037 | confessions by the shore

The sun hung low in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink as the waves gently lapped at the shore. Gianna and Cienna sat on the sand, their toes buried in its warmth, as they watched the boys trek off in search of food. Marc Guiu and Marc Bernal were arguing over which food stand had the best fries, while Lamine and Hector walked ahead, laughing about something neither girl could hear.

It was one of those perfect summer evenings, the kind that felt timeless and endless. The breeze was gentle, carrying the salty scent of the ocean, and the distant sound of laughter from other beachgoers made the moment feel alive yet peaceful.

Cienna stretched her legs out, digging her heels into the sand as she leaned back on her hands. "This day's been perfect," she said, letting out a content sigh. "We needed this."

Gianna nodded, her gaze fixed on the waves. "Yeah... it's been nice."

Cienna turned to look at her, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Okay, what's up with you? You've been quieter than usual. And don't even try to say it's nothing."

Gianna hesitated, biting her lip as she stared at the water. She could feel the weight of Cienna's gaze on her, but she wasn't sure how to put her thoughts into words.

"Come on, Gianna," Cienna pressed, her tone softening. "You know you can talk to me."

Gianna took a deep breath, her fingers nervously picking at the hem of her shorts. She glanced over at the boys in the distance, her eyes lingering on Hector. He was walking with that easy confidence he always had, his shoulders relaxed, his hands in his pockets as he laughed at something Lamine said.

Finally, she turned back to Cienna, her voice barely above a whisper. "Cici, I think I like him. A lot."

Cienna blinked, caught off guard by the confession. "Him?" she asked, though the knowing smile tugging at her lips said she already knew the answer.

Gianna nodded, her cheeks turning pink as she avoided Cienna's eyes. "Hector," she admitted, her voice cracking slightly. "I think... I think I like Hector."

Cienna sat up straighter, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, you're serious?"

Gianna let out a frustrated groan, burying her face in her hands. "Yes, I'm serious! And it's driving me crazy!"

Cienna stared at her for a moment before breaking into a grin. "Oh my God, Gianna. I knew it!"

Gianna's head shot up, her expression incredulous. "You knew?"

"Of course, I knew!" Cienna said, laughing. "It's so obvious. The way you two act around each other, the way you look at him-come on, Gigi, you're not exactly subtle."

Gianna groaned again, flopping back onto the sand and covering her face with her arm. "This is a disaster."

"Why is it a disaster?" Cienna asked, lying down next to her. "Hector clearly cares about you. Like, a lot. I wouldn't be surprised if he likes you too."

Gianna shook her head, her voice muffled by her arm. "He's my best friend, Cienna. What if I'm wrong? What if I ruin everything?"

Cienna reached over, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. "Gigi, you're overthinking this. Hector isn't just your best friend-he's your person. If there's anyone who would understand, it's him."

Gianna let out a shaky sigh, lowering her arm to stare up at the sky. "But what if it makes things weird? What if I tell him, and he doesn't feel the same way? I can't lose him, Cici."

Cienna gave her a soft smile. "You're not going to lose him, Gianna. You and Hector have been through everything together. This... this is just another part of your story. And honestly, I think he might already know."

Gianna frowned, sitting up slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, have you seen the way he looks at you?" Cienna said, her tone teasing but kind. "It's like you're the only person in the room. He's always so protective of you, always putting you first. If that's not a guy who's completely in love with you, then I don't know what is."

Gianna's heart skipped a beat at Cienna's words, but she quickly shook her head. "You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"I'm saying that because it's the truth," Cienna insisted.

The two of them sat in silence for a while, the sound of the waves filling the space between them. Gianna's mind was racing, torn between hope and fear. Could Cienna be right? Could Hector actually feel the same way?

Before she could dwell on it any longer, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She turned to see the boys returning, Hector in the lead with a bag of food in his hand. He caught her eye and smiled, that warm, familiar smile that made her heart flutter.

Cienna leaned over, whispering in her ear. "You've got this, Gigi. Just take it one step at a time."

Gianna nodded, though her nerves were still swirling. As Hector reached their spot and plopped down next to her, she couldn't help but wonder if Cienna was right. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't as impossible as it seemed.