ONCE ISABEL HAD finished eating the plate of ribs, she moved herself from the bench and table and over to the sun beds, where her mother and Niah were busy sunbathing. She sat herself on the empty bed between them and let out a long sigh; exhaustion taking over her body from the meal she'd just eaten.
Picking up her art book from her lap and opening it, her eyes immediately widened slightly and a quiet huff passed her lips as she took in the many different sketches she'd started of Jake Sim but never finished.
She always found Jake hard to draw. She wasn't sure if it was because his features were so perfect that they couldn't be recreated, or if it was because she became obsessed with a new look from the boy and desperately wanted it down on paper; not bothering to finish her previous work.
Shaking her head, the girl snapped herself out of her thoughts and glanced over at Niah. She didn't want the girl seeing Jake in her sketch book and getting the wrong idea, and so, Issy quickly turned to a blank page, retrieving a pencil from her pencil case to start a new piece.
However, before she had the chance to do anything, a gush of water was sprayed in her direction, soaking her lap and the pages of her book.
A gasp left her mouth and she instantly sat up on the bed, the squeals from Niah and the laughter of her parents, Niki, her brother and his friends consuming her hearing.
"Jay !? " Issy yelled out, looking over to him, where he was stood in the pool with a (now empty) water gun pointing in her direction. "What the hell!"
"Stop being boring losers," He scoffed, putting the gun down and rolling his eyes dramatically. "Come on, get in."
"We're gonna play Chicken and I need a partner." Niki smirked mischievously at his best friend, and Isabel couldn't help but chuckle at him. She'd always liked that pool game - and she was a pro at it. However she who quickly remembered the times when she was younger and when she would play and be the one on Jake's shoulders ...
"So get in and get on my shoulders." Niki ordered, and quickly, Issy sarcastically huffed and put her book down, making her way to the edge of the pool (Jake's look of annoyance going unnoticed by everyone.)
Once Isabel was in the warm pool and now on her best friends shoulders, she watched as Jake swam to the edge of the pool and called out for Niah.
"Why don't you play?" The Sim boy asked his girlfriend, a smile on his plump lips as he rested his head on his arms and tilted his head slightly to look at her. "You can be on my shoulders?"
"No thank you," Niah shook her head, her lips scrunching in disgust as she removed her sunglasses to look at Jake. "My hair will go green if I get in." She chuckled as she put her sunglasses back on and laying back to continue her tanning session.
Issy watched as the boy let out a sad sigh and his shoulders slumped before he turned back around to face everyone who was having their own conversation.
"Sunghoon, you're the Ref." Jay told the quiet boy, who smiled and nodded his head in agreement. "I'm gonna verse my sister, and then we'll finally get to see who the better Park is." The boy chuckled with a shrug as he beckoned Jake over so that he could get on his best friends shoulders.
Quickly, Issy rolled her eyes at her brother. "I don't need to win a stupid Chicken game to know that, Idiot." She scoffed.
"Be quiet, Nerd." Jay huffed, and eventually, once he was sat comfortably on Jake's shoulders, the four heard Sunghoon count down from three before yelling 'Go!'
Instantly, the siblings began to wrestle, pushing and shoving each other. Their laughter was heard throughout the back garden, and the screams of worry that left Issy's mouth would be heard every now and then when she would almost be pushed back into the water.
It was a tough competition. Neither Park was willing to give up and that was mainly due to the massive competitive gene they'd inherited from their father - howbeit, just as Isabel thought Jay was about to tumble back into the pool, her eyes landed on Jake, who reached his arm out to shove Niki back, harshly.
Catching the Nishimura boy off guard, Issy's best friend went stumbling backwards, a gasp of shock leaving both of their mouths as they were soon submerged within the water, evidently losing the game of Chicken.
Once Isabel came up from the water, she was straight away faced with the cheers of her brother, Jake and Sunghoon (the referee!) The girls brows furrowed in annoyance and she was quick to point her finger at Jake.
"This is so unfair!" Issy stated. "Jake pushed Niki."
"Quit being a sore loser, Sis!" Jay mocked, jokingly using the nickname as he stuck his tongue out Issy, who rolled her eyes with a scowl on her face, and she splashed the two boys with the pool water before turning to Sunghoon.
"Sunghoon, you saw Jake push me." Niki stated, and a smirk appeared on the pale boys lips as he glanced over at Jay and Jake, doing his best to contain his laughter.
"Sorry, guys," He slowly began. "But a games a game ... " He shrugged and broke out laughing and was quickly brought in for a group up with Jay and Jake, the three boys cheering and Isabel and Niki left to roll their eyes.
After a little while of messing around in the pool, Issy finally managed to convince the boys to play her favorite pool game - Volleyball. Though, looking around, they soon came to the realization that the teams would be uneven and ultimately unfair.
"Hey, Niah," Issy called out to the blonde girl. "Do you want to join?" She asked, but the only response the Park girl received was the soft snores coming from Niah's parted lips.
"I'm tired anyways," Niki shrugged, a smirk on his lips as he glanced at Issy before lifting himself out of the pool and sitting on the edge, water droplets dripping from him. "Issy and Jake can just team up."
Instantly, Isabel snapped her head over in her best friends direction, a glimpse of shock spread across her features as she sent him a glare. What was he playing at?
Jake, however, was quick to agree and make his way over to Issy, who sent him a forced smile. She really did not want to be partners with Jake Sim.
ONCE THE GAME had begun, and Isabel soon realized she and Jake were losing against her brother and Sunghoon, she let out an annoyed groan as she watched as Jay and Sunghoon conversed about strategies between themselves.
Issy was annoyed. She wanted to win - especially after (wrongfully) losing in the game of Chicken. The inflatable balloon was thrown back and forth, and just as she thought she could score a point for her team, it would quickly be snatched away by a overly aggressive hit back from Jay.
"Get a grip." Isabel told Jake, who rolled his eyes at her attitude. Having basically grown up with the Park siblings, Jake had become accustome to their behavior, and he knew that when a competition was involved, he was bound to receive 'tough encouragement' (as Jay would call it) from the two.
"Hey," Jake spoke up, beckoning the younger girl over to him. Her brows furrowed in confusion, and she held up a pause sign to Jay and Sunghoon, who rolled their eyes and allowed the two teammates to speak.
"What?" She asked, a tone of annoyance laced within her voice. "You're literally sucking ass out there, Jake, come on."
The Sim boy couldn't help but chuckle at Issy's words and he rolled his eyes. "Shut up, I have a plan."
"And that is?"
"You'll see." He stated, before un-pausing the game. "Come stand by me." He stated, and Isabel sent him a look of confusion. Why did he want her to go back over to him? How could they possibly hit the ball when stood together?
"Why?" She questioned and the boy groaned and flared his eyes.
"Will you just do it ?! " He questioned, impatiently and Isabel huffed and did as told.
"Can I touch you?" Jake leaned down slightly to the girls ear and whispered, his hot breath fanning her skin and sending goosebumps all over her body. Her eyes widened at the close proximity and she felt herself nervously gulp as the boys words swirled around in her head.
"Yes ... " She nodded her head, remembering he only saw her as a sister and not witnessing the smirk that appeared on Jake's lips as he placed his hands on her waist beneath the water.
His hands on her felt weird - but in a good way. It sent butterflies crashing into her stomach and made her heart flutter. She'd never been touched like this by a boy before, so everything was peculiar to her. She didn't know what she was feeling.
Snapping her away from her thoughts, she heard Jay yell 'go', before he launched the beach ball over to them. Issy's eyes widened in fear as she suddenly felt restricted. Jake had his hands on her so she couldn't move, and the ball was flying right her way. There was no way she was going to be hit in the face by anotherball on this holiday.
However, before the ball had chance to hit her in the face, Jake lifted her up so that the shorter girl could have a chance at hitting it, considering Jay would unfairly hit it as high as he could knowing she wasn't tall enough - and luckily, Isabel smacked the ball back over to the opposing team, catching them off guard and making the ball land outside of the pool.
Instantly, a giant smile appeared on Issy's lips as Jake put her down and she quickly spun around, instinctively wrapping her arms around the older boys neck and pulling him in for a victory hug. Jake's arms circled around the girls waist, pulling her against him as she let out squeals of happiness.
She truly was happy to see the annoyed look on her brothers face.
The moment between Jake and Issy was interrupted by her father clearing his throat, making the Park girl realize what was going on.
Her eyes enlarged in shock and she speedily removed herself from Jake and turned to her dad, acting as if nothing happened and ignoring the blush that was creeping upon her cheeks.
"There's some boy at the door," He announced, a playful smirk on his lips as he wiggled his brows. "He's asking for you."
Immediately, Isabel's eyes lit with excitement and she hurriedly got out the pool and wrapped a towel around her wet body. There was only one boy she thought could be at the door and that was Jungwon, and so, as she headed inside, ignoring the eye roll from Jake (which did confuse her for a moment), she quickly walked over to the front door that was left slightly ajar.
Her thoughts were correct. There stood Yang Jungwon with a warm smile on his lips, revealing his cute dimples. "Hey." Issy smiled at the taller boy.
"Hi," He breathed out, slightly nervous. "Your dads scary." He blurted, and Isabel quickly let out a chuckle.
"He's not once you get to know him." She reassured, the smile remaining on her lips as Jungwon soon mirrored her expression. "What're you doing here?" She wondered.
"Well, me and my friends are having a bonfire on the beach later on," The Yang boy began, shoving a hand in his front pocket. "And I was wondering if you wanted to join?"
As soon as the words left Jungwon's lips, Isabel was quickly bobbing her head in agreement. She was starting to really like Jungwon, and so she was more than happy to keep spending time with him.
"I'd love to."
"Cool," Jungwon let out a breath of relief as he nodded his head. "You can bring your brother and your friends along too, if you'd like ... the more the merrier."
"Will do." Issy nodded and Jungwon's smile grew even more.
"Great, I'Il come by later to get you?" He asked, and without hesitation, Issy nodded her head, before the two bid their goodbyes, and Jungwon walked away with a grin on his face and Issy shut the door with a smile on hers.
She knew tonight was going to be fun.
WHEN JUNGWON HAD arrived at the home later on that night, sticking to his word and picking Issy up, the group all made their way towards the beach - Jungwon and Isabel in front of everyone, and Jake trailing behind everyone else with his hands stuffed in his jean pockets.
"You look really pretty tonight." Jungwon complimented, turning his head to glance over at the shorter girl, whose cheeks now burned red.
What Isabel was wearing was pretty simple, however she still managed to look as beautiful ever. She wore a pair of baggy denim shorts and a tight fitted red, cropped top. She paired it with her everyday jewelry and a pair of white socks and black and white Adidas Samba's. She hadn't put on loads of makeup when getting ready, considering the sun burn that was decorating her face hurt to touch, so she wore winged eye liner, mascara and a clear lip gloss and her hair was straightened, just how she liked it.
"Really?" Issy questioned in a tone that showed she was slightly shocked by the boys compliment and Jungwon chuckled, nodding his head as the girl did her best to hold back her wide grin.
"You always do." He stated and never in Isabel's life did she think she would be thankful for the sunburn that was spread across her cheeks, because otherwise the Yang boy would be able to see her red, beaming cheeks.
Once arriving at the beach, Issy's lips parted in awe as she took in the sight before her. In the center of the beach was a massive, glowing bonfire that had flakes of fire flying from it. It's crisping and crackling sound was just about heard over the loud beat of the electronic music and there were many people dancing around the fire with plastic cups in their hands - more than likely filled with alcohol.
"Do you want a drink?" Jungwon wondered, and Isabel nodded her head in agreement before the boy hurried to the drinks stand, leaving her with large smile on her lips.
"He's only getting you a drink," She heard Jake Sim scoff from beside her, immediately making her turn to look at him with a scowl spread on her features. "No need to swoon over him that much." He rolled his eyes, shaking his head slightly.
"Shut up, Jake." She huffed, fed up of the boy consistently trying to ruin her mood, and so she quickly followed after Jungwon, leaving Jake to watch the two reunite and share giggles between each other as he watched as Jungwon handed Issy her drink.
The boy was brought out of his trance by the feeling of Niah linking her arm with his. He glanced down at her and instantly felt his chest pang with realization. He'd almost completely forgot about her. He had been so wrapped up with focusing on Issy and Jungwon and wondering why she was always on his mind, that he seemed to of forgotten about the girl he brought back from college.
The Sim boy sent her a small (guilt filled) smile, and felt his shoulders slump. All he needed was a drink.
As the night went on, Isabel and Jungwon continued their conversation about something random before the girl went to get another drink. Jay, Sunghoon, and Niki had found a group of girls to try and impress, Niah ended up going back to the holiday home, telling everyone that she was sure she had sun stroke, and Jake was sat on the sand a little far from the actually rave with a cigarette between his slender fingers, staring out at the water.
A sigh fell from Isabel's lips as her eyes landed on him and millions of questions flooded through her mind. For example, how much had he had to drink?
The Park girl had known Jake for a while, and had quickly gotten to know his drunk side, and judging from the way he was right now with his hand trembling and his eyes getting lost in whatever was before him, Issy gathered he was quite intoxicated.
"Hi." She quietly announced herself once she approached the boy, who hadn't even turned his head to acknowledge her presence - which made Issy roll her eyes, but it was Jake, and when Jake was drunk, he didn't think ...
"Shouldn't you be with your Lover boy?" The boy scoffed out as Isabel sat herself down beside him and he took a long drag from the cigarette.
"Why are you being so salty about it all?" She questioned with furrowed brows. "You're acting worse than my actual brother."
And that was true. Jay didn't seem to have a problem with her and Jungwon. He wouldn't throw snarky remarks about him, nor would he send mean looks his way, so why was Jake?
"I'm not being salty," Jake shook his head, denying the girls words as he blew the smoke out of his mouth, Isabel's heart racing at the sight of him.
The orange glow from the sun peered down onto his sun kissed skin, and his brown eyes twinkled beneath the setting sun. He looked majestic and Issy found herself getting lost in him - however she was quickly pulled from the trance once the Sim boy spoke up again.
"I'm just stating facts."
Silence fell around the the two as Isabel bit down on her bottom lip and followed the boys gaze, her eyes landing on the blue, gleaming ocean.
"Does he know you were once a nerd?" Jake asked, his words slightly slurred as he turned his head to look at her, a quiet - almost non existent chuckle - falling from his lips. Immediately, the girl felt her face scrunch in confusion and offense and she quickly snapped her head over in his direction.
She couldn't help but feel hurt by the boys words. What was wrong with being a 'nerd'?
Did Jake think Jungwon would change his mind about her if he knew she took her academic life seriously? What was wrong with that?
Was that why Jake never looked at her twice? Did he not like the fact she focused on her grades instead of spreading her legs for random boys at random parties?
"Why are you being such a dick for?" She disputed, shaking her head in disappointment and disbelief. "You're drunk." She sighed out, though it sounded more like she was trying to convince herself that he was, rather than a statement.
"You've changed since college," Isabel revealed. "The old Jake was always nice." She said, missing the times the Sim boy would never say a bad word about her and always be there to defend her.
"People change, Isabel," He sneered and Issy quickly felt an even bigger wave of annoyance fill her body at the name he called her. The boy looked her up and down, his eyes taking in the outfit she was wearing and the light make up she had on, and the features on her face before he cocked a brow. "And you're a good example of that."
"What do you mean?" She asked, confused as to what Jake meant. How had she changed? If anyone had changed it was him, not her, so what was he talking about?
A frustrated huff left the boys parted lips and he threw his head back slightly before shaking his head and connecting his eyes with her; the two instantly feeling the tension between them thicken. Isabel felt her breathing hitch as his eyes landed on her, a pit of nerves unleashing within her stomach as she did everything she could to avoid eye contact with the older boy.
"I thought you were supposed to be brainy, huh?" Jake stated. "Or did you just lose all your intelligence when trying to be pretty?"
Issy's heart ached with hurt. What had gotten into him? Why was he being such a prick?
Was it the alcohol? Though, drunk words are sober thoughts, so if that was he thought when sober, how long had he been thinking this?
Did he not think she was pretty? Was that why he used the word 'trying'?
"Fuck off, Jake," Issy spat, standing up from the sand and walking away from him. "Prick." Rolling off her tongue in a hushed tone as she folded her arms across her chest and headed to the other side of the beach with a stone cold face - her best friend noticing the mood she was in and quickly following after her.