How To Tame A Demon

Chapter 65

65 : Shattered

Kinabukasan, tanghali na akong nagising mula sa aking tulog. I didn't rush to get up, knowing that everyone else had probably slept in as well.

Tumayo ako at dumiretso sa banyo para maligo. Since I was the last one to use the bathroom, I took my time, letting the warm water wash away any lingering sleepiness.

Pagbaba ko, nakita ko si Andrei na may hinahanap sa kanyang bag. He glanced at me briefly when he sensed my presence, but I caught him watching as I descended the stairs.

Napatingin ako sa kanya, pero agad ding umiwas nang makita ko ang suot niya—blue-green na swimming trunks, walang pang-itaas. His well-defined body was hard to ignore. Halatang gym-goer si Andrei, with his toned six-pack abs catching my attention despite myself.

"Morning," bati ko, ngunit nauutal. He didn't respond right away, continuing to rummage through his things as if he hadn't heard me. Napahinto ako sa paglalakad.

Lumapit ako sa kanya, trying again. "Andrei... morning." I gently touched his shoulder, making him flinch. He turned quickly to face me.

"Ahh... g-good morning," he replied awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. Kumunot ang noo ko.

"Okay ka lang? Is something wrong?" I asked, confused. He shook his head vigorously and stood up straight.

"W-wala. Nagulat lang ako," sagot niya, awkwardly lifting his sunglasses. "Nakita ko na yung hinahanap ko. I'll go ahead."

I watched as he walked out of the house. What... was that about?

Shrugging off the strange interaction, I put on my slippers and followed him outside.

Paglabas ko, sumalubong agad ang nakakasilaw na sikat ng araw. I covered my eyes with one hand. Sobrang init kaya siguro kinuha ni Andrei yung sunglasses niya kanina.

I scanned the area, spotting April swimming near the shore. I was about to approach her when something—or rather, someone—caught my attention.

"Avery," tawag ng pamilyar na boses. I froze.

Travis stood before me, radiating confidence in his black swimming trunks. He wore an unbuttoned orange beach polo that revealed his muscular chest and abs.

Napakurap ako ng ilang beses.

"T-Travis..." My voice faltered as I struggled to maintain composure.

He glanced at me from head to toe, his brows furrowing. "Aren't you gonna swim today?" he asked, clearly confused.

I stammered, "Ahh, ehh..." but before I could finish, I noticed Emma walking nearby. My gaze shifted, and Travis followed my line of sight.

She strutted along the beach in a maroon bikini, her flawless skin and perfect figure drawing attention from everyone around. I hated to admit it... but she was undeniably stunning.

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng... insecurities. Sure, I wasn't bad-looking, but standing next to them? It was hard not to feel small.

Bago pa ako makasagot, Travis spoke again, his voice low. "Are you feeling..."

His eyes darkened, and I could feel his irritation building.