Cora; June 3rd | 2013

THE EVENING WAS already beginning to hum with energy by the time we arrived. Emily had insisted on doing my makeup for the party—something "bold and beachy," she called it. She hovered over me in our hotel room, brushes in hand, an intense look of concentration on her face. 

''Alright, Coco,'' she grinned. ''Tonight, you're gonna look unforgettable.''

When she finally let me look in the mirror, I barely recognised myself. My eyes looked bigger and brighter, my skin glowed, and the soft blush she'd added made me feel... different.

''Em, you're a genius,'' I said, smiling at my reflection.

She shrugged it off, but her face softened as she looked at me. ''You look amazing, Cora. Now, let's get out there.''

As we stepped into the party, laughter and music filled the air, and the smell of coconut-scented candles mixed with salty ocean air. Fairy lights strung up around the beach-themed decorations where everyone danced in the room. I took a deep breath.

And then I spotted Josh, lounging by the makeshift beach bar, his smile widening the second he noticed me. He pushed himself off the counter and made his way over, his eyes not leaving mine. I felt my cheeks heat up as he looked me over, a slight smirk playing at the edge of his mouth.

''Coco,'' he greeted. ''You look... incredible.''

My heart did a little flip, and I let out a small laugh, trying to shake off my nerves. ''Thanks, Josh. Em did most of the work.''

''Well, then she's a miracle worker.'' His grin was genuine, and before I knew it, he had taken my hand and led me toward the dance floor. ''Come on, you owe me a dance.''

We joined the others, laughing as we moved to the music, Josh's hands occasionally brushing against mine. He spun me around, making me laugh so hard that I almost lost my balance, and he caught me, steadying me with a grin.

After a while, he leaned down, his mouth close to my ear. ''I need a drink. You?''

I shook my head, grimacing. ''You know I don't really like alcohol.''

He raised his eyebrows, a smirk breaking out on his face. ''Yeah, I figured. Well then,'' he said, pulling out a small, chilled coconut from behind the bar, ''how about some coconut water for Coco?''

I burst out laughing, shaking my head as he stuck a straw into the coconut and handed it to me, looking absurdly pleased with himself. ''Wow, real creative, Josh.''

''Hey, I thought it was clever,'' he chuckled, grabbing another coconut for himself. We clinked the shells together like champagne glasses, laughing before taking a drink. The taste was cool and refreshing.

Eventually, he glanced toward the doors leading outside. ''Wanna get some air?'' he asked, gesturing with his head.

''Yeah,'' I replied, the word coming out softer than I intended. We slipped outside, the warm evening breeze brushing over us as we stepped away from the noise. 

For a moment, we just stood there, taking it all in. The wind played with his hair, and he glanced at me, his eyes reflecting the lights from the party inside. Neither of us said anything, but the silence was comfortable, like we didn't need words.

Just as I thought he might lean in, I heard someone's voice cut through the quiet. ''Well, well, well—if it isn't the lovebirds!'' Emily's voice was unmistakable, and I whipped around to see her leaning in the doorway, a smirk on her face as she crossed her arms. ''You two planning on spending the whole night out here?''

Josh laughed, scratching the back of his neck, and I could feel myself blushing. ''We were just... enjoying the view,'' I mumbled.

''Uh-huh,'' Emily replied, her smile growing. ''Come on, you two. There's still a whole party waiting inside.''

With a sheepish look, Josh glanced at me and shrugged. ''Guess that's our cue?''

''Guess so,'' I replied, and we shared a smile before following Emily back inside.