They had finally reached the beach. The car's engine died into silence, replaced by the soft crash of waves and the distant thump of some beachfront party music.
"Umm… Xanthia! Hey—Xanthia! Take this pill. You'll feel better," Rio offered gently, holding out the small neutralizing capsule.
"I don't wanna take any pill," Xanthia pouted, waving her hand lazily. "You take it! There's still some drink left too… Want some?"
She was clearly high—her usual calm and composed persona melted into a frank, hyperactive chatterbox. Her cheeks were flushed, and her words came too fast.
"No, I'm good," Rio said quickly. "You can finish it."
"Nah!" she declared, dramatically holding the bottle out. "I won't drink it alone! Come on, drink with me. Or else… I'll get out and go party with those boys over there!"
Rio blinked. "Wait—what?! Are you really Xanthia, or some doppelgänger?"
She stuck her tongue out. "You decide."
"Fine, fine. Gimme that." He took the bottle and downed a swig. "Goot-goot-goot… Ughh. That's… incredibly bitter. And kinda sour?"
Xanthia giggled, her steps wobbling as she climbed out of the car. "Let's go near that big rock! We can chill there. Less people, less creeps."
"Hey, be careful!" Rio followed, half stumbling as the world around him shimmered. "Why the hell are the moons and stars flickering like strobe lights…"
(Note to self: I need lemon juice. Or a slap. I'm not even 18. And I need to get that pill into her somehow before we both end up in a news headline.)
As he returned from a nearby stall with a lemon soda, a gruff voice called out.
"Hey boy! That girl with you?"
Rio turned to see a mid-aged man leaning against a post, eyes half-lidded and breath foul.
"Ah… you mean the blonde one?"
"Yeah, her. She threw her frock across my leg," the man grinned darkly. "You can go now. She'll come later. I'll keep her… entertained."
Rio's grip on the bottle tightened. "She's barely conscious. You should've moved the frock if it bothered you, not make disgusting comments."
"Watch your mouth, brat, or I'll beat it shut!" the man snarled, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see how she moans drunk—"
WHAM!
The man didn't finish. A sharp, clean kick blasted him sideways.
A man in a black suit stepped in like a shadow.
"You alright, Rio?"
"JaiDev!?" Rio blinked, still processing the sudden intervention. "What are you—"
"I had a gut feeling," JaiDev said, helping him up as two more men joined from behind the stall. "That you'd end up in trouble."
The scumbag clambered to his feet, clutching his ribs. "You'll regret this—damn brat—"
"Run," JaiDev said coldly.
And he did.
"You're always there when it matters," Rio sighed. "Thanks. But I'm not here for that kind of fun. She's just too drunk. That's enough of a workout for me tonight."
"Got it." JaiDev grinned and took the drink Rio offered. "Then we'll leave you to it. Be safe, alright?"
"Always."
As the guards headed back toward the villa, Rio made his way to the rock by the shoreline. Xanthia was sprawled on it, arms over her head, waves licking at her feet. The twin moons overhead glistened on her skin like silver silk.
"You're late, Rrrio," she slurred, her accent heavier than usual. "That old man tried to touch my waist. Ugh, disgusting."
"Sorry," Rio muttered. "I had to deal with him. You should be more careful. I mean, even I don't know you like Erame does…"
"Oh, don't worry," she giggled. "Come here."
He stepped closer. She motioned for him to sit. "Should I lie down too?"
"You even need to ask?" she teased.
He lay beside her on the rock, sighing as the waves splashed his shoes.
"Y'know," she whispered, "I'm having sooo many weird thoughts lying here. Fantasies. Mmm… Oh! I just remembered—you didn't f*ck your maid, right?"
Rio nearly choked. "Wh-what?! First of all, I'm a virgin. Second, I've got enough headaches from my brother without adding that to the list. Now—can you please take this pill? Or at least drink this lemon juice?"
"I don't want it," she murmured. Then, eyes glinting in the moonlight, she added, "Unless… you're thinking of using it to ruin our innocence tonight? Is that your plan?"
"No! Of course not! It's a drug-neutralizer!" Rio's voice cracked.
Xanthia smirked lazily, then began peeling off her clothes—down to her underwear. She curled up, her head on his chest.
"Hey—what are you doing?!" he stammered. "Hey—"
No reply.
She was already asleep.
"…She passed out in seconds," Rio muttered, heart still pounding. "Unbelievable."
He looked up at the moonlit sky. The events of the day spun through his mind—the match, the tension, the laughs, and now this surreal calm.
"This… is one hell of a night."
(Besides, she is sleeping almost fully naked but I'm not a fool or lust-worshipper . It'll take some time to be with her like that . Right now just enjoying myself with her is best ...)
Rio closed his eyes, letting the rhythm of the ocean and the warmth of her breath lull him into stillness.
The rock, the stars, and their secrets stayed silent.