Tia was sitting on her desk. She just published a new short story online. She has a few loyal fans who always look up to her stories. She also earns a little bit of money out of it. She closed her laptop and took one last look around the room. Today was her last day in the dorm. She just graduated from Qing University.
Tia went out of the dorm with her suitcase and found her bandmates already waiting for her. The band has been around for 3 years and is quite popular in the university scenes. Tia is the second vocalist, Marcus is the lead vocals and guitars, there's also Jason on guitars, Wright on drums, and Sam on bass. Tia and Marcus met at freshmen night and instantly became friends. They had a shared interest in music. Sam was Tia's dorm mate while Jason and Wright were Marcus' classmates.
Tia worked part-time at a pub called, The Whiner. The rest of the guys would also hang out there especially during her shifts. One night a band that was supposed to play did not show up. Since the pub owner has heard Tia sing, she offered her another opportunity. She didn't want to do it on her own and decided to tell Marcus about it. They tried to play one night at the pub and realized how much they loved it. They then decided to officially become a band.
Outside her dorm.
Jason helped Tia load her suitcase into Marcus' Jeep. When everyone was already inside, Marcus announced, "We got an urgent gig request for a private party on an island."
"We never do private parties." Sam was confused looking at everyone. They always performed at music festivals, university nights, and at the pubs near the uni belt.
"The sponsor offered a huge fee. I thought we could give it a try." Marcus explained. Everyone knew that Tia needed money right now as her brother is currently sick. She has worked multiple part-time jobs while they were still in the university to save money for the surgery.
"Urgent? When and where is this?" Wright asked.
"It's on Hainan Private Island. I've got ferry tickets for 2 PM later." Marcus answered. It was just about lunchtime.
"Isn't that a high-class resort?" Sam was shocked.
"Must be some upper-class party." Jason smiled playfully at Wright.
"It's overnight accommodation. All fees paid by the sponsor so we get the talent fee clean." Marcus assured everyone.
"Well, there's always a first." Tia sighed. She was also not sure about it but if there's an opportunity she doesn't want to miss it.
They grabbed lunch at the Burger Joint across the university before heading out to the port. Tia dreaded this trip because she easily gets seasick but she needed the money so she had to endure it.
Tia made a quick call to her aunt informing her that instead of arriving today she will need to be out of town for a gig. Her parents had died in an accident so she was left to take care of her brother. Good thing her parents had insurance money for her studies that is why she worked hard to graduate so she can fulfill her parents' wish and at the same time take care of her brother.
At the airport.
Kyle's plane has just landed. It has been 5 years since he left this city. He stayed in London to study Business at Oxford University and at the same time manage the family business there. He left this city with a heavy heart and if not for his family, he wouldn't want to come back here.
Upon walking out of the Arrival gate, people couldn't stop looking at this very attractive man. He was very tall and had a well-toned body. He had chiseled jaws and deep-set eyes but his face looked so cold that people would be scared looking at his eyes.
Zane, Moore, and Brandon are Kyle's closest friends. They have known each other since they were kids. They have always tried to persuade him to come back so when they heard that he was coming. They had to be there.
"Welcome back, brother!" Zane greeted Kyle. They are blood cousins but they are like brothers since they were about the same age. They grew up together and were only apart when Kyle had to go abroad.
"Come on. Let's go!" Moore dragged his arm heading back to another runway.
"Where are we going?" Kyle looked at him coldly.
"It's Moore's idea." Brandon patted Kyle's shoulder with an apologetic smile.
"Don't worry. I already called your parents and they know." Zane quickly assured Kyle.
"I'm tired from a long flight." Kyle sighed but he still followed them to Moore's private plane. He thought it must be one of his private parties.
It was just a short flight. Moore Gu is the heir to the Gu Hotels and Resorts, this island was one of their high luxury resorts. They checked into their rooms and Kyle decided to rest for a bit. He also made a quick phone call to his parents to inform them about his whereabouts.
At the dock.
It was an hour's ride from the city and the boat had finally arrived on the island. Tia's head was spinning like crazy. She's not used to boat rides and was never fond of it. She quickly went off the boat. She was wearing a white top, shorts, black sunglasses, and a black mask. Marcus followed him, he was also wearing a black mask. Each of them only carried their backpacks since it was only for one night. Tia left her suitcase in Marcus' Jeep.
Moore was already informed of their arrival so together with the resort manager, he welcomed the band. This was an exclusive welcome party for Kyle, only the elite of the city were invited.
"Welcome to Hainan!" Moore smiled with open arms. He found this band by accident when he went to the Whiner last weekend. Even though Tia always wears sunglasses every time she performs, he was still attracted to her. He wanted to meet her right away. When he found out that Kyle would arrive today he quickly organized a welcome party and sent the gig request through the Whiner pub's owner.
"Thank you, Mr. Gu!" Marcus shook his hand and introduced the rest of the band. They all shook hands.
"Hi, I'm Tia" She bowed her head while shaking his hand.
"Tia, call me Moore." Moore smiled playfully. He wanted to see her face but was disappointed because she was wearing glasses and a mask. He looked at her from head to toe and he could see that she had nice legs and an attractive figure which made him more excited.
"These are your key cards. Please let me know if you need anything." The manager of the resort handed it to them.
They all had one room each and were very excited. This was the first time that they would be in such a luxurious place.
"Can you imagine the pretty ladies we'll meet today?!" Jason winked at Wright.
"You guys better behave yourselves." Sam gave them a look.
"Still feeling sick?" Marcus looked back at Tia. All of their rooms were just beside each other so he thought it was good so he could check on everyone. Marcus has been like the big brother of the band. As a leader, he was always responsible for them.
"I'll rest for a bit. I think my head is about to split." Tia answered weakly and checked her key card for her room number.
"Okay. You guys rest and we'll have a soundcheck at 5 before everyone starts coming in," Marcus announced to the group.
Tia jumped on the bed and decided to take a nap for a bit. She set her alarm for 4:30 just to be sure. Marcus and the rest of the guys did not rest and decided to explore the resort right away. They were more excited.
At around 4:30, Tia woke up from her alarm. Her head was still aching but it was better compared to earlier. She washed up and decided to head out. She could see that the stage was set up near the beach and beside her, she saw a bar. She still had about 10 minutes so she decided to grab a drink first because it was too hot on the island.
Tia has always been friendly especially towards the working class because she knows how hard it is to earn money. She casually chatted with the bartender and found out that his name was Mr. Oh, he was a middle-aged guy who has served the Gu Resort for more than a decade.
Kyle just rested for a while in his suite and after doing a few calls, he decided to take a walk and stretch his legs after all he just came from a long flight. Wherever he goes, he always attracts all sorts of girls which really annoys him. As he was walking to the beach, 2 girls followed him trying to chat with him. He just ignored them but they continued to follow him.
He found a bar near the beach and decided that he needed a drink. The weather was indeed hot. It was a small bar so there were only 4 stools. He sat beside the girl seated on one of the middle stools.
"I need something for this weather." He said coldly to the bartender. Mr. Oh nodded and knew exactly what he needed.
Tia did not look at the guy who sat beside him but looked back because she could hear girls giggling and chatting. They seemed to be trying to get the attention of the guy. She took off her glasses to take a good look and wore it on like a headband.
"I thought this was an exclusive party. I don't seem to know you." One of the girls glared at Tia.
Tia just smiled and looked at the guy beside him. He looked at her, turned around, and suddenly said, "She's with me."
Tia was surprised but she didn't let it show on her face. She was always smart and witty. She knew that the guy just said that to get rid of them. She wrote too many stories to figure out how scenes play out.
Still, with a playful smile on her face, she looked at the girls, "I'm sorry but we just want to have a drink in peace here."
The girls were in shock. "Who are you?!" One of them snapped.
"Take a hint and leave. You're giving me a headache." Tia grinned and answered with so much confidence.
The girls looked at Kyle and saw his cold eyes with a slight grin on his face. They were so scared that they walked out quickly.
Tia wore her glasses and turned back to the bar without looking at the guy beside him and sarcastically said, "You're welcome."
Kyle did not answer but he was amused by what happened. He thought this girl was beautiful yet crazy, most girls would fawn over him or would get scared but this girl just assumed he needed help and completely ignored him.
Tia's phone rings.
"Hey" Tia answered quickly.
"Feeling better now?" Marcus answered briefly.
"Yes, I'm just at the bar."
"Let's do the soundcheck."
"Got it." Tia ended the call and thanked the bartender. She left without looking back at the guy beside her.
Kyle watched her walk away. He thought this girl was interesting but didn't pay too much attention to his thoughts.
Tia did not go to the restaurant for dinner and decided to just stay in her room. She still wasn't feeling so well so she thought she should save her energy for the gig. Marcus has already requested food to be sent to her room.
At the restaurant.
"Where's Miss Tia?" Moore looked at Marcus and the band.
"She's resting. Not really a big fan of boat rides." Marcus answered casually.
"If I'd known, I could've flown you here. I'll make sure to make arrangements for tomorrow." Moore smiled. He was already thinking of having Tia ride his private plane on the way back.
Kyle and the rest of the guys could see through Moore.
"Who is this Tia?" Brandon asked Moore when they sat down at their table. Marcus and the rest of the band went to the other table.
"You'll see later." Moore winked at them.
"Is she your new prospect?" Zane sighed knowing how much of a playboy Moore is.
Moore just nodded and signaled for the manager to serve dinner.
After dinner, everyone was ushered to the beach where the party will be held. Most of the people on the island were Moore's friends. These were popular socialites and party people in the city.
Kyle didn't like these kinds of parties but was used to it. Zane and Brandon were catching Kyle up on what had happened while he was gone. Although they would go to London to visit him a few times they still had a lot of things to tell him. Kyle would just listen to them, he didn't really like to talk much.
Tia wore a white off-shoulder crop top and skirt. She thought it would match the beach vibe, she thought this time she would wear light-shaded red glasses instead of her regular black sunglasses and light makeup. She checked her watch and figured the party was about to start so she headed down to the venue right away.
Moore made a quick speech to welcome Kyle back and introduced the band. There will be a band and a famous DJ for the afterparty that will be playing tonight.
"Can't believe we're at a beach party with a mushy setlist." Sam laughed at them. Marcus decided to do an acoustic setlist tonight as he felt it was appropriate for the event. Tia did not mind since she likes to do acoustic songs. They would be doing covers and some of their originals.
"How are you feeling?" Marcus asked Tia with concern. He thought she really looked beautiful tonight but was worried that her outfit would make her cold.
"I feel better now. Let's rock this one out!" Tia exclaimed and gave him an assuring look.
Marcus went up first and all the girls just shrieked. He was every girl's dream boy in the university. He had a handsome gentle face like the boy next door type with a very cute gummy smile. Tia walked up last and all the boys were stunned with eyes glued at her with her long curly wavy hair, elegant posture, and captivating smile.
"Now I know what you mean." Zane patted Moore. This girl was indeed attractive.
The moment Tia walked on the stage, Kyle knew she was the girl on the bar. She was indeed something else.
"Hi guys, I'm Marcus, this is Tia. Jason on guitars, Sam on Bass, and Wright on Drums. we are NINE and we prepared an acoustic set for you tonight. Let's all have fun!" Marcus smiled at everyone.
The first song was a cover of Sixpence None The Richer's "Kiss Me".
Tia's sexy, raspy yet sweet voice filled the air and all the boys seem to have fallen in love with her more.
Kyle looked at her and couldn't help but get drawn to her. It wasn't just her voice and beauty but beyond that, he could feel the emotions in her song. He looked around and then at Moore. He could see the lust and playful look in his eyes. No wonder she was so confident he thought. Tia always has that confidence and appeal especially when she was on stage.
Marcus also has this deep sexy voice that girls would die for that is why when Tia and him are on the stage. Everyone couldn't help but think about how perfect they were together.
"Looks like his boyfriend." Brandon teased Moore.
"We'll see," Moore answered playfully. They all know that when Moore has a prospect, he won't stop until he gets her.
After the set, they went backstage to keep their instruments and stuff. Marcus rubbed Tia's shoulders and asked if she wasn't going to be cold since they were on the beach. Tia just nodded and assured him she was going to be fine. She was used to Marcus' care. Although everyone in the band was really close, Marcus and Tia were the closest. They would write songs together and know each other's families. The thought of them being together has always crossed Marcus' mind but his priority was always the band and their career. He wanted to prove to his family that all his effort with being a musician won't go to waste. Tia has always looked up to Marcus and has always thought that maybe one day they would end up together. She wasn't sure if it was love as no matter how many times she has written all those stories she has never really felt the true feeling of being in love. She did not also pay too much attention to it because she had to take care of herself and her brother.