Chapter 26: Volleyball

Yannie Ace Ruiz

"Hi, girls," Ramil greeted us with a smile. Veron gave him a stern look while I offered a small smile. Perhaps Veron was still annoyed with him after our encounter earlier when we arrived here.

I sneakily glanced at Josh beside Ramil, surprised to find him looking at me. Our eyes met, and I caught him staring. I suddenly coughed, catching myself off guard, and quickly turned away.

"Are you okay?" Veron softly asked, gently patting my back. I gave her a subtle nod.

"Let's take a group picture!" Ate Aika suggested cheerfully.

"Sure! Let's go!" Ramil agreed, pulling Byron and Josh a bit closer to us. Veron subtly squeezed me, bringing me closer to them until Josh and I were side by side in the middle.

"Okay, one, two, three!" Ate Aika counted, holding the camera in front of us.

I forced a small smile, even though I felt awkward. Especially when...

"Okay, just the two of you now!" Ate Aika happily instructed Josh and me, causing my eyes to widen.

"P-Pardon?"

"Patt