Chapter 8 AFTER EXAMS, BEACH DAY

Exams was finally here and the exam hall was tense with air thick with anticipation. I sat down gripping my pen tightly whilst taking deep breaths. I had studied for this and i was ready.

Still, that did not stop my heart from pounding in my chest.

Hours later, when the final exam was over, I stepped out of the hall and inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air fill my lungs. A weight lifted off my shoulders. It was over. Finally.

Nath appeared beside me, stretching his arms above his head. "I do not know about you, but I think I deserve a vacation."

I laughed, shaking my head. "You and me both."

A plan quickly formed. A beach trip. Not just the two of us, but with our friends as well. A way to forget the stress, even if only for a little while.

The drive to the beach was filled with excitement. Music blasted through the speakers as everyone sang along-off-key and carefree. The car was packed, our bags stuffed into every available space.

Lisa and Lucy and I were in the back seat, arguing over who got to control the playlist, while Liam was sprawled out with sunglasses on, pretending to sleep. Nath was driving, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel as he stole glances at me from the rare view mirror.

"You excited?" he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I turned to him, smiling. "More than you know."

When we finally arrived, we wasted no time. Sandals were kicked off, bags were tossed aside, and within minutes, we were running toward the waves.

The beach was everything we needed setting sunlight, salt air, and the sound of the ocean stretching endlessly before us.

"Last one in buys drinks! "Liam shouted before sprinting toward the water.

"Hey, that's not fair!" Lucy yelled, chasing after him.

Lisa and I exchanged a look before taking off, our laughter mixing with the crashing waves.

Nath was the last one in, grumbling playfully as he waded into the water. "I swear, you all planned this against me."

"Yep," I teased, flicking water in his direction.

He retaliated, sending a splash my way, and soon, a full-on water fight erupted.

For a while, we were just kids again. No stress, no exams, no worries-just the ocean and us.

As the sun began to set, we gathered around a bonfire, the warmth of the flames flickering against our skin.

Lucy was roasting marshmallows, Lisa was telling an exaggerated story about how she "barely survived" a jellyfish attack earlier, and Liam was playing his guitar, strumming a soft tune that blended with the sound of the waves.

Nath sat beside me, his arm resting behind me in a way that felt comforting.

"You having fun?" he asked, his voice softer now.

I glanced around at our friends, at the firelight reflecting in their eyes, at the way the ocean stretched endlessly into the night.

"Yeah," I murmured. "I really am."

Nath smiled, his fingers brushing lightly against mine. It was a small touch, but it sent warmth spreading through me.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then, he leaned in just enough for his lips to be near my ear.

"I meant what I said before," he whispered. "About liking you."

My heart did a somersault.

I turned to face him, searching his expression. The bon fire cast shadows across his face, but his eyes-his steady, honest eyes-never wavered.

I took a breath. "I like you too, Nath."

His grin was slow, lazy, completely him. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Before I could overthink it, I reached for his hand, intertwining our fingers beneath the starlit sky.

And just like that, the night felt even warmer. After a few moments, the rest of our friends joined us -Lucy,

Liam and Lisa all abuzz with energy. We felt comfortable, discussing everything from weekend plans

to our favourite snacks.

"Speaking of snacks, Ava, what else do you like? I need to know so I can keep the supply coming!" Nath joked, nudging my

shoulder playfully.

I laughed, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Honestly, I am not picky! But anything chocolate is always a win," I replied, glancing at him with a smile.

"Noted! I'll make sure to keep you stocked up," he said, and I could see the playful glint in his eyes.

As the evening came to an end, i felt disappointed because i wanted to stay a little longer so i could savour the moment but everybody else was tired so we needed to call it a night.

"See you later, love," Nath said, giving me a playful salute as he dropped Lucy and I at her place.

I watched him drive away, a smile plastered across my face. "You are blushing," Lucy teased, nudging my side as we headed

back to upstairs.

"I am not!" I protested, though I knew she was right.

"Just admit it, you like him!" she said, her voice filled with excitement.

"Okay, maybe I do," I finally conceded, my heart racing at the admission.

As we settled in bed, I could not shake the feeling that something significant was happening between Nath and me and I was more than ready to see where it would lead.