Location: Vale Penthouse – Sunday Morning
The sunlight poured in through massive floor-to-ceiling windows, painting the penthouse in soft gold.
The place smelled like fresh cinnamon, maple syrup, and roasted espresso. Music played quietly—something bouncy and upbeat, setting the mood for an easy, perfect morning.
Eight teenagers. One kitchen. Endless chaos.
Scene: Breakfast in Motion
Jace Morales flipped pancakes with the confidence of a boy raised on brunch.
"Tell me this isn't the best form you've ever seen."
Azra raised one brow while poking a half-burned pancake with a fork.
"You flipped that one into the sink."
Zaria Lin sat cross-legged on the counter, sipping orange juice with her phone open.
"Don't worry, I recorded it. You'll live forever in shame."
Noah Cross was quietly organizing everyone's mugs, adding honey where it was needed, pouring cold brew like he ran a café in a past life.
Isla Rivas sketched cartoon pancakes in the corner of her notebook while humming to herself.
Selene Rivas stood by the windows, arms folded, watching the sun rise and secretly smiling at how noisy the room had become.
Liora swayed through the kitchen in silk pajamas, dancing while flipping her hair into a loose braid.
Caelan, sitting at the kitchen island, just watched it all unfold, his usual stillness tinged with something… warm.
"You guys are loud."
Azra: "You're welcome."
Inner Thoughts: Their Friends
Noah's mind:
They're nothing like what people say. They're just… normal. Hilarious. Honest. It feels real here.
Zaria's thoughts:
I thought they were some rich, snobby trio. But this? This is fun. They feel like the kind of friends you end up having memories with for life.
Jace's thoughts:
Caelan's cool in that terrifying older brother way, but damn—he's loyal. I'd go to war with him. And Liora? She's light in human form.
Isla's notes:
"Vibes: chaotic. People: lovely. Pancakes: mid. Day: 9.5/10."
Selene's inner reflection:
I came here expecting distance, masks, walls. But they opened the door—and never once made us feel like guests.
Scene: Group Discussion – The Beach House Plan
Bellies full, music low, the group lounged in the sunroom. The breeze rolled in as Caelan tossed a few keys on the table.
"Three beach houses were shortlisted. Private beaches. Full privacy. Rooftops. Pools."
Zaria's eyes lit up.
"You're actually buying a house for the trip?"
Liora grinned.
"Why rent when we can build memories somewhere that's ours?"
Azra:
"Also, I hate sleeping on twin beds and weak air conditioning."
Isla:
"We're going to live like movie characters."
Jace: "Correction: main characters."
They laughed again—deep, easy laughter.
Plans started flying around:
Pool float shopping
Board games and karaoke night
Matching beach outfits
Movie marathons and bonfires
Secret party themes
And then came the suggestion—
Noah: "Let's do one sleepover a week. Rotate who plans it. Lead-up to the trip."
Caelan nodded.
"Starting tonight. I'm thinking pizza, card games, and crashing wherever you drop."
Scene: Teachers & Campus Buzz – Beach Trip Hype
Meanwhile, on campus:
Flyers for "Beach Olympics," "Bonfire Talent Night," and "Avalon Sand Games" appeared on every bulletin board.
Teachers coordinated travel, menus, and medics—trying to keep it organized while knowing full well this was teen mayhem waiting to happen.
Group chats exploded with who's going with who, who's staying where, who's planning drama.
The Vales?
They were already ahead of the game.
Final Scene: Sunset Over Avalon
Back at the penthouse, the group gathered on the balcony. Soft drinks clinked. Laughter floated. Sunset washed the city in gold and rose.
Azra: "This feels right."
Liora: "Feels like the start of something big."
Caelan: "It is."
And as the stars blinked to life overhead…
The Vale siblings smiled to themselves.
Not just surrounded.
Not just admired.
But connected.
For once, their story wasn't about hiding.
It was about living.