"I think that’s called being blessed," Wren said as he landed on the ground. "But that was a nice shot from you, Dani. Pretty good stuff."

"You think so?" Dani perked up immediately with her whole face lighting up and Wren nodded, giving her a genuine smile.

"Yeah yeah!" Dani pumped her fist into the air enthusiastically for some reason, practically bouncing on her feet.

Wren turned behind to Priya and asked, "Are you okay?"

The group currently had him, Priya, Dani, Leah, Zach, Zoe, Derek, and Isabella out on the beach volleyball court.

Toby wasn’t here since he was probably still off somewhere scouting for a lady to talk to, but with the people they had, they’d split into teams of four to make it fairer.

Diana was sitting on a bench to the right, pumping her fist up enthusiastically.

"Yayyy~! Go Wren!" she cheered.

Zoe, who was on the opposing team, looked over at her mother with an exasperated expression.

"Mom~" Zoe called out. "You’re supposed to be cheering for me."

Diana blinked, processing this information, then quickly raised her arm up again.

"Go Zoe~!" she corrected herself weakly. Zoe’s eye twitched in annoyance before she focused back on Wren, pointing an accusing finger at him.

"You have all the athletic people on your team! This is completely unfair!" Zoe complained loudly.

Dani nodded along in agreement. "Yeah, seriously!"

Zoe gestured wildly at Wren’s team.

"You’ve got this mystery woman—" she pointed at Isabella, whose identity they still didn’t know, "—who’s properly trained and can jump ridiculously high. Priya’s a good jumper too since she runs anyway and you even have Leah! This is straight-up cheating!"

"Yes, exactly!" Dani chimed in. "So one of us should switch with them. We need to spread the useless people across both teams to balance it out."

"Hey!" both Zoe and Zach protested simultaneously from opposite teams, clearly offended at being called useless.

Wren just shrugged casually. "I didn’t force anyone to join my team, so I can’t exactly tell them to leave now."

Priya and Leah both nodded behind him in agreement, standing their ground.

"Besides," Wren added with a grin, "this is what you get for not training and just being stuck in your room watching porn all day~"

Zoe’s face immediately turned bright red and she started rushing toward Wren aggressively, but Dani quickly grabbed her and held her back before she could do something stupid.

"You shouldn’t say that stuff out here!" Zoe let out with a deep blush spreading across her entire face. "I’ll kill you, fucker!"

Isabella chuckled from where she was standing nearby.

Wren had told her earlier that he and Zoe were step-siblings, and they really did seem to be pretty close with the way they constantly bantered and teased each other like this.

’Spending time with Ren-Ren is actually pretty good,’ Isabella thought while glancing back at Leah, who was giving her a very pointed look that clearly said "I’m watching you."

’Well, only spending time with Ren-Ren specifically though...’ Isabella amended in her mind. ’The other girls can stay over there.’

Some of the other women in the group were definitely giving her looks... glances, suspicious stares, that kind of thing. Though it didn’t make her super uncomfortable exactly, it did make her want to just grab Wren’s hand and run off somewhere private where they could be alone but she had to be smart and subtle about this.

’Maybe we can get away from all of them by going hiking or something,’ Isabella thought, glancing over at the mountain in the distance that loomed over the island.

’Hiking doesn’t really sound so ba—’

Her thought was abruptly interrupted as the other team had finished arranging themselves into position.

Zoe threw the volleyball high into the air with both hands.

Zach jumped up and punted it forward with both palms, but Priya was already there. She used both hands to redirect it upward into the air, and Leah jumped up immediately, slamming it down hard toward the other side.

Derek was already waiting for it, though. He used both hands to break the momentum and hit it back upward, his considerable stomach rippling visibly from the effort.

"Thanks, Dee-Dee!" Dani called out as she ran past him to position herself and Derek’s face scrunched up in annoyance.

"Don’t call me that..." He grumbled and Dani ignored him before jumping up.

’I have to hit this with way more power!’ She though and that’s exactly what she tried to do. Using both hands, she slammed the ball with as much force as she could possibly muster, aiming directly at Wren’s face.

However, she’d put so much power into it that the ball sailed completely over Wren’s head and out of bounds.

Dani landed on the ground with an embarrassed look on her face, her cheeks flushing red.

In the distance, there was someone waving at the group... It was Toby.

The man adjusted his glasses as he walked closer, and everyone could only wince in sympathetic pain as the volleyball collided directly with his face with a loud SMACK, sending his head creaking to the left from the impact.

The ball bounced off and hit the sand.

Toby blinked down at the volleyball that had just assaulted him, bent down to pick it up, shook his head in disbelief, then walked over to the group carrying it.

"Who the hell threw this ball at me?" Toby asked, looking around with a slightly annoyed expression. Dani immediately hid behind Wren, using him as a human shield.

"It was most definitely not me," Dani said quickly, her voice muffled since she was pressed against Wren’s back.

"Oh, Dani?" Toby said, having clearly identified her voice despite her denial. "You’re already so short, so I won’t hit you back... before you become even shorter, that is."

"Hey!" Dani called out indignantly from behind Wren, peeking around his shoulder.

Wren sighed and decided to change the subject. "How did your hunt go, man?"

Toby blinked and his expression changed as memories of the past hour came flooding back.

After he’d left Wren on the beach earlier, he’d approached several different women around the resort. Some of them had used him to set up their beach umbrellas and chairs... Others had him share drinks with their friend groups... All the usual stuff that happened when he tried to shoot his shot...

However, he truly believed that this last one had been different because she hadn’t asked him to carry drinks or set up chairs at all!

Instead, she’d asked him to distribute posters!

"Actually, it went pretty good!" Toby said enthusiastically, reaching into the bag he was carrying. He started handing out colorful flyers to everyone standing around the volleyball court.

...

═══════════════════════════════════

SUNSET PEAK OVERLOOK HIKING EXPEDITION

Experience the Island’s Most Breathtaking Views!

DEPARTURE TIME: 3:00 PM Sharp

RETURN TIME: 7:00 PM (The Ship will be departing at 8pm due to a change in schedule)

DURATION: Approximately 4 hours (1.5 hours up, viewing time, 1 hour down)

Join us for a guided hike to the famous Sunset Peak Overlook, the highest accessible point on the island! Our experienced guide will lead you through scenic trails featuring local flora, fauna, and stunning coastal views.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

360° panoramic ocean views from the summit Perfect photo opportunities during golden hour Moderate difficulty trail suitable for most fitness levels Rest stops with provided refreshments Watch the sunset from 1,200 feet above sea level!

WHAT TO BRING:

Comfortable hiking shoes (required) Water bottle Sunscreen and hat Camera for unforgettable memories!

MEETING POINT: Beach Recreation Center

GROUP SIZE: Limited to 20 participants

Note: Participants will be paired with a hiking buddy for safety. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing.

═══════════════════════════════════

...

"Hiking?" Wren asked, looking at the flyer with interest and Isabella’s face went pale.

She had literally just been thinking about wanting to hike with Wren alone, and now this guy was bringing it up in front of the entire group?!

’Why the hell is he distributing this here?!’ Isabella thought with internal panic.

"Yeah!" Toby explained enthusiastically, clearly proud of himself. "It’s a friend of mine who’s organizing it. At 3 PM, we’ll hike all the way to the summit..."

He pointed up at the mountain peak that rose dramatically in the distance, "...and we get to watch the sunset from up there! Pretty cool, right? So who’s in?"

He’d already distributed quite a few of these posters around the resort, so he was hoping a ton of people would show up to make it a real event.

Wren and most of the others looked at the flyer and nodded appreciatively.

"This actually sounds pretty nice," Leah said.

"Yeah, could be fun," Priya agreed.

"But it’s still pretty far away from 3 PM," Derek pointed out, checking his watch. "It’s only like 11:30 now."

Toby threw his hands up into the air enthusiastically.

"If that’s the case, let’s make sandcastles!" he declared.

...

The afternoon sun was beginning its slow descent toward the horizon as the group gathered at the Beach Recreation Center at 2:45 PM, all wearing appropriate hiking gear.

Wren had changed into athletic shorts, a breathable t-shirt, and proper hiking shoes and most of the others had done similarly, though some were more prepared than others.

A woman in her thirties with sun-weathered skin and an athletic build stood at the front alongside Toby. She wore professional hiking gear and had a confident air about her.

She looked over the assembled group of about twenty people who’d shown up for the hike, nodding in satisfaction at the turnout.

"Alright everyone!" the woman called out in a clear voice. "My name is Sarah, and I’ll be your guide for today’s hike to Sunset Peak Overlook. First of all, thank you all for joining us!"

The group murmured acknowledgments.

"Before we head out, I need to go over some important safety information..." Sarah continued. "The trail we’ll be taking is rated as moderate difficulty. There are some steep sections, but nothing too technical. The total distance is about 3 miles up and 2.5 miles down so the descent route is slightly shorter but steeper."

She gestured to the mountain behind her.

"We’ll be gaining about 1,200 feet in elevation, so pace yourselves and don’t be afraid to take breaks. I’d rather have everyone reach the top safely than have someone push too hard and get hurt. Stay hydrated, stay on the marked trail, and most importantly—"

She paused for emphasis.

"—everyone needs to pair up with a hiking buddy. You’ll stay with your buddy for the entire hike, both up and down. This is for safety reasons. If anything happens, your buddy is your first line of support. Does everyone understand?"

The group nodded and began naturally pairing up.

Wren and Isabella’s eyes met across the small crowd and they moved toward each other almost instinctively. Isabella felt her heart rate pick up slightly as they stood together.

"Guess we’re hiking buddies?" Wren said with a smile.

"Looks like it, Ren-Ren..." Isabella replied, she was glad she got the chance. Nearby, Diana and Zoe reluctantly paired up with each other.

"Don’t slow me down, Mom..." Zoe muttered and Diana rubbed the back of her head.

"I won’t..." Diana shot back while glancing over at Wren.

Leah paired with Dani. Priya paired with Derek and Toby paired with Zach before he could escape.

"Perfect!" Sarah said, doing a quick headcount. "Looks like everyone’s got a buddy. Remember... stay together, watch out for each other, and have fun! This is going to be an amazing experience."

She adjusted her hiking pack and picked up her walking stick.

"Alright then, let’s go!"

The group began moving as one, following Sarah onto the trail that wound its way up into the forested mountainside.

...

The trail started out relatively easy... it was a well-maintained path through tropical vegetation with a gentle incline. The afternoon sun filtered through the canopy above, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow across the ground.

"This isn’t so bad..." Dani commented from behind Wren and Isabella.

"Give it twenty minutes," Derek wheezed, already sounding winded despite the easy pace. Wren walked alongside Isabella and they were close enough that their arms occasionally brushed against each other as the trail narrowed in places.

"Have you done much hiking before?" Isabella asked while being genuinely curious.

"Not at all..." Wren replied. "This would be the first time that I’ve tried it out... Have you?"

"A bit," Isabella said. "I used to hike it out with my Uncle and his kids... and sometimes we still do."

Wren sighed.

"At this point, what can’t you do?" He asked and she laughed. The trail began to steepen gradually, and Sarah called back from the front.

"We’re coming up on the first switchback section! Take your time, watch your footing!"

As they climbed higher, the vegetation began to change. The tropical trees gave way to hardier shrubs and the occasional flowering plant that seemed to thrive in the rockier terrain.

"Oh wow, look at that!" Isabella pointed to a bright red flower growing from a crack in a boulder beside the trail. "Those colors are incredible."

"Island hibiscus," Sarah called back, having overheard. "They only grow at this elevation. Beautiful, aren’t they?"

The group paused briefly to admire the flowers and catch their breath. Wren pulled out his water bottle and took a long drink, then offered it to Isabella.

"Want some? You should stay hydrated."

"I have my own, but thanks," Isabella said, though she was touched by the gesture. She pulled out her own bottle and drank deeply.

The trail continued upward, winding through a series of switchbacks that made the climb more manageable but also longer.

"My calves are going to hate me tomorrow..." Zoe groaned from somewhere behind them.

"Stop complaining Zoe and focus." Diana said though she sounded equally tired. About forty-five minutes into the hike, they reached a natural plateau where Sarah called for a rest stop.

"Alright everyone, take ten minutes!" Sarah announced. "We’re about halfway to the summit. How’s everyone feeling?"

There was a chorus of "good" and "tired but okay" from the group.

Wren and Isabella found a smooth boulder to sit on, positioning themselves with a view of the lower trail and the ocean beyond.

From this height, they could already see an impressive expanse of blue water stretching to the horizon and the cruise ship looked like a toy boat from up here.

"The view’s already amazing and we’re not even at the top yet..." Isabella said while being genuinely awestruck. It would never seem to stop amazing her how Hiking always felt.

"Yeah," Wren agreed, but when Isabella glanced over, she caught him looking at her instead of the view.

"Ren-Ren..."

"Huh?"

"Did anyone tell you you have really kissable lips?"

Wren blinked, Kissable lips? Why the hell would she say that?

"Huh???"

She laughed at his reaction and after the rest break, they continued upward. The trail became rockier and steeper, requiring more careful footing.

At one particularly tricky section where they had to navigate over a series of large rocks, Wren went first and then turned back to offer Isabella his hand.

"Here, I’ve got you," he said.

Isabella took his hand and let him help pull her up onto the higher rock.

"Thanks," she said, but neither of them immediately let go of each other’s hand and they stood there for a moment with their hands clasped before the sound of Derek struggling behind them broke the spell.

"Little help here?" Derek called out, stuck halfway up the rock. Wren laughed and reached down to help haul Derek up as well.

As they climbed higher, the air grew thinner and cooler and the sun was lower in the sky now, painting everything in warm golden tones.

"We’re almost there!" Sarah called back encouragingly. "One more push!"

The final section was the steepest, but everyone was motivated by being so close to the summit. They could see the peak now... a rocky outcropping with a clear viewing area.

Wren and Isabella climbed side by side, occasionally pointing out interesting rock formations or the increasingly spectacular views as they gained elevation.

"Look, you can see other islands from here!" Isabella said excitedly, pointing to dark shapes on the horizon.

"And there’s a boat way out there..." Wren added, shading his eyes to see better.

Leah was taking photos constantly, despite being out of breath. Dani was surprisingly energetic despite her earlier complaints, practically bouncing up the trail and Diana and Zoe had fallen into a companionable silence while Toby and Zack were practically in each other’s arms.

Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and no time at all, they crested the final rise.

The summit of Sunset Peak Overlook opened up before them... a wide, rocky platform with sturdy railings installed around the edges for safety and the space could easily hold their entire group with room to spare.

But the view...

The view was absolutely breathtaking.

A complete 360-degree panorama surrounded them... The ocean stretched endlessly in every direction, painted in shades of deep blue and turquoise that shifted with the light.

Multiple islands dotted the seascape like emeralds on blue velvet and their cruise ship was clearly visible in the bay below, looking impossibly small.

The sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon, turning the sky into a canvas of gold, orange, and the first hints of pink.

The wind was stronger up here, whipping through hair and clothes, but it felt refreshing after the hot climb. Everyone in the group stood in awed silence for a moment, simply taking it in.

Sarah smiled, clearly pleased with their reactions... She’d seen this view hundreds of times, but it never got old watching first-timers experience it.

"Alright everyone," Sarah said warmly, spreading her arms to encompass the incredible vista surrounding them.

"We’ve arrived at the Sunset Peak Overlook."