4: Bonds

The three managers boarded Mayi's car, Manager Jun sat in front while Managers Ken and Lu sat behind. Her car smelled like lavender making it more relaxing.

"You're quiet," Jun said as he looked at Mayi.

"Sleepy," she monotonously replied. Jun looked at her closely and realized that she was wearing an oversized sweater and a pair of loose shorts. Her hair was in a messy bun and her eyes looked like she hasn't been sleeping well.

"Did you even eat breakfast?" Manager Lu asked.

"Nope. I rushed to school when HT called," she replied as she looked at the rearview mirror.

"Wha~~ let's stop-over at a gas station then! Get something or a drive-thru," Manager Ken said as he pointed at a gas station.

"Later, there's a school stop-over about 5 minutes away," she replied and smiled.

"Do you want me to drive? You should rest." Manager Jun asked as he looked at Mayi worriedly.

"It's okay," she replied. "You can turn on the music if you want to," she added as the trip will take an additional 30 minutes. Jun just connected his phone to the car and played some music.

A few minutes later they got into the stop-over. Her friends waved at her so she went in their direction.

"So you suddenly decided to join?" Cecil asked Mayi. Mayi shook her head.

"Their names weren't in the roster so they can't get on the bus. HT called me to drive them," she replied as she opened a bottle of water.

"Seriously?" Rie asked as she looked at Mayi's parked car. The three managers were taking photos with the students.

"Yeah. I wanted to decline but... it's HT so~" she didn't say anything, she just shrugged and the group already knew what she wants to say.

Mayi has a kind nature, it's always difficult for her to say 'No' to people.

"By the way. You just got back from an 8-month break, why are you being rushed to finish the books?" Shane asked Mayi.

"I dunno. I just got the task Monday and was given until the end of the month to finish it," she replied, she was puzzled too. They talked for a few more minutes about their plan at the resort.

"Okay! Let's go!" HT said in a loud voice. The students and teachers went back to the bus. Mayi went to her car...

"Here you go." Manager Ken said as he handed Mayi a Cheeseburger.

"Oh... I'm okay." Mayi replied,

"Nonsense! Eat! I'll drive!" Jun said as he pulled Mayi's arm. Feeling helpless, Mayi switched places with Jun.

Jun is familiar with Mayi's car, he drove it a couple of times last year whenever they go out.

"You know the resort right?" Mayi asked Jun as she ate. Jun nodded and looked at Mayi.

"Just eat. I'll drive," Jun replied in a demanding tone.

Mayi couldn't help chuckling and looked out the window to hide her face. She started to reminisce about her memories with Jun, the stories they shared, the laughs, the secrets. She missed this guy!

Mayi sighted.

"You should rest. We're still 30 minutes away." Jun said as he turned the volume down. Mayi just nodded as she closed her eyes.

She can still hear the guys talking but she just ignored them. At one point she heard Jun say something about 'student', 'teacher', 'dates'. She wanted to listen more but she was too tired and drifted off to sleep.

[30 minutes later]

They got to the destination. the students got off the bus and followed their teachers to the resort. They rented the resort until 10 p.m. so it was just them. There are tents, benches, and small huts scattered across the area. There is also a volleyball corner for those who want to play beach volleyball. Surfboards are available for them to use. Bars are open for them and a buffet was set in the biggest cottage.

The students were amazed at the resort, it was huge! The exclusive infinity pool was opened for them as well.

"Okay good morning everyone!" HT said as she tried to get everyone's attention. "Welcome to our quarterly acquaintance party! I want to thank all of the teachers who help make this quarter's party possible." She then looked at the teachers of the Liberal Arts Department.

"I would also like to thank our President and Vice President for this party. And allowing us to drink and have fun!" the students clapped as there were alcoholic drinks available. "Let me know call on Teacher Cecil to officially open this quarter's acquaintance party!" The people clapped as Cecil approached the stage.

"Welcome to this quarter's acquaintance party! The theme of this party is 'Wings' like a butterfly that opens their wings and fly across the horizon, we want you, our dear students to open your wings to different possibilities. Meet new people, make friends, build lasting relationships, and create wonderful memories. I hope that all of you will enjoy this party as we have prepared games for you to enjoy!" Cecil said in full energy.

Everyone clapped as they get more and more excited. "Teachers, same drill as the last time, please look out for the students and don't let them go beyond the resort. If the students want to use the banana boat or go scuba diving, please ask the resort staff and bring a teacher with you. This is to ensure everyone's safety as you enjoy this day," Rie said as she looked at the teachers. "The teachers will be wearing red lace so that you can easily find them and ask for help."

"Okay, that would be all for now. We'll call you for the games later at 3 pm. For now, enjoy yourselves!" Cecil added as she raised a glass to the students. They all cheered and dispersed into different places.

"Are you okay?" Cecil asked as Mayi looked at the students and the beach. It was a beautiful sight.

"I'm fine. I'll just go grab my laptop and papers so I can be productive," she said as she went back to her car and grabbed her stuff.

"Mayi! Are you not going to swim?" Manager Lu asked as he saw Mayi.

"You do know that I just came here because you guys can't enter the bus right?" Mayi replied as she laughed.

"So you mean, you didn't prepare any swimwear?" Lu asked as they walked together to the cottage. Mayi nodded.

"Haha. I didn't have time to pack! Besides, it wasn't my plan to be here." she laughed as she sat under one of the shades. She can see the entire resort from where she is sitting.

"Mayi!" the president called her. He was at the pool with the managers and some coordinators.

"Good morning!!." Mayi replied as she waved her hand.

The students were having fun swimming, surfing, playing beach volleyball ball, beer pong, sunbathing... It was heaven! Some students are already eating and drinking.

"Mayi! Are you not going to swim?" Alex asked as he, George, and Richard approached her.

"Nope!" She replied. As the trio sat on the bench and gave her a bottle of beer.

"Since you are not swimming, let's drink," George said as he opened the bottles.

Mayi smirked. "Aish!! It's too early to drink!" but laughed as she opened her bottle too.

"Oh c'mon. The last time we drank was months ago!" George retorted as he gave a toast to Mayi. The group drank as Shane, Rie, and Cecil came.

"Are you ready for the games later?" Rie asked as she eyed the three men. They nodded and gave a thumbs up.

"And you Maria Yvonne Lee. Why the hell are you drinking?!" Cecil scolded Mayi. Mayi laughed as Cecil called her by her full name.

"It's Saturday!" Mayi replied teasingly.

"You should swim as well!" Shane teased as he jokingly pushed her towards the pool. The group laughed as they teased each other.

After a few more teasing, Alex, Richard, and George suddenly grabbed Mayi by the arm and pushed her to the pool. Everyone was shocked. The students, the teachers, and the managers looked at where Mayi fell.

WHY IS SHE NOT RESURFACING??!!