove through the people until she reached him.

— Hey! You made it — she said, beaming. — Did I keep you waiting?

— Nah, I literally just got here — Yuri replied, pulling her into a quick hug.

— Thank god. I still barely know my way around — she laughed, looking happily around the square.

— Lucky for you, you’ve got the local expert — Yuri said with a playful nod.

— Perfect! Lead the way then, local boy. And please let’s find food. I’m starving!

As they started walking, Yuri nodded toward the temporary stage set up in the square.

— How was rehearsal? Everything on track for the big night?

Emili let out a small sigh, nerves flickering across her face.

— It was good. Really good cast. But… I’m still kinda nervous. First big role outside of university theater, you know?

— You’re gonna crush it — Yuri said sincerely. — Everyone already talks about how great you were in the campus shows.

That reminded him of something.

— Speaking of which… did you come alone? I haven’t seen your parents at the resort yet.

— Yeah, just me. They’re still in England working — Emili shook her head lightly.

— They won’t make it back in time? — Yuri pressed gently.

— Nope. Probably not till February — she answered, completely unbothered.

Yuri was used to it by now. Emili’s parents were always being sent abroad for the marketing firm.

— But you’ll be there, right? — Emili asked, voice softening, eyes hopeful. — Knowing you’re watching would really help.

— Of course — Yuri answered right away. — I wouldn’t miss it.

Her whole expression brightened at that.

They eventually found a busy open-air restaurant tucked down a side street. The place hummed with voices, but their little corner table felt surprisingly private.

They grabbed laminated menus and started browsing.

— Speaking of parents, I have to give it to yours — Emili said, setting her menu down. — The resort is honestly amazing. I’m loving it, even with all the rehearsal hours.

Yuri smiled, quietly pleased.

— Thanks. I’ll pass that along — he said, taking a sip of water. — You should try some of the activities when you’re not rehearsing.

— Already ahead of you — Emili grinned, eyes sparkling. — I signed up for the paddle ride tomorrow morning.

Yuri laughed, caught off guard.

— Seriously? Nice. That’ll be fun to watch.

— To watch? — Emili leaned forward, curious. — Why?

— Because I’m helping Rigo run the paddle rides tomorrow morning — Yuri answered, smirking.

Emili’s smile turned mischievous.

— Well then… looks like I’ll finally get to spend some actual vacation time with my best friend after all.