Pairing: Manon Bannerman x Female Reader (use of y/n) x Sophia Laforteza (ex relationship)
ˢᵘᵐᵐᵃʳʸ ⭑ After five years of a "picture-perfect" relationship straight out of a high-society magazine, (y/n) decided she could no longer breathe under the crushing weight of the Laforteza perfection and fled to Switzerland. There, she found a new life, her own rhythm, and Manon Bannerman—a big-hearted indie artist who loves her for who she is, not the last name she’s marrying into. Everything is peace, love, and art... until (y/n)’s cousin, Megan, announces her destination wedding in Hawaii to Jeung Yoonchae.Determined to formally introduce Manon to her complicated family, (y/n) accepts the invitation, completely unaware of the tiny "detail" the universe has in store: Yoonchae is Sophia Laforteza’s cousin. Now, trapped in a paradise resort for two days, (y/n) will have to deal with her parents' expectations, the nerves of her adorable and clumsy Swiss girlfriend, and the imposing, charismatic, and ridiculously wealthy presence of her ex—who is still everyone's favorite. Will real love survive the storm of perfection?
ᵗᵃᵍˢ ⭑ Exes To Anxious By standers ⭑ Fluff And Angst ⭑ Romantic Comedy ⭑ Family Drama ⭑ From Friends To Exes ⭑ Social Class Difference ⭑ Bittersweet
³. The damn pink ukulele.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Ceremony Rehearsal (Exclusive Wedding Party)
The second day started early, with a sun that was just beginning to warm up the Hawaiian coast. The dress rehearsal was strictly reserved for the wedding party: best men, bridesmaids, and the key people for the ceremony. Because of this, the general guests, including the parents and Manon, had stayed behind to relax at the resort.
The ones leading the way to the rehearsal venue were the brides in their own car, followed by the groomsmen's minivan, and finally, the bridesmaids' minivan.
Inside that last vehicle, you could literally cut the tension with a knife.
(y/n) was sitting in the middle row, arms rigidly crossed over her chest and back pressed against the seat. She wasn't listening to the other bridesmaids' laughing, nor the hyped comments about the dresses. All her energy was focused on keeping a killer, death-stare locked on the person sitting right in front of her.
The Filipina wasn't part of the official wedding party, but Yoonchae had explicitly ordered her to attend the rehearsal to oversee the details and make sure the wedding coordinator didn't play games with the budget or the positions. Sophia was wearing her leather trench coat, holding a digital tablet on her lap, but it was proving humanly impossible for her to lock in. Every time she looked up, she ran straight into her ex’s crystal-clear intentions to make her uncomfortable.
And, to Sophia's absolute misery, it was totally working. (y/n)’s intensity was suffocating her just as much as the island heat.
Finally, unable to handle the pressure any longer, Sophia softly cleared her throat, closing her tablet screen.
—... Do I have something on my—?
—If you don't want me to wreck that pretty little face of yours, shut your mouth —(y/n) cut her off instantly, pointing an index finger straight at her, her voice low but dripping with ruthless hostility.
Sophia’s mouth dropped open in shock, but before she could even reply, the minivan came to a full stop in front of the venue. The sliding doors opened and the rest of the bridesmaids started getting out, laughing, completely oblivious to the silent meltdown that had just gone down.
Definitely... it was not off to a good morning.
The rehearsal lasted an exact hour that felt like an eternity. Between running through the positions at the altar, testing the mics, and pacing the walk to the front, (y/n) made sure to keep a safe but lethal distance from Sophia. Every time the Filipina tried to approach the coordinator to make a suggestion, the girl's gaze tracked her like a hawk.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Hawaii Cultural Workshop
Once the rehearsal wrapped up, the wedding party headed back to the hotel to join the rest of the guests at the private beach area. The vibe completely shifted as the scent of tropical flowers and the soft music of a ukulele welcomed the group. It was time for the cultural workshop, where everyone would craft their own natural flower crowns, traditionally known as Haku Leis.
(y/n) walked quickly through the sand until she spotted a wavy head of hair she recognized instantly.
—Babe! —she breathed out, letting go of all the air trapped in her lungs as she wrapped herself in Manon’s arms.
The Swiss girl, who was already wearing a loose beach dress and holding a couple of hibiscus flowers in her hand, welcomed her with a massive smile, kissing her forehead—. Hey, my love. How did the rehearsal go? You seem... tense.
—Absolute torture. I'll tell you later —(y/n) muttered, settling down next to her girlfriend at the workshop's wooden table.
Just a few tables away, Sophia was sharing the space with her family and Yoonchae. Even though she was trying to focus on weaving the flower petals to assemble her crown, her eyes kept inevitably drifting toward the couple. Seeing Manon gently tuck a flower behind (y/n)’s ear, making her laugh in that genuinely relaxed way, put a weird knot in her stomach.
—It's gonna end up crooked if you keep looking over there —her younger brother whispered in her ear, earning an immediate elbow to the ribs from Sophia.
By the time the workshop ended, all the guests were proudly sporting their colorful natural flower crowns, ready for the next stop on the itinerary.
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Private Boat Excursion.
The entire group moved toward the resort's private pier, where a massive, luxurious mini cruise ship was waiting to take them out to the open sea. With their flower crowns still on and tropical music blasting through the speakers, the guests boarded with pure hype.
On board, the vibe was a spectacular feast of fresh fruit and ice-cold cocktails. To (y/n)’s surprise, Manon was way more involved with her family than she ever imagined; incredibly, the Swiss girl was sitting a bit further back, chatting and laughing so naturally with the little cousins and the grandparents, completely winning them over with her charisma.
However, (y/n)’s bubble of peace shattered into a million pieces when she spotted a blob of golden fur clumsily running across the deck.
It was her parents and... they had brought Leon onto the boat.
The dog, who was definitely no longer a puppy, was desperately searching through the crowd until he locked eyes with (y/n). She welcomed him while holding back a scream of frustration, kneeling down to hold him by his harness while Leon tried to climb all over her, determined to never be separated from her again.
—What the hell were you guys thinking!? —(y/n) muttered in a rage-filled hiss, rubbing her forehead in frustration while glaring at her parents—. Did you seriously go look for him in the Laforteza's room? What is wrong with you? Are you guys actually insane?
—You’re talking as if they weren’t our friends, (y/n) —her father replied with total nonchalance, adjusting his sunglasses—. Just because you're exes with their daughter doesn't mean we're going to ghost them.
Leon, who was tucked right between (y/n)’s legs, perked his ears up instantly upon noticing a familiar presence. The dog’s other mom had overheard the whole scolding from a safe distance and, finally, decided to walk over. Sophia walked across the deck with that effortless elegance of hers, holding a glass of champagne with a timid smile plastered on her face.
—Bad timing? —the Filipina asked in a soft voice.
—Sophia —(y/n) uttered, tensing up immediately.
—Sophia! Aren't you going to jump in? —(y/n)’s father interrupted with over-the-top enthusiasm—. I’m so hyped to see the sea turtles...
Before he could keep hyping the young woman up, his own daughter shot him a look so lethal and murderous that the man shut his mouth immediately, letting himself be submissively dragged away by his wife to the other side of the deck.
Left alone, Sophia glanced at (y/n), taking a subtle sip from her glass.
—Are you going to hit me?
—Oh... trust me, I really want to —(y/n) replied through gritted teeth.
Leon looked at his two owners, wagging his tail back and forth between them.
—Apparently, nobody understands that a dog can get seasick on planes or boats —(y/n) continued, crossing her arms and looking at the sky in pure outrage—. Am I seriously the only sane person in this place?
Sophia lowered her head, taking the scolding with a quiet maturity.
—And what the fuck am I supposed to do with your sorr-... —(y/n) cut herself off, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath so she wouldn't completely lose it in the middle of the catamaran—. Just... try to watch Leon when I can't. What happened yesterday in the garden cannot happen again.
—He missed you... —Sophia murmured, looking at the dog with nostalgia—. It's normal for him to act like that after seeing you again after a year.
—He could have hurt someone else, Sophia. Have you not seen how obese he is? What the fuck are you even feeding him?
Sophia’s jaw dropped, heavily offended by the attack on their pet.
—Stop body-shaming him —the Filipina called her out, pouting her lips—. He has feelings.
(y/n) frowned to the extreme, looking down at Leon —who legitimately looked like a golden bear— and let out a sigh of pure exhaustion.
—I’m not going to waste my time arguing about this with you. Just... keep an eye on him.
—Hey... everything good? —a soft, deep voice interrupted the argument.
Manon appeared right by (y/n)’s side, effortlessly sliding one of her hands around her girlfriend’s waist, subtly claiming her spot. The Swiss girl gave a slight nod to the Filipina, and Sophia nodded back with a tight smile, fixing her posture immediately.
—He’s your responsibility now. Deal with it —(y/n) snapped coldly, reaching her arm out to hand the leash over to the Filipina without even looking at her.
Sophia took it in silence.
Manon raised both eyebrows, looking back and forth between the leash changing hands, Sophia’s submissiveness, and her partner’s frustration. A thought crossed the Swiss artist’s mind with terrifying clarity: If I ever have kids with (y/n) in the future, I’m going to do everything humanly possible to avoid a breakup and having to share custody... this is... way too much. The tension of co-parenting a fat dog was an absolute nightmare.
—Manon, let’s go —(y/n) ordered, turning around abruptly.
—Uh, yeah... yeah, sure —the Swiss girl stammered, letting herself be guided by her girlfriend away from the stern.
As they walked away from the stern, Manon didn’t waste any time putting her plan into action to rescue (y/n) from her own bad mood. With endless patience and that incredibly comforting Swiss warmth, she started giving her quick kisses on the cheek and whispering funny comments about the guests' hats. Little by little, she managed to get her girlfriend's jaw to unclench. In the end, with a couple of well-calculated coddling moments, Manon completely convinced her to put on the goggles and dive together into the crystal-clear water to completely unplug from everything.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the mini-cruise, Sophia was living a completely different reality, dealing with the weight of Leon’s leash and the teasing of her worst nightmare.
—You need to get yourself a girlfriend.
—Zip it —Sophia snapped back without looking at her younger brother.
—You’re pining over your ex, who literally dumped the dog on you just to go have fun with her partner —the boy continued, leaning his arms on the railing with a smug smirk—. Do you know how pathetic that is?
Sophia looked at her brother, looked down at the wooden floor of the deck, and then looked away, feeling her pride completely shatter. Damn it. He was right. But before she could come up with a mature comeback, her eyes scanned the ship's floor, and pure panic hit her all at once.
—The dog. He was right here with me —Sophia stammered, realizing that the leash she was holding was completely loose, swaying to the rhythm of the ocean breeze.
Sophia let out a frustrated huff and started fast-walking through the corridors of the place, dodging guests who were chatting with drinks in hand. It took her almost three minutes to find the massive Golden Retriever. Leon had shamelessly sneaked into the stern buffet area and, at that exact moment, was timidly wagging his tail while stretching his snout to lick the leftovers of a seafood skewer plate that someone had left unattended on a low table.
—Leon! No! —Sophia hissed in a hurried whisper, immediately stepping close to grab the animal's harness. The dog turned to look at her with puppy eyes and remnants of tropical sauce on his whiskers—. You are a literal mess, honestly. Do we not feed you well enough in the suite?
Just as Sophia bent down with a cloth handkerchief to gently wipe his snout, a soft laugh caught her attention.
—Well, looks like someone beat everyone else to the main lunch.
Sophia looked up and locked eyes with a group of three young adults, guests from Yoonchae's family, who were holding their drinks. Among them was one of the bridesmaids from the wedding, wearing a straw beach hat.
—I am so incredibly sorry —Sophia apologized immediately, instantly recovering her upright, flawless, and charismatic posture with impressive speed—. He’s a professional foodie. The smell of the Hawaiian seafood completely overrode his training.
—Don't worry about it, he is absolutely gorgeous —one of the girls said, stepping closer carefully and extending a hand for Leon to sniff. The dog, being the shameless attention-seeker he was, sat down immediately and gave her knee a gentle nudge with his head—. Oh my God, he’s such a sweetheart! What’s his name?
—His name is Leon —Sophia replied, her face softening into a genuine smile that immediately captured the group's attention. The Filipina had that natural grace that made anyone feel comfortable around her—. He’s three years old. And even if it doesn't look like it from his manners, he does know how to behave in public.
—Really? Does he know how to do tricks? —the other guy in the group asked, visibly invested in the interaction.
—He’s a very smart dog —Sophia commented proudly. She squatted down a bit, getting Leon's full attention, and raised a hand—. Leon, sit.
The Golden Retriever obeyed instantly, gluing his butt to the ship's deck without taking his eyes off his owner. Sophia reached into the pocket of her leather trench coat, pulled out a small piece of dehydrated treat that she always carried, and gave it to him. The group let out a subtle, collective "aww."
—Shake —she requested, offering her hand. Leon lifted a heavy paw and placed it on Sophia’s palm with absolute solemnity—. Yeah... he’s a great companion. A bit high-maintenance sometimes, but... well, that’s his other owner's fault.
The three people in the group exchanged a surprised look, and the girl in the straw hat leaned in a bit closer.
—He has another mom? That is sooo cute. Do you guys live together?
Sophia felt a slight flip in her stomach upon hearing the word "together," but she kept her composure, petting the dog's back while the girl pulled out her phone.
—Can we take a picture with him? He’s just way too photogenic —the young woman asked.
—Sure, no problem —Sophia nodded politely, positioning herself next to the dog and posing with that perfect, polite, and magnetic smile she had mastered since she was a kid.
Little by little, the small circle of people started attracting more guests walking along the deck. Sophia's charisma, paired with the docility of the massive golden dog, started gathering a small crowd around them. Sophia answered questions about the breed, told funny anecdotes about the trip, and shared laughs with strangers as if she had known them her whole life. Once again, without the slightest effort, Sophia Laforteza had won over the crowd.
—I’m guessing you have the other owner's permission to have him here on the boat, right? —one of the new guys who had joined the conversation chipped in, joking about the custody situation.
—Well... —Sophia hesitated for the first time in fifteen minutes, feeling her smile freeze a bit on her lips.
—No permission needed, she’s right here on the boat. They’re both taking care of him —the voice of her younger brother cut in, reappearing out of nowhere behind the group.
Sophia reacted out of pure sibling instinct. She reached her arm out and smacked the back of her brother's neck to shut him up before he opened his mouth any further. The boy let out a groan, but with lethal speed, he leaned into his sister’s ear and whispered maliciously: —Do you want your little girlfriend to know you hit me in front of everyone, and that you also lost the dog because you got distracted?
Sophia shot him a look that would have melted arctic ice.
—Aww, so Leon really has two moms —the girl with the phone commented, touched by the pet's family setup—. That’s a very mature arrangement on your part.
—She... she’s not my... anymore...
—Oh, Sophia, honey! Her parents are looking for you guys! —(y/n)’s mother’s voice echoed from the entrance of the catamaran's main cabin, interrupting the moment.
Sophia felt like the earth swallowing her whole would be a fantastic option right about then. Why the fuck was everyone connected to (y/n) ruining her life right now?!
—Let’s go, your mother-in-law is calling us —the younger brother teased in a whisper, nudging her with his elbow as he thoroughly enjoyed his perfect older sister's meltdown.
—Are you (y/n)’s girlfriend? Damn, that’s why you looked so familiar —Megan’s bridesmaid in the group finally chimed in, putting all the pieces of the puzzle together in her head all at once—. Now I completely understand why she was so pissed off in the minivan this morning during rehearsal. What the hell did you do to her?
Sophia opened her mouth, feeling the air turn thick and the Hawaiian heat completely rush to her cheeks.
—No... no, she... —she tried to clarify, completely losing the eloquence she was known for—. She isn't my... no... I mean...
—Take care of her, she’s a special girl —the bridesmaid finished with a kind smile and a light pat on Sophia’s shoulder, before turning around to head back to the lounge area with the rest of the guests.
Her younger brother let out a loud, guilt-free laugh and yanked hard on his sister’s coat to drag her away from the curious stares of the group. —Walk, "mom."
At two in the afternoon, the engine slowed down as they approached the harbor on their way back. The guests who had gone down to swim and snorkel started climbing up the stern ladder, greeted by the crew with fluffy towels and white bathrobes to shield them from the sea breeze that was starting to get chilly.
When Sophia and her brother freed themselves from their family -again- they ran right into (y/n)’s father, who was walking back and forth in a bathrobe, drying off in the sun. However, the three of them were able to witness the scene happening by the railing.
(y/n) had just climbed up, her hair soaking wet and shivering slightly from the change in temperature. Manon, who was already dry and wearing her beach clothes, was waiting for her with a huge white bathrobe spread open in her arms. With absolute gentleness and a smile overflowing with tenderness, the Swiss girl wrapped (y/n) in the fabric, making sure to cover her shoulders well before affectionately rubbing her arms to warm her up. (y/n) looked up at her, her eyes glowing in a way Sophia hadn’t seen in a year.
Sophia’s former father-in-law didn’t miss the detail. He noticed immediately how the Filipino girl’s gaze locked onto the couple, and a calculating smile formed to himself. It wasn't that Manon was bad for his daughter —the girl was undeniably beautiful and charismatic—, but Sophia... Sophia was still perfect. Sophia meant status, business connections, and the Laforteza last name.
—They're cute, don't you think, guys? —he dropped in a falsely innocent tone, breaking the silence.
Sophia’s brother simply shrugged, playing it down as he patted León’s head.
—Sophia? —the man insisted, looking for her reaction.
—Uh... yeah, sure —the Filipino girl replied, forcing her eyes away from the couple and adjusting her leather coat to hide the sting in her chest.
He arched an eyebrow, stepping closer to Sophia and adopting a confidential, insider tone.
—My daughter isn't mad at you, Sophia.
The Filipino girl let out a short, bitter laugh, remembering the explicit threat she had received in the minivan that very morning.
—I’m serious. She’s just... tense —he assured, crossing his arms while looking at Manon with a look of subtle disapproval—. And it’s all because of that girl...
Sophia frowned immediately. The protective instinct she had always felt toward (y/n) flared up inside her in a split second. She forgot the jealousy, forgot her pride, and stared intently at the Swiss woman.
—Did she do something to her?
(y/n)’s father let out a theatrical sigh, adjusting his robe before looking at Sophia with perfectly rehearsed pity.
─Oh, no, it’s not that she did anything bad to her ─he replied, lowering his voice as if he were revealing a state secret─. It’s just... look at them. That girl has her living in a fantasy bubble, completely cut off from the real world, from business, from her future. Since she’s been with her, our daughter seems to have forgotten who she is and where she comes from.
Sophia stayed quiet, processing his words while her younger brother rolled his eyes next to her, spotting the guy’s fake vibes from a mile away. But Sophia, trapped by the guilt of the past and the heavy weight of seeing (y/n) with someone else, listened intently.
─You know her, Sophia ─he continued─. You never made her distance herself from her family. When you two were together, she was always there for us, she kept her feet on the ground.
─Things changed, sir ─Sophia murmured, feeling a lump in her throat─. She decided to move to Switzerland and...
─Because she was being impulsive, as usual. But love doesn't just disappear overnight ─he interrupted her, locking his calculating eyes onto the Filipina’s─. Your family still loves her, don't they? Your dad speaks wonders of her, and we absolutely adore you. You two were the perfect couple. That's why I don't get it... Why did you give up so easily?
The question hit her straight in her pride. Why did you give up so easily? The words echoed in her mind as she looked back toward the stern of the boat.
Over there, Manon was laughing at something (y/n) had said, tenderly tucking a strand of wet hair behind her ear. (y/n) looked happy, but to Sophia, blinded by the man’s manipulation and her own unresolved feelings, that happiness started to look like a front.
─I didn't give up ─she replied under her breath, her jaw tight─. I just... gave her space.
─Well, she’s had enough space, girl ─(y/n)’s father stated with a smug smile, knowing exactly which strings to pull to wake the lioness─. She’s weak when it comes to things from the past. She knows that with you, she had a stable life, a real life. She just needs a reminder.
Sophia bit the inside of her cheek. She had no clue her ex-in-laws were using their own ambition to sabotage their daughter's current relationship; she only felt the burn of competition and the ache of having let go of what she believed was hers.
─Think about it, Sophia. The day is still young ─he concluded, patting her on the shoulder before turning around to call his wife─. Honey!
Sophia stood frozen in place, tightly gripping the leash of León, who let out a low whine. Her younger brother leaned in toward her, a clear look of disgust on his face. ─They are using you as bait, genius. Don't listen to them ─the boy warned her in a whisper.
But Sophia wasn't listening to him anymore. Her mind was fixed on her ex-father-in-law's words and on (y/n)’s silhouette. Her ex’s parents' plan had just begun, and Sophia, without even realizing it, was already falling into the trap.
Once everyone who had gone down for a swim returned to the main deck dry and changed, the interior of the mini cruise ship transformed into a floating party. The buffet opened up again with a revamped menu of teriyaki beef skewers, tropical salads, and cocktails topped with colorful umbrellas. The onboard crew —a group of incredibly high-energy local entertainers— joined the crowd to make the cruise twice as fun.
At first, it was pure vibe. There were laughs, music with heavy bass that made the ship's wood vibrate, impromptu dancing on the decks, and even massive crowd chants every time the charismatic host pointed the microphone toward the guests.
The showman, a tall man with a brilliant smile wearing an unbuttoned floral shirt, stepped onto the small stage with a wireless mic in hand.
─Alright, my people! It’s time to see who came to Hawaii to win and who just came to sleep! ─he shouted, triggering applause from the crowd─. For our main event of the afternoon, I’m gonna need... mmmh, how many of you are there? ─He pretended to count with his index finger as he walked around the crowd that had gathered in the center of the main lounge.
With theatrical moves, he blended into the crowd. He grabbed the hand of a young girl and then another guy her age.
─Ten couples! ─the entertainer concluded, picking them seemingly at random.
First, he selected a sweet elderly couple. Then, two adults from Megan’s family. That made four couples. Next, he picked two couples of young kids, which made the crowd go "aww," bringing the total to six. He added another couple of adults from the investment firm, making it seven. And two more elderly couples who accepted with a laugh, reaching nine couples.
The showman walked with exaggerated steps toward the area where (y/n)’s family was sitting. Her parents, who had been watching Sophia from a distance for a while, gave the entertainer an imperceptible nod, subtly pointing in the right direction.
─Golden Ticket for you! ─the man exclaimed, catching the wrist of (y/n), who right at that moment was finishing putting her still-damp hair up into a high ponytail, wearing her beach dress again.
(y/n) blinked in surprise as the entertainer gently dragged her toward the center of the floor.
─And the last Golden Ticket for you! ─the showman shouted, reaching out to take the hand of the person walking right in front of her.
Oh, no. With Sophia Laforteza... they were officially ten couples now.
─Hand in hand, please ─the showman instructed, lining up the participants in front of the audience.
Sophia, who had just been dragged into the game, felt the absolute stiffness in (y/n)’s shoulders despite the distance still separating them. The closer the Filipina got to follow the entertainer's order, the more lethal her ex's aura became.
─I... I don't want to play ─(y/n) blurted out loud, planting her feet firmly on the deck.
Most of the guests, caught up in the energy of the show, let out a playful boo in unison. "Don't be a party pooper!", "It's just a game!", some shouted from the back.
(y/n) desperately looked through the crowd for Manon. The Swiss girl was standing near the bar, holding a fruity drink. Noticing her girlfriend's silent plea for help, Manon gave her a reassuring smile and a little nod that clearly meant: "Go for it." The Swiss girl wasn't bothered by the situation; she fully trusted their relationship... but she had no idea about the full history or the silent sabotage the ex-in-laws were plotting behind her back.
Sophia finally took the last step and suddenly grabbed her hand, startling her a little with the warmth of her grip. Her touch felt exactly the same as she remembered.
─It's just a game ─the Filipina murmured in a low tone, mature enough to try and calm the waters.
─A game I have to share with you ─the younger girl whispered through her teeth, looking away toward the other side of the deck to avoid making eye contact with her.
─Alright! ─the showman started through the microphone, stepping into the middle of the floor while the attendees clapped loudly, ready to watch the couples' disaster or triumph─. You might be wondering at what point we hid all these items on the boat!... don't worry. While you guys were super busy in the water with the sea turtles, we made good use of the time.
The main lounge erupted in laughter and inside jokes.
─And don't worry about the forty minutes, this ship isn't your typical five-star cruise ─the entertainer added with a sly wink.
─Hey! ─Megan shouted from her table, raising a hand in an exaggerated way.
─Oops! I offended the bride ─the showman apologized with a chuckle, putting a hand over his heart─. Sorry, Megan, your mini cruise is beautiful, but the clock is ticking! So pay close attention to the rules of the game:
While the man spoke, a couple of entertainers started walking down the line of the ten couples, handing each one a laminated card. At the same time, another crew member was placing colorful toy handcuffs on the participants' wrists, linking one person's right hand with the other's left.
When the cheap plastic metal clicked around (y/n)’s wrist and Sophia’s, a shared shiver ran through both of them. They were officially trapped.
─Rule number one ─the host announced─: Hands must remain tied at all times. If you separate, you are immediately disqualified. Rule number two: Your main item is printed on the card you just received. If you find it, you must take two photos with your phone: one of the item alone, and one of the couple posing next to the item.
(y/n) glanced at her card. On the front, in big, flashy letters, it read: "A PINK TOY UKULELE WITH FLOWER STICKERS."
─Rule number three: You must run back here and hand the item to the staff before any other couple. Only the top three spots take home the grand Hawaiian prize! ─The crowd cheered enthusiastically─. Rule number four... and my personal favorite. If you look at the back of your card, you’ll see the list of items the other couples are looking for. If you run into an opponent's item along the way, you can hide it even better to make their search harder.
Sophia arched an eyebrow, a spark of competitiveness lighting up in her dark eyes upon hearing that rule. She looked at the back of their shared card, memorizing everyone else's items.
─Rule number five: Hiding is allowed, but breaking or stealing items that don't belong to you is not. Rule number six: It is forbidden to quit the game mid-search. And rule number seven... Have fun! Time starts in three, two, one... GO!
The sound of a whistle echoed throughout the catamaran, and the main lounge turned into a chaotic mess of screams, laughs, and friendly shoving. The ten couples bolted in different directions, some tripping immediately due to the lack of coordination with the toy handcuffs.
(y/n) instinctively jerked to the right, but the plastic grip stopped her dead in her tracks as Sophia tried to move toward the left.
─Not that way! ─(y/n) complained, turning around to look at the Filipina with a frown.
─We need to check the lower deck cabins or the captain's bridge. Think like the host ─Sophia replied, standing her ground and pulling the handcuffed wrist gently but firmly.
─I don't want to think like the host, I just want to get this over with quick ─(y/n) whispered, feeling the warmth of Sophia's skin brushing against hers every time they took a wrong step.
In the distance, near the bar, Manon watched them, taking a sip of her drink. To the Swiss girl, seeing her girlfriend trapped in a beach game with her ex was almost like a rom-com cliché; she still hadn't processed the underlying tension, but the timer was already running.
—Fine, you win. Let's go downstairs first. But walk at my pace, please. I don't want to end up face-planting against the wood.
—I have excellent balance, (y/n), you're not going to fall —Sophia replied with that innate confidence that always used to annoy the hell out of you.
They started heading toward the stairs leading to the lower deck, where the cabins and restrooms were located. The first step was a total disaster; (y/n) stepped forward with her right foot just as Sophia moved her left, which made the plastic chain of the handcuffs snap tight with a sharp jerk, forcing them to crash shoulder-to-shoulder.
—Sorry —the Filipina said, and for a second, a tiny, amused, genuine smile tugged at the corner of her lips—. Come on. Left, right, left... Like that.
With an almost military and pretty ridiculous rhythm, they managed to make it down the wooden steps. The lower hallway of the mini cruise ship was eerily quiet, lit by the natural light coming through the small, round portholes. The rocking of the boat felt way more intense down here, which didn't help the stability of their joined hands at all.
—There are three cabins available for guests —Sophia pointed out, guiding her toward the first light-wood door—. Let's check under the pillows or in the small closets. The hosts love dark spots.
They opened the first door with great difficulty. To turn the doorknob, Sophia practically had to wrap her free arm around her ex-girlfriend's body to get an angle, forcing her to hold her breath because of the sudden closeness. Their bodies fit together with a scary familiarity, a muscle-memory reflex of the years they had spent together.
The first cabin was empty. No sign of the pink ukulele.
However, just as they were about to leave to check the second room, the sound of rushed footsteps and muffled laughter echoed in the hallway. It was two of Yoonchae's teenage cousins, who made up couple number two. They were dragging each other along, sweaty and looking frantic.
—There's nothing in the bathrooms! —one of the guys yelled upon seeing them—. Let's check the crew area!
Once the teenagers hurried past, Sophia narrowed her eyes, noticing something weird in the hallway. On top of a small emergency ledge, half-hidden behind a fire extinguisher, a shiny metal cylindrical object was sticking out.
Sophia quickly checked the back of the card she shared with you.
—(y/n), look —the Filipina whispered, nodding toward the extinguisher—. Couple number eight is looking for an aluminum flask with the resort logo. That's the one right there.
(y/n)’s gaze traveled from the flask to Sophia's eyes, which were shining with that competitive spark that always defined her whenever she played a game. —Rule four —the first one reminded her quietly, a small, mischievous smirk forming on her own lips—. We can hide it even better.
Forgetting the tension and drama of their breakup for a second, both moved in unison with perfect coordination that only years of dating could give them. Sophia reached out her left hand (the free one) to grab the flask, while (y/n) used her right hand to hold the heavy base of the fire extinguisher to make room for her.
—Where do we put it? —(y/n) asked, looking around.
—In there —Sophia suggested, pointing her head toward a small ventilation grate that was loose at the bottom of the wall—. They'll never find it in their lives.
Sophia crouched down and, consequently, dragged you down with her onto the carpeted floor. Their knees brushed against each other and the other's hand—handcuffed—rested directly on the Filipina's thigh to keep her balance. Neither of them said anything, but the vibe in the lower hallway suddenly turned heavy, charged with a static electricity that had absolutely nothing to do with the game.
Sophia carefully slid the flask inside the grate, put the plastic cover back in place, and let out a sigh, turning her head to look at her. They were just inches apart.
—Good job, partner —Sophia murmured in a soft tone, holding your gaze.
—Don't get used to it —the other replied, trying to sound firm, even though her heart had just done a treacherous flip—. We still have to find our own ukulele and we only have thirty-five minutes left. Move.
Sophia let out a low chuckle, getting up gracefully from the floor and helping her stand up with a subtle tug of the handcuffs.
The competitiveness between (y/n) and Sophia had always been a total force of nature. Back in their college days, they could turn a simple game of Monopoly into a three-day cold war, or a friendly volleyball match into an Olympic final. Being handcuffed to each other wasn’t about to turn down that intensity; if anything, it was fueling it.
Leaving the cabin hallway, Sophia glanced at the list on the card for the tenth time, her mind racing a mile a minute.
—Let’s see —Sophia said, stopping before going up the stairs—. If I were an entertainer with a comedian complex, where would I hide a pink ukulele that makes noise at the slightest movement?
—In the kitchen —(y/n) shot back instantly, locking into the exact same wavelength. Her eyes flashed with that stubborn spark Sophia knew all too well—. Among the pans or hanging with the big utensils. Nobody from the wedding party goes into the kitchen because they feel too awkward around the chefs.
Sophia smirked, a look of pure satisfaction spreading across her face.
—I love the way you think when you want to win. Let’s go.
They moved with a renewed burst of speed. The forced coordination was no longer an issue; instinctively, they both started compensating for each other's movements. If (y/n) dodged a guest in the hallway, Sophia leaned the opposite way so they wouldn’t strain the plastic chain. They were a well-oiled machine.
They reached the swinging door connecting the lounge to the ship's small service kitchen. Pushing it open, they were greeted by the scent of fresh fish and spices, along with the chaos of two chefs prepping the next round of appetizers.
—Excuse us, game emergency —Sophia announced in her best performance voice, giving the chefs a smile so charming that the men just raised their hands in surrender, letting them through.
(y/n) started checking the lower shelves, dragging Sophia down to crouch with her. Their shoulders bumped rhythmically with every sudden movement.
—Nothing down here... just plates —the other groaned, shoving her free hand between some storage boxes—. Wait... look up!
Hanging from the highest steel shelf, right behind a row of giant ladles, peeked out a neon pink plastic neck with a hibiscus flower sticker on the tip.
—There it is! —Sophia exclaimed, pointing at the neon pink neck sticking out from behind the ladles.
But there was a technical issue. The shelf was too high. Sophia tried to stretch her left arm, but the handcuff chain pulled the other's wrist upward, limiting her range of motion and making the toy seem completely out of reach.
Sophia evaluated the situation in half a second. Her competitive, problem-solving mind wasn't going to let a steel shelf beat her. She turned toward her ex with a spark of boldness in her eyes, and before she could process what was about to happen, she gave up on the shelf and focused on (y/n).
—Hold on —she warned in a whisper.
Sophia squatted slightly, slipped her firm hands under her thighs, and, using the strength and stability from her years of discipline, lifted her into the air in one single motion.
(y/n) caught her breath in surprise, letting out a choked gasp as her feet left the kitchen floor. Out of pure survival instinct, her free hand pressed hard against the Filipina's shoulder to keep her balance. The direct contact, the firmness of her grip, and the ease with which she was being held mid-air made her heart hammer violently against your ribs.
On the other hand, Sophia immediately thought that her ex-mother-in-law wasn't wrong.
Sophia enjoyed this. God, she enjoyed it way too much. Feeling (y/n)’s weight against her body, the instant synchronicity of their muscle reflexes, and the subtle scent of her damp hair so close gave her an adrenaline rush that had nothing to do with the showman's prize. The wall of coldness you had built up this morning had completely crumbled under the weight of their shared competitiveness.
—Sophia, I don't weigh three kilos! —(y/n) complained in a rushed whisper, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and proximity.
—You're light, move it —Sophia shot back with a smug smirk, holding her completely steady.
The other girl extended her hand—the one that wasn't handcuffed, gaining the necessary inches thanks to the elevation—and managed to hook the pink ukulele with her fingers, successfully bringing it down from the shelf.
Witnessing the action-movie-worthy maneuver, the ship's cooks burst into applause and enthusiastic cheers, completely melted by the couple's teamwork.
(y/n) hovered there for a couple more seconds, the plastic toy gripped in her free hand, looking down at Sophia. Her eyes were locked onto hers, gleaming with a mix of pride, amusement, and something much deeper that felt way too much like the past.
—Good call —(y/n) whispered softly, forcing her vocal cords to maintain that hint of distance and coldness so she wouldn't betray how much the gesture had affected you.
Sophia lowered her carefully, letting her feet touch the kitchen floor slowly, sliding her hands off her thighs with an agonizingly slow pace.
—Anything for the win, partner —the Filipina murmured, fixing her flawless posture before pulling out her phone—. Now, hold up the ukulele. We need to take the required photos before the chefs start charging us admission.
Sophia pulled up her phone's front-facing camera, expertly framing both of their faces alongside the ridiculous, hot-pink toy. They took the first photo of just the object sitting on the steel kitchen counter, and then a second one, posing together. Even though (y/n) tried to keep a neutral, detached face for posterity, the adrenaline of the moment made her look relaxed, almost like back in the day.
Checking the countdown on the screen, Sophia realized they still had a little over twenty-five minutes left on the clock. Knowing how slow the rest of the guests were and how clumsy the couples made up of kids and elderly people could be, their confidence skyrocketed. They were positive nobody had made it back to the main lounge yet.
—My intuition never misses —(y/n) declared with a smug smirk, crossing her arms while tucking the toy under her armpit.
—Oh, really? —Sophia raised an eyebrow, running her free fingers across the tiny plastic strings of the pink ukulele. The instrument let out a sharp, out-of-tune twang—. And I don't get any credit for helping?
To prove her point, the black-haired girl gently strummed the strings, playing a basic chord from memory. Because of the toy handcuffs, (y/n)’s right hand was inevitably dragged along, swaying to the rhythm of the Filipina’s wrist as she tried to tune the little instrument with fake seriousness. The closeness felt natural again, almost choreographed.
(y/n) looked down at their linked hands and then locked eyes with her ex, shaking her head with an amused but firm expression.
—And you’re still obsessed with getting credit for everything. Move past college, Phia. The real world doesn't give out gold stars.
Sophia let out a soft laugh, stopping the strumming but without letting go of the ukulele. The comeback reminded her of those endless study nights where they used to compete for the highest GPA—a time when that exact same stubbornness was what made them fall for each other in the first place.
—The real world might not, but the showman on this cruise definitely hands out a trophy —the Filipina shot back with a competitive glint in her eyes—. And since we have plenty of time left and I totally trust our sabotage skills, I propose we look for at least one more of our rivals' items before going up to claim our win.
(y/n) thought about it for a split second, glancing at the checklist on the back of the card. The prospect of sabotaging her wealthy aunts and uncles or the boring investors was way too tempting to pass up.
—Alright —(y/n) agreed, adjusting the pink ukulele under her free arm—. Let's check the bridge area. If I were a party host, I would’ve hidden the sequined sailor hat near the helm. Let’s go.
With their wrists linked by the cheap plastic and the ukulele as a temporary trophy, the two exes walked out of the kitchen with a confident stride, ready to cause chaos for the other competitors while the clock kept ticking in their favor.
Heading toward the cockpit required going up to the upper outer deck, where the sea breeze was blowing a bit harder. By the time they reached the middle of the spiral staircase, a gust of fresh air completely messed up (y/n)’s high ponytail, causing several stray strands to smack against her face and lips.
—Wait, hold on —(y/n) asked laughing, trying to blow the hair away from her eyes without much success, since her right hand was trapped by the handcuffs.
Sophia stopped immediately on the step above. Seeing her struggle against her own hair, an expression of absolute sweetness softened the Filipina’s features. Without a second thought, Sophia used her free hand to gently brush the damp strands away from her ex's forehead, carefully tucking them behind her ear. Her fingers brushed against (y/n)’s warm skin for a second too long.
—There you go —Sophia murmured with a soft smile, looking down at her from the top step with those eyes that seemed to glow under the Hawaiian sun—. We don't want our captain going blind in the middle of the mission.
(y/n) felt a warm flutter in her stomach. The shyness of the moment caused her cheeks to flush a soft pink that matched perfectly with the ukulele she carried under her arm.
—Thanks... —she whispered, giving her a small but completely genuine smile, stripped of any trace of the morning's coldness.
They finished climbing the stairs holding hands almost subconsciously; the plastic handcuffs didn't even feel like a restriction anymore, but rather an excuse to keep their fingers close. They reached the cockpit area, where the actual captain of the mini cruise ship greeted them with a playful wink from the helm.
—We’re looking for a sequined cap, captain. Seen anything shiny around here? —Sophia asked in a singsong voice.
The captain didn't say anything, but subtly glanced toward the port instrument panel. There, tucked away inside an open compartment for navigation maps, the ridiculous sequined cap was sticking out.
—Aha! —(y/n) exclaimed, reaching out to grab it.
—Wait, let's not hide it in an ugly spot —Sophia pleaded, playfully stopping her ex's arm—. We gotta be creative. Look up there.
Sophia pointed to one of the decorative figurines of a Polynesian god that the captain had glued to the cockpit ceiling. The Filipina stretched up to place the sequined cap on the wooden statue, leaving it looking like a highly bizarre fashion accessory.
The captain let out a hearty laugh from his seat, and both exes burst into muffled giggles, caught up in the ridiculousness of the situation. They looked at each other, their breathing a bit rushed from laughing and their joined hands swinging gently between them.
—We are terrible —(y/n) commented, shaking her head but keeping the massive smile on her face.
—We’re the best, which is different —Sophia corrected in a playful, spoiled tone, giving (y/n)’s hand a subtle squeeze—. Look at the clock. Fifteen minutes left. I think it's time to go claim our championship crown, don't you think?
—Definitely. Let's go before anyone beats us to it.
They headed down the stairs at a quick pace, but this time there were no rough tugs or complaints. They moved in perfect sync, giggling under their breath every time the plastic chain rattled against (y/n)’s dress.
However, both of them froze when they noticed something familiar in the distance. Leon had slipped away from the little Laforteza’s hands a few minutes ago, and as if by magic: he appeared running full speed down the hallway. The dog let out a muffled bark of pure happiness upon finding his two owners together and, with his leash dragging behind him, started doing energetic laps around both of them.
—Wait, Leon! No! —exclaimed (y/n), trying to step on the leash with her foot to stop him.
But the canine's hype was way too fast. In less than three seconds, Leon crossed between their legs, dragging the cord and tangling it tightly around both girls' ankles. The plastic chain of the toy handcuffs yanked their wrists at the same time, and Sophia had to completely let go of the plastic toy to use her free arm to keep her balance.
The tug forced them to take a clumsy step forward, ending up completely trapped against each other. Their bodies collided so suddenly that (y/n) ended up with her free hand resting directly on Sophia’s shoulders, while the Filipina firmly wrapped her left arm around her waist to keep them both from crashing onto the floor.
They were left face to face. The distance dropped to absolute zero; Sophia’s warm breath hit her ex’s cheeks, and her eyes blinked with a mix of surprise and absolute tenderness from having her so close.
When Leon finally got tired of running in circles, he tamely sat on his hind legs right next to them, wagging his tail at a happy pace and looking up at them with his tongue out, extremely proud of his mischief.
The hallway was left in a comfortable silence, cradled only by the distant sound of the music from the lounge and the engine of the mini cruiser.
—You shouldn't have brought him... —(y/n) whispered in a tiny voice, breaking the ice while glancing at the dog and then locking her eyes back on Sophia’s lips.
—Are you going to pretend you didn't miss him? —the older girl replied in the same low tone, with a small, sweet smile that made her eyes crinkle in that all-too-familiar way.
(y/n) tried to keep her frown, but the ridiculousness of the situation, the fat dog looking at them like he was some strategy genius, and the fact that they were literally tied up by a leash and plastic handcuffs was just too much. A traitorous smile slipped onto her lips, and that made them both laugh equally for the first time in the entire trip.
—How do we get out of here? —(y/n) asked, trying to move her left foot, only to realize the cord just tightened more around their calves.
—Hold on, hold on, we’re going to fall if you move like that... —Sophia warned with a trace of playful panic, holding onto her ex’s waist a bit tighter to not lose her balance.
Seeing the actual stiffness and jitters of the usually unbothered Sophia Laforteza —who usually controlled every aspect of her life with flawless elegance—, (y/n) unexpectedly let out a clear, loud laugh. It was a real laugh, the kind born straight from her chest, and one that Sophia hadn't heard from her in a whole year.
She just stared at her in silence, her heart racing a mile a minute, completely mesmerized by the sound of that laugh she had missed so much, and which now filled the ship's hallway with a magical warmth.
—You really are a hopeless case, Sophia —the girl commented between laughs, letting her head drop for a second onto the Filipina’s shoulder, caught up in the nerves and adrenaline of the mess.
—Hey, it's not my fault our son has a terrible sense of space —the mentioned girl defended herself, letting out a soft giggle that vibrated directly against her ex’s neck.
The word "son" floated in the air with a naturalness so sweet that neither of them dared to correct it.
To fix the problem without both of them ending up on the floor, Sophia started taking little side hops, dragging the other young woman along with her in a sort of clumsy, coordinated dance. Leon imitated them by moving his head, firmly believing that all of this was part of a new choreography designed exclusively for him. With every movement, their bodies brushed against each other, and the warmth of the moment began to completely melt away the fresh air of the Hawaiian afternoon.
With one last effort and a subtle tug on the plastic handcuffs, they managed to untangle themselves from the leash. (y/n) regained her balance immediately, leaned down to pick up the pink ukulele from the ground, shaking off the wooden cover a bit, and when she stood up, she ran right back into Sophia’s fixed, glowing gaze.
—We have less than ten minutes left —she reminded her in a low voice, though the competitive tone from before had transformed into something much softer and slower.
—Then I suggest we run, captain —Sophia replied with a knowing wink, gently pulling on the handcuffed wrist to guide her back to the main hall.
They walked at a fast pace through the inner hallways, followed closely by a highly energetic Leon trotting by their side. The synergy between the two of you was so perfect at this point that they didn't even need to look at each other to dodge corners anymore; they moved as one body, an exact reflection of the chemistry that had once made them inseparable.
When they pushed open the swinging doors to enter the main hall, the bustle of the guests and the tropical music welcomed them all at once. The showman was standing there, enthusiastically checking his stopwatch while a couple of adult pairs returned from the bow empty-handed and with tired faces.
—Attention, attention! Looks like we have action on the floor! —the entertainer exclaimed through the microphone, pointing at them with an outstretched arm as he saw them appear.
(y/n) and Sophia advanced with a triumphant stride toward the stage. With a synchronized smile that lit up their faces, they raised their hands joined by the plastic handcuffs, proudly showing off the neon pink toy ukulele.
—We have the first finalists of the afternoon! —the showman shouted, triggering a wave of applause and cheers throughout the hall.
From the bar, (y/n)’s parents watched the scene with smiles of absolute satisfaction, clinking their champagne glasses in a silent toast as they saw the success of their plan. A few meters away from them, Manon was also clapping enthusiastically, letting out a joyful cheer for her girlfriend's victory, completely oblivious to the whirlwind of emotions and memories that had just unleashed in the lower hallways of the ship.
Sophia glanced at (y/n), and as the host took the toy to lock in the points, she felt her heart completely skip a beat.
Manon was still standing there, glass half-raised, with the exact same proud, beaming smile she’d used to welcome her girlfriend. However, that expression started to crack and totally fall apart within seconds, twisting into a look of pure confusion and shock.
The host had just unlocked the toy handcuffs, letting the cheap plastic slip off the winners' wrists. In that high-energy moment, carried away by the rush of winning, (y/n) and Sophia turned to high-five each other. But Sophia didn't stop at a simple high-five. When their hands met, the Filipina slid her fingers down with a deliberate slowness, firmly interlacing them with her ex’s.
And what truly made Manon’s stomach drop was her partner’s reaction.
(y/n)... didn't pull away.
Far from breaking loose or keeping that distance she had been preaching about all morning, (y/n) got totally swept up in the moment. Laughing out loud at the crowd's applause while receiving the ridiculous beach trophy from the showman, she wrapped her arms around the Filipina’s neck, hugging her with a familiarity that overflowed with affection bottled up for way too long. Sophia instantly held her tight, closing her eyes and melting into the hug with a smile of absolute victory.
What the hell was actually happening?
Manon blinked, feeling the coldness from the ice in her drink travel straight to her chest. This wasn't just a random scene of baseless jealousy; it was the painful intuition of watching the person she loved fit perfectly with someone from her past.
A few yards back, among the crowd clapping away, completely oblivious to the drama, Megan and Yoonchae shared a quick side-eye, tensing up at the exact same time. For the guests who knew absolutely nothing about the history between those two, the scene was just a super fun moment of teamwork. But for the ones who knew the whole truth... the vibe had instantly become incredibly awkward.
Yoonchae leaned in slightly toward her fiancée’s ear, never taking her eyes off the bar where Manon was staring at the floor with a clenched jaw.
—Megan... —the Korean girl murmured in a barely audible whisper.
—Yeah? —the other replied, completely frozen in place.
—I think we just broke up a relationship at our own wedding.
Megan swallowed hard, processing the underlying tension that was threatening to ruin the idyllic vibe of the rehearsal.
—... You're right, babe... you're right —she whispered, letting out a sigh of genuine worry.
The mini cruise ship kept sailing back to the port under the afternoon sun, but on board, the sabotage by the ex-in-laws was already yielding its first results.
I know that Sophia is a fan of Luciano Pereyra...
[taglist open!: @mouselyn @urwavvy @iviza @martyyy7 @spiderpunkmanon @azu21things @gabsrevival @kfzxmnz1 @x-d4cvalentine-x @nokpopnolife @micaluvssoccer @lafortezaa @gaytrashgoblin]
