the late afternoon sun glints off the blue-tiled edge of the villa’s infinity pool, casting ripples of gold across the water. vi lounges on a cushioned daybed nearby, legs stretched out, one arm draped behind her head. she’s in a black sports bra and loose, unbuttoned shorts, pink hair tousled by the warm breeze. a pair of dark sunglasses hides her eyes, though every so often she tilts her head just enough to glance in your direction.

you’re sprawled across one of the villa’s oversized golden-yellow outdoor couches with a few of the girls you’ve grown close to over the past couple of weeks. one of them is halfway through recounting last night’s challenge while another is painting toenails, the conversation bouncing effortlessly from gossip to who might have their heads turned by the next bombshell. laughter comes easily, and every now and then one of the girls nudges you with a teasing comment about you and vi, earning an amused roll of your eyes.

you and vi had been coupled up since the very first day, and somehow, against the odds of love island, neither of you had strayed. while other couples split apart almost as quickly as they formed, yours had only grown stronger. bombshells had come and gone, tempting everyone to explore new connections, but every recoupling ended exactly the same: vi stepping forward without hesitation and choosing you. at this point, even the other islanders had stopped questioning it.

the soft hum of pop music drifts through the villa, blending with the splash of the infinity pool and the easy chatter filling the garden. vi lifts her water bottle for a sip before setting it back beside her, her attention inevitably finding its way back to you. she doesn’t interrupt your conversation with the girls or call you over. instead, a small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth as she watches you laugh, perfectly content knowing that, when the day winds down, you’ll be making your way back to her side anyway.