Chapter 25🌻-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-🌻
A/N: The words in Bold can be Korean ( between Ha-Ni and Noémie) or French between ( Noémie and Anais)-The words in italics are in English as Anais cannot speak Korean.
⚠Trigger warning: Mentions of suicide, depression, abortion and death⚠
The girls woke up early the next morning to explore their Water Villa. Anais was already in the pool at their water villa as a fatigued Noemie slept. Ha-Ni was relaxing on the terrace. The pool was just in front of Anais' bedroom.
You were ecstatic to stroll to the deck and see Anais in the water, with Ha-Ni relaxing on a deck chair and watching Anais. You had to go via Anais's bedroom. You and Ha-Ni had side rooms with views of the island itself.
You were having a quick draw to see which room each of you would take, and Anais got the ocean view. She loves swimming, but you don't mind as long as you get the finest north-facing side with the light flowing in. Your room had yellow accents and light wood furniture, whilst theirs had darker wood furniture.
While you sat next to your cheery cousin, you yawned. You were dressed in a pretty pink striped mid-tight sleep shirt. Ha-Ni was dressed in her dark navy sleep shorts and tank top. She glanced at you with surprise, smirking because your hair was plaited around your head and you reminded her of those old English maidens, but her concern was clear when she noticed dark shadows around your drowsy eyes. She was wondering if you had gotten enough sleep.
"Good morning, dear French Princess. We didn't want to wake you up because you seemed exhausted. But today we have a terrific day planned. Look on the table for the in-house brochure on what's going on on this island." She gestures to a white table in the corner. Because of the bright sunlight, your eyes squint. She was wearing a large white sun hat.
"Good morning, Ha-Ni. I was so exhausted. I fell asleep like a baby. But when I woke up this morning, my abdomen was bothering me again. I became more nauseated as a reaction to the medication. But I'm starving..." You smiled as you stood at the railing, watching Anais do laps in the large pool.
"Oh no...are you okay?" Ha-Ni appeared apprehensive, her hazel eyes flashing with worry. Noemie had been in continual pain for over a week. If the condition persists this week, she should consult a doctor.
You merely wave dismissively, not wanting to concern your cousin any further, but you've been vomiting since early this morning. You were awake before five o'clock and went back to bed after trying to treat yourself. You're mystified as to why your body is turning against you. You wanted to relax before the exhibition.
"Don't fret, I'm OK. I drank some prescription and I'm looking forward to this vacation...let me go over the brochures." You reached the table and grabbed the leather-bound booklet, which had all of the information that you, as a guest, need.
You gazed in wonder as you strolled around your waterfront villa. It was stunning, and the air smelt different. On the island, some villas were erected.
Anais emerged from the water, shaking her golden honey blond locks off of her face, her gaze lit up when she spotted you all awakened.
"Bonne nuit, tu as bien dormi? Je t'ai vu la lumière très tôt ce matin et je pensais que tu l'avais quittée. Heureux de vous voir tous joyeux et heureux (good morning there...did you sleep ok. I saw your light on very early this morning and I thought you left it on. Good to see you all perky and happy). "She yelled cheerfully as she grabbed the beach towel handed to her by Ha-Ni to wipe herself off.
"Bonjour..." you murmur as you take a seat next to Ha-Ni and browse through the brochure.
"Well, I see they have -breakfast, lunch, and dinner at SOUL KITCHEN -their Main Restaurant, and a 03-course dinner from the special chef's menu at FLAMES -Specialty Grill," you smirk as you read aloud. " Bookings are strongly advised to prevent disappointment... Well, it sounds awesome."
"Sure, I've already booked the dinner courses last night when we came so late," Anais smirked and waggled her eyes. " Before we left on our vacation, I did my research. So that, if we wish, we may settle for three nights' dinners-"
"Oh wow!" you said, raising your eyes. " Anais. You must be our tour organizer. I don't think I have the energy to organize things here. There will also be a Communal brunch snack point from 10:00 - 11:00 at WINK - Main Bar and a Community Gathering Tea party from 16:00 - 17:00 at WINK - Main Bar. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from a selected variety of spirits, wine (by the glass), cocktails, mocktails, beer, juice, and soft drinks at WINK Main Bar from 10:00 -00:00 and SOLIS - Pool Bar from 10:00 - 18:00. Are we going?"
"Sure," Ha-Ni said with a wide smile." We're going to do everything and have a good time this weekend."
"Did you know our Villa has a Minibar with non-alcoholic drinks that are restocked once a day and we also have In-Villa Tea and Coffee Facilities," Anais giggled as she dried her hair with the towel. "Because you enjoy espresso, we have one in our kitchen."
"Gosh, the atmosphere is so pleasant here, and the air quality is amazing," Ha-Ni said." We're going to have a great time."
You are flabbergasted by the sparkle in your cousin's eyes; she seems to be happy and satisfied, and you can't thank Anais enough for allowing you to bring her along to distract her from her heartache.
"Indeed, I aim to forget about all my issues in Seoul and focus on the ME-TIME VACAY! Wow, I'd love to take part in their water sports. They provide free snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards to rent--wow!" you exclaimed.
Anais smiled smugly, "We've already booked and paid for all of our entertainment on this island."
You and Ha-Ni are both in awe of your friend "You are the ideal vacation planner. I'm not leaving without you. Zanzibar is our next destination." You were overwhelmed with admiration. Anais has made certain that you have a great time on this vacation.
Anais sniggered as she walked into her bedroom "That's my name! Guys, take a shower and get ready to enjoy our breakfast meals. The earlier we get there, the better"
You nodded, "Alright, are you going to join up for the Burn Along group courses - yoga and fitness sessions, beach activities, football, and so on? Because I'm not doing that here. I want to get some rest. So, no, thank you. You are incredibly competitive, Anias, and you can enter all of these. sports activities."
"I noticed a Spa on the island," Ha-Ni said eagerly. "We can go to the spa and have facials and manicures and pedicures.'
You all went to your rooms to get ready for breakfast.
Adorned in lovely tops and either denim shorts like Anais or a short tiny skirt like Ha-Ni, you choose black tight pants that end halfway on your calves. You all opted to go as naturally as possible by wearing little make-up. You had your tote bags with your swimwear to check out the main swimming pool near the beach.
You had your hair in a ponytail, Ha-Ni wore a bun on top of her head with sunglasses, and Anais let her honey-blond beach curls fall freely over her face. She looked to be quite excited.
By deciding not to linger on your messed-up emotions, you will forget everything and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
A little golf cart arrived at your place to pick you up. You were grateful since you didn't want to walk miles to the reception area, where all the amenities are.
Only your Villas are on the water, thus the restaurants are all on the island itself, near the beach.
As you exited the cart and proceeded across the beach recreation center, Ha-Ni smiled. It was built on the shore, and the floor is made of beach sand. Quite innovative. The staff was quite pleasant and helpful in directing you to the Soul restaurant.
You made your way to the restaurant via some interesting foliage. You bowed and greeted several people who came out and nodded at you, girls.
You took an interest in the surroundings and brought your fancy camera, which you typically use to capture your masterpieces. You took fascinating photos of your mum first. She wants to use the Island settings for some of her magazine features. You photographed Ha-Ni and Anais posing like models and making ridiculous gestures.
You broke out laughing at the bemused stares they received from other island visitors.
As you arrived at your restaurant, you were pleasantly surprised to see that most of the guests had finished their meals and were simply lazing around or enjoying their last coffees.
"Let's find a table near the windows to check out the scenery," Anais grins, gesturing to the waiter where you would like to be seated.
"OK," you respond, walking behind her.
"I can smell the scrumptious sausages from here," Ha-Ni exclaimed., inhaling deeply.
"I believe your stomach desires it more...come, " Anais grabbed Ha-Ni's arm and tugged her forward next to her. You just shook your head as you looked in the direction of your two companions.
You choose a table near the entrance to take advantage of the cool breeze. Once the waiter asked for your orders, you took a seat.
Anais gives a big smile to the server who received your drink orders. He motioned to the massive buffet section farther into the restaurant.
You could feel your stomach protesting, as though it wanted some soul food. You order a cappuccino, while Ha-Ni and Anais have hot chocolate, and you choose to go to the buffet area.
There were several culinary selections. You and the girls ordered both hot and cold dishes.
Anias smirked as she examined her full plate, stating, "Lunch has to wait since I'm going to be full till evening."
"Don't lie, Ana, you'll still have room for those delicious desserts later on-" you snort.
She grins "Well, I'd want to arrange dessert to be sent to our villa. I'd want to swim again."
Following breakfast, you just relax and enjoy the pleasant ambiance.
You opted to tour the little island around 10 a.m. Your reservation for water activities has been confirmed. On the beach, you will be snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking.
You continued your activities after sunbathing on the beach. You couldn't believe how much fun you had on the beach with the girls.
By 4 p.m., you were exhausted from all of the exciting activities and decided to call it a day. You all made new friends with other tourists from the United States and England. You never imagined that the Maldives would be a destination where you could unwind and forget about the taboo topic..."Hoseok."
Back at your Villa, you all retire to your rooms to refresh. You dressed in a cute summer outfit and relaxed in the little lounge.
Anais was dressed in a breezy outfit with a sports bra and shorts. Your hair was pulled back into a bun on top of your head. It was too hot to stroll around with your heavy hair hanging down your back.
You three were sitting in the lounge, mock drinks and snacks on the table.
"I know a game that we can play," Anais waggles her brows."I made it up in Dubai with my coworkers on a company retreat--"
"Ugh, Anais...does it require mental work...I'm too lazy to think now?" you grumble as you slump back on the sofa.
Come on, lazy butt...it'll be fun, or do you want to take naps? That is boring." Anais berates you while lightly slapping your tight. The sting causes you to scream.
"Ugh...! "You squeal, giving her a stinky look. She just shrugged unbothered.
"You claimed that I'm the master organizer, so I've planned a game for you. It'll be a lot of fun if you join. Seems like Ha-Ni is so ready." She stared at Ha-Ni, who was beaming like a fool.
"Please no snakes and ladders, monopoly, or checkers. I'll leave you and Ha-Ni to play it, and I'll sit outside on the terrace until the sun sets." You'd gaze wistfully out the window.
"We'll be able to do it when our seafood platter, frozen desserts, and wine arrives for dinner. So now we're going to play a new game. I've made little question cards --the game is called YOUR MOST--" She smugly smiles at your wide eyes, which stare back at her incredulously. Ha-Ni clapped her hands as if she understood what the game was about.
"Is this a sort of game where you expose private information about yourself...well, I'm out!"You wanted to get off the sofa, but Anais pulled you down next to her.
"Do you have something to hide, Noemie? Because this game is forcing us to be honest! We can speak about things, ask questions, and figure out why we feel the way we do--" Anais explain. You wrinkled your brows since you knew you were keeping a lot of things from your friend. You'll have to be real, and you don't want to be judged. You swallow awkwardly and immediately take a huge gulp of your strawberry cocktail to avoid her scrutinized gaze.
Ha-ni grins, her hazel eyes twinkling with amusement "Cuz, hurry up. It will be interesting. I realize certain things may be awkward to hide and discuss, but we pledge to have fun, and everything we disclose here...will not leave the room, and no one will pass judgment on one another. You have nothing to lose, Noemie...come on. It'll be entertaining. You must share stuff that has caused you pain." Ha-Ni begged, looking at your conflicted eyes.
Anais clapped her hands in delight as you bit your lip and nodded "Okay, but first let us all sit on the floor and get comfy."
You groan internally! You all took the cushions and placed them on the floor to make yourselves as comfortable as possible. You're well aware that this game will come back to haunt you.
Anais giggled, hopped up, and went into her room to fetch the cards she had created.
Ha-Ni smirks at your nervous expression, "It'll be fun, Noemie."
You look at her and reply softly, "There are certain things I didn't tell Anais." It's too painful to discuss." Once you finish your drink and drop some Skittles into your mouth, your hands tremble slightly.
"She will want to hear about your encounters Mr. CEO," Ha-Ni chuckled and shook her head." Noemie, she's your best friend. Friends have trust in one another-"
"But--," you breathed deeply.
Anais then cheerfully entered and sat down next to Ha-ni. You noticed her lay a few cards on the table. It came in a variety of colors. There were 5 hues each. Pink, red, yellow, blue, and dark grey are among the colors used.
"Ta-da! We can begin right now." She squealed with glee at your raised brows,
"Would you mind explaining the YOUR MOST--game?" you ask sourly. You despise playing games that expose embarrassing details. Like " Have you ever', for example?
"So, the yellow and pink are "fun questions," the blue and red are "medium deep," and the grey is "uncomfortable dark questions."She waggles her eyes at your and Ha-Nis'bewildered expressions."
"Well, so we choose a card, and then what?" Ha-Ni inquired bemusedly.
You raised your eyebrows at Anais, wondering if she was giddy because of the game or because she invented it."Okay, we've got a dice in a cup. You roll the dice, and if you get one, you can begin and throw again. If you throw a two, you get the yellow card, three for pinks, and four for reds. and lastly six for grey..."
"Well, if we each have five color cards, what if we throw all sixers and the grey cards are already played out?" you chuckle.
"It's simple...the dice number became a "miss" until all cards were played. Come on, let's play now," she adds smugly. We must finish all of the cards. "Well, it's going to be a lot of fun. It will be both enlightening and therapeutic. You'll love it, and don't look so skeptical, Noemie. Gervais would have enjoyed the game..." she murmurs as she arranges the cards.
"Who wants to go first...remember you get one and you have to read the card, answer the question, then ask the same question to the other players. Usually, with more players, you can select one to three to respond, but there are just three and will all participate." Anais fixed her gaze on you. You just gestured to your cousin.
"d'accord- Alright," Anais said as she gave the dice cup to a delighted Ha-Ni. You merely raised your brow at the two of them.
Ha-Ni shook the cup and flipped it over on the table...the result was a two. But she couldn't continue, so she looked disappointed and handed it back to Anais, while you just smirked as Ha-Ni groaned.
Anais throws a one surprisingly, "Oh ouais. (oh yeah!)...OK, now I must play again..." She rolled the dice, and it came up a two. "Awesome."
She waggled her brows as she stared at your frowning ones with wide eyes. You knew she'd ask you a question. She took the bright yellow card cautiously and bit her lip as her eyes scanned the black letters. You breathed deeply as she teasingly stared at you...
"So. Noemie. I'll ask you the first question...Can you tell us about your "MOST" embarrassing moment in your life?" Anais smiled at your scrunched-up nose.
"Oh, it must be the time you and that idiot Éléonor dared me to go kiss the most popular guy in school," you smirk. " And it was our first day of grade ten. And all for a lousy pair of stilettos."
Ha-Ni busts out of laughter, "Oh my gosh that was so hilarious...but you and the guy became friends. "
"Gervais was enamored with the stunning Asian girl with the hair that almost reached her hips," Anais smirked.
You chuckle a little. You gained a new friend, brother, and confidant as a result of the incident.
"My embarrassing moment was when the headmistress caught me making out with a senior in the janitor's closet... and to top it all, he was the head boy, and her perfect son with the most mischievous girl at school," Anais says nonchalantly.
You all laughed, and Ha-Ni said, "I think mine will take the cake. My sister and I went to the convenience store to shop for groceries and wondered why a weirdo was following us, so we rushed up an aisle, and he trailed us everywhere we went. He spent the entire time chasing us down, airle for airle, and then when he caught up with us, he only ask me if he could get his trolley back...gosh!"
Anais burst out laughing as she imagined the shy Ha-Ni in such a scenario.
Then you grabbed the dice and threw it, you could play again, and you threw a five, it was the red card"Ok, tell us about YOUR "MOST" scandalous incident in your life...well, mine was. When Gervais and I went to visit Marsailles, we drove passed a lake and decided to skinny dip...don't worry, nothing interesting transpired. Ha-N don't be so shocked,"
"Mine was one-day Éléonor and I skipped school and went for a spin in her car...and as we passed an old couple, I decided to flash my boobs," Anais giggled. " They were stunned, and the poor old man's jaw was on the ground. They nearly caused an accident when his old wife smacked him on the head.... two days later, I found out the old guy was our school's new piano teacher...I was mortified."
You've all burst out laughing.
"Omg. Anais, you're such a scandalous girl." You widened your eyes as if you didn't already know. She just shrugged and bit her lip.
Ha-Ni played and was allowed to continue; she played a blue card that said, "OK, Your "MOST"- Heartbreaking or saddest moment" Ha-Ni's eyes started to darken, "Oh, I can say...the day Bangchan decided that our long-term relationship wasn't worth it and he dumped me for my bully..." Ha-Ni's eyes darkened. You just gave her a hug on the side.
"My moment was I discovered my parents had already divorced. I thought my father was cheating when I spotted him with another woman in a restaurant. I wasn't going to confront any of them. My mom is still unaware that I know they are divorced. One summer, I came upon the documents in her office." You get a somber expression as you look at your girls' wide eyes.
Ha- ni gasped "Oh no! I overheard my mother discussing it a few years ago, but she said it wasn't my business."
Anais became silent for a moment before saying softly, with deep sadness in her tone, "Mine was the day of the accident...when I lost my first love, Marcel...Gervais' best friend." There was a brief moment of silence as you all reflected on that dreadful day.
You nod, you've all lost something valuable. When the sports vehicle overturned, it impacted your lives forever.
Anais threw again and was dealt a grey card that said, "Well, tell us YOUR MOST and deepest regret."
Ha-Ni groans, "I probably never dated after my break-up. I should have moved on years ago."
"Mine was deciding to marry Tobi just to find out he deceived me to get his hands on his inheritance, he never loved me. " Anais said with a tone of fury." I will always love and respect my father for saving me from a future disastrous loveless marriage."
"Mine was the day I scratched the sports car of a certain Imbecile CEO," you said. "If I hadn't met him, my life would be simpler and less chaotic than it is currently."
"OOOH...I still demand the deeds of those encounters," Anais waggled her brows. You just smirk.
As Ha-Ni threw the dice and got a blue card, she breathed deeply and blushed. "Well this one is a bit too intimate, but here we go...YOUR "MOST" thrilling moment you went all the way with a guy!" she screwed up her nose. Ha-Ni is a good church girl, and you doubt she will "sin" in that way.
"Well...I won't say the first time...because I have a lot of exciting first times--" laughs Anais.
"Please spare us the specifics! " You winced as you sat back on the sofa, rolling your eyes.
"I had my first encounter with a much older guy...way before I met the fool, Tobi," Anais giggled, clapping her hands in delight. "It was at one of my father's dinner parties at a hotel, and I locked eyes with the most handsome creature I'd ever seen. Later that evening, we had a little.... entanglement. Hot, steamy, and blah, blah, blah! I never saw him again after that, but it was memorable."
"Noemie did you and Gervais went all the way as you let all of us think...out with it," Anais said as she glanced at you with curious eyes.
"We never did it!" you snort. "We lied because I wanted to come off as cool."
"We'll get the truth out of you, Noemie. Just wait!" Anais warned.
It was your turn again, and you threw a pink card, saying, "OK, your MOST desperate moment when you wish you could turn back time?"
"The day I met Tobi," Anais said with a grin.
Ha-Ni nodded, "And Bang chan..."
"And Mr. Imbecile," you said quietly. Your heart would still be whole and untainted by loving a man who loves another woman.
"That's just sad," Anias says, laughing at both of you and Ha-Ni. You simply toss a pillow at her. On Anais's phone, there was a loud notification. The resort restaurant will bring your dinner order. You all looked to be quite excited about the massive seafood plate.
Anais handed the cup to Ha-Nis and motioned for her to toss it. Ha-Ni grinned and squealed ."All right, let's have one final one and call it a day...Ha-Ni, you get the privilege of throwing the dice, and we will all answer this one...then we can have our amazing dinner and drink some wine while watching the sunset over the ocean." Anais suggested.
You just shrugged because you needed to reply to your frantic mother's text message, assuring her that you all landed safely in the Maldives and that you were having a great time.
Ha-Ni smiled, her eyes twinkling.
"All right, ready for the last game?" she rolled the dice and got a grey card. "Ah, another ominous question...woooohhhhh." Ok, YOUR "MOST "darkest secret" that no one knows about?" Ha-Ni's hazel eyes widen in fear as she hears a sharp inhalation of breaths.
Anais had piercing eyes on all of you "This is a highly delicate subject...ok, I haven't told anybody about it since I was fifteen. I felt extremely ashamed, and I'm still not over it. My grandma is the only person who knows, and she died with the knowledge. So promise me...you'll never speak a word about it."
You furrowed your brows at her sorrowful expression, her beautiful eyes looking serious as you all softly nodded. " So I don't know about it?"
"I'm still ashamed of it, but you're my best friend, and I know you'll never betray me..." She took a deep inhale, "Er...I was fifteen when I went to see my grandparents one summer and had my first romantic relationship with a neighbor's kid who I had a huge crush on...we were both fifteen and...and I became pregnant. I was so terrified that I never informed my parents; they were quite strict and would have murdered me, so my boyfriend stole money from his father's account and I had an abortion in secret. I became so ill that I had to inform my grandma. I begged her to keep it a secret, which she did and carried with her to her grave. I'm still plagued with guilt and regret "Anais's eyes were moist, and it was so silent that you could hear a pin fall on the ground.
You and Ha-Ni were stunned, but as you noticed tears welling up in your closest friend's eyes, you both leaped to your feet and embraced her. That had to be the most shameful secret to keep hidden for years. What a weight to bear.
"Anais, we love you and cannot judge you because of that. I would have understood if you had told me sooner..." You looked devastated by the news.
She grimaced and wiped her eyes with the back of her palm "It was a secret Noemie. We became close friends two years later, but I was still ashamed but now you know."
"Yes, this religious girl did something that caused her parents to rethink their beliefs and parenting," Ha-Ni smirks. " Only my immediate family was aware, and Noemie learned of my hospitalization from her mother. I...er really end up in the hospital as a result of a suicide attempt, not food poisoning. Following my shocking breakup with Bang Chan, I swallowed sleeping pills. I was so depressed and in a dark place."
"Oh, Ha-ni--"It was now Ha Ni's to be hugged. Several emotional wounds are revealed as a result of these exposures. "It's fine... I'm no longer depressed, and God and my faith are helping me in overcoming. My family was my biggest source of strength, and I will be always grateful to them. That is why I want to be the perfect daughter ever without causing them any pain."
Ha-Ni smirks and looks solemnly at you, "Your turn, cuz."
"Noémie was always a wholesome girl," Anais said with a lopsided grin. "I doubt she had a more unsavory secret than ours--"
You bite your lip to avoid their stares, look down at your empty glass, and sigh loudly, "Yes, this girl isn't as wholesome as everyone assumes."
Anais and Ha-Ni's eyes widened as you revealed your most recent secret, "I er...slept with a man who is in a committed relationship...and I am so jealous of his partner that I want them to break up! I'm so guilty I let it happen, and my heart is wrecked because I'm in love with someone who will never be mine." As you stare at their dropping jaws, your voice shakes. Anais was dumbfounded, and Ha-Ni's eyes were as huge as saucers as realization flashed through her gaze.
You just bit your lip, your cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Quoi...W...WHAT! Anais yelled with wide eyes.
"Oh, my word!" Ha-ni gasped with shock.
Her cousin and ....Mr. Jung Hoseok!
A/n: The YOUR MOST- Game exposed a lot of secrets...
Thank you so much for reading and voting for this story. I hope you enjoy the antics of our French Bell and her Imbecile so far.
Don't forget to vote and comment with your thoughts on this chapter.
1. Which game question did you most enjoy?
2. Whose experience do you think was the most embarrassing or scandalous?
3. If you were one of the girls whose secret do you think is most devastating?
4. Do you think Noemie feels guilty about her encounters with Hoseok?
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