CHAPTER IV - BENEATH THE SURFACE

[Alya’s POV]

The moment I stepped into the private pool suite, the warm scent of eucalyptus from the spa room mingled with the faint tang of chlorine. The sound of bubbling jets echoed softly, and sunlight poured through the tinted glass ceiling like liquid gold. Sasha and Marlowie flanked me, their towels over their shoulders, eyes already scanning the wide pool area. This wasn’t just a meet-up anymore. It felt like a scene out of a movie—the kind you don't want to end.

“I swear, if this ends up being awkward, I’m blaming you,” Marlowie said, shooting me a pointed glance.

“You’re the one who said yes to coming,” I countered, brushing my hair over one shoulder.

“Yeah, because you didn’t stop smiling for twelve hours after you got her message,” Sasha teased. “Don’t deny it.”

I was about to roll my eyes when the doors opened again, and I saw her.

(Madison entered first, and she looked like every bold thought I tried to suppress. Her long red hair, still damp from a quick rinse, was tied into a low ponytail. She wore black boxer-style swim trunks and a snug binder across her torso, showcasing every inch of her sculpted body. Her abs caught the light, each movement smooth and confident. But it wasn’t just her body—it was the way she carried herself. Assured. Dangerous. Beautiful.)

(Behind her came Cody, her thick arms crossed over her chest like she was preparing for a fight. Her binder hugged her torso tightly, her long jet-black hair tied in a high braid that swayed with every step. She had the stance of a fighter, the eyes of a soldier. And beside her, Gray, the shortest of the three, wore boxers like the others but had her platinum hair cut close on one side, brushed stylishly over the other. Despite her masculine frame and visible arm tattoos, she gave off the vibe of someone who could flirt the soul out of you and make you laugh while doing it.)

“Wow,” Sasha whispered beside me.

“They’re here,” I murmured, suddenly aware of how hot my skin felt.

“Which one’s yours?” Marlowie asked.

“The one walking like she owns the planet,” I replied, unable to tear my eyes from Madison.

“Perfect. I’ll take the moody one,” Marlowie said, nodding toward Cody.

“I guess I’m stuck with silver fox,” Sasha grinned.

Madison approached, her lips curled into that ever-so-slight smirk that made my knees threaten betrayal.

“Hey,” she said.

“Hey yourself,” I replied.

Her gaze swept me from head to toe, not lecherously, but like she was memorizing the way I stood there in my two-piece suit. I did the same. Her freckles, her smirk, the subtle scar near her collarbone.

“You look… amazing,” she said, voice low.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I murmured back.

Meanwhile—

(Cody and Marlowie had already started bickering. They hadn't even introduced themselves properly.)

“You’re already scowling. What’s your problem?” Marlowie said, raising an eyebrow.

“My problem just walked into the room in a discount swimsuit,” Cody snapped back.

“Oh, we’re doing insults now? I hope you packed more personality than just your biceps.”

“You’ll need more than sass to keep up with me.”

(Sasha, amused, had gravitated toward Gray, who offered her a cold drink.)

“Thanks,” Sasha said. “You're very... attentive.”

Gray grinned. “Only to those worth watching.”

(Gray’s eyes lingered on Sasha like a loyal knight to her queen. She moved with elegance, her every word laced with flirtation, but without arrogance.)

“Okay,” I called out. “Let’s set the ground rules. No fighting.”

“No promises,” Cody muttered.

We settled by the jacuzzi section of the room. The bubbling spa bath, surrounded by smooth stone, became our gathering spot. The warm water softened the atmosphere.

“Let’s play something,” Sasha suggested. “Truth or Truth.”

“No dare?” Gray asked.

“Unless you want to skinny dip,” Sasha smirked.

Cody rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“Alright,” Marlowie said, turning to Cody. “Who was your first kiss?”

“Girl named Bree. I broke her nose during training the day after,” Cody replied flatly.

“Ouch.”

“Gray,” Sasha leaned closer. “What’s your biggest weakness?”

Gray glanced at her, not smiling this time. “People who pretend they’re not interested.”

Sasha flushed and looked away.

Madison turned to me. “Your turn.”

I inhaled. “Ask.”

“Have you ever... fallen for someone too fast?”

I looked directly at her. “Yes. And I think I’m doing it again.”

She didn’t respond right away. She just looked at me like I was the only real thing in the room.

The game continued. Cody and Marlowie kept firing insults at each other like grenades with glitter. Gray refilled drinks. Sasha let her walls down. Madison never left my side.

Hours passed, and the sun dipped lower.

“I’m beat,” Sasha yawned. “This was fun though.”

“Agreed,” Gray said, standing to stretch. “Can we do this again?”

“If we have free time,” Cody muttered.

Everyone began gathering towels and bags. We moved slowly, like none of us wanted to leave just yet.

As we exchanged goodbyes, the hugs lingered. Even Cody and Marlowie awkwardly bumped shoulders. Gray kissed Sasha’s knuckles.

Madison pulled me into a tight embrace. Her arms wrapped around me like a shield.

“I don’t want this to be a one-time thing,” she whispered.

“Me neither,” I said, holding her tighter.

We pulled apart slowly. Her hand brushed my cheek, lingering.

“I’ll text you?” she asked.

“You better.”

(That night, in the privacy of her room, Alya sat cross-legged on her bed. Her laptop glowed faintly, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She was searching. Looking. Trying to find out who Madison really was.)

(At the same time, Madison sat in a dim-lit room of her own, typing fast across multiple monitors. Her search algorithms traced digital footprints, trying to match Alya’s features to anything.)

(They were enemies but also they were lovers. They were two shadows in a city of secrets. And neither could sleep without wanting to know more.)

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