Silent Sparks

Xavier stepped out onto the deck, the morning air crisp against his skin as the horizon stretched before him, bathed in shades of gold and pink. The soft light danced on the waves, creating a serene, picture-perfect morning.

Yet, despite the beauty of the scene, Xavier remained unmoved.

‘I shouldn’t have listened to Logan,’ Xavier thought bitterly as he gripped the railing, inhaling the fresh sea breeze. He wasn’t expecting much from this trip—it was a forced break, thrust upon him by his well-meaning friend. But already, it felt like a prison, surrounded by everything he loathed—families, kids, noise.

"What am I even doing here?" he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

But as much as he hated to admit it, last night had been the first real sleep he’d had in weeks. Without the sleeping pills he’d grown dependent on, he’d slept through the night. ‘Maybe it was the spa,’ he thought, his mind wandering.

“Hey… how’s it going?” A warm, inviting voice broke through his thoughts.

He turned to find one of the girls from the pool standing nearby, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Hello,” Xavier replied, his tone as icy as the morning breeze. He wasn’t in the mood for small talk, so he deliberately kept his demeanor distant.

“How are you?” she asked, her friendly smile unwavering.

“Good,” Xavier said, maintaining his frosty attitude. He noticed the girl’s gaze linger on him with evident interest, a playful glint in her eye.

“I saw you’re here alone. If you’re looking to have some fun and make the most of your time, you’re welcome to join our group,” she offered, tucking her damp hair over one shoulder as she leaned on the railing, her gaze fixed on the ocean’s blue waves.

As she leaned forward, her curves became strikingly prominent, drawing Xavier's gaze. For a moment, his eyes lingered on her, captivated by the allure she exuded. The sunlight caught her hair, making it shimmer like spun gold, and the soft breeze played with the strands that framed her face.

But he quickly masked his interest with a neutral expression, determined not to give her the satisfaction of a response. He was resolute in avoiding any flirtation or distractions.

“Thank you,” he said flatly, turning his attention back to the horizon.

“By the way, I’m Tina,” she said, her radiant smile faltering slightly but returning with renewed warmth.

“I’m Xavier,” he replied, glancing at her briefly before returning his gaze to the sea. He was determined not to let her efforts to charm him succeed.

“Tonight, my friends and I are throwing a party. You should come—I promise you won’t be bored,” Tina said, her smile growing more insistent. She leaned back on the railing, striking a pose she hoped would catch his eye. The breeze lifted her dress slightly, adding a touch of effortless grace to her demeanor.

Xavier noted her attempts and felt a flicker of curiosity and intrigue despite himself. Yet, his inherent arrogance and reluctance to be swayed by charm quickly reasserted themselves. He straightened, his posture exuding a cool confidence that bordered on aloof.

“Well…” Xavier said, his voice carrying a note of detached finality. “I have a Zoom meeting tonight,” he said, with a polite but final smile. “So, I won’t be able to make it.”

As Tina’s smile faded and she walked away, Xavier remained on the deck, watching her retreat with a mix of frustration and self-satisfaction. Despite the attraction and excitement she stirred within him, his pride and stubbornness held firm. He was content to stay in his isolated world, wrapped in the comfortable cocoon of his arrogance.

With a final, decisive nod to himself, he turned back to the horizon, the morning’s beauty now serving only as a backdrop to his self-imposed solitude.