The night was still young, but Sophia had officially had enough. She was one meltdown away from drop-kicking Ronnie into the pool. In a bid to escape the madness, she grabbed Ron and dragged him over to the beanbags, leaving the chaos at the firepit and daybeds behind.

As they sat down, Sophia let out a dramatic sigh.
"I am SO ready for bed," she muttered, rubbing her eyes like a toddler about to throw a tantrum.

Ron smirked. "And for once, you're not in the middle of drama," he teased, pointing at her.

The pair broke into celebratory cheers, clinking imaginary glasses as if they'd just won an Oscar.

Beach Hut – Sophia
"I mean, he's not wrong, is he? For once, I'm not in the thick of it, screaming or crying about some geezer moving mad. Honestly, I deserve a medal for staying out of it tonight. Personal growth or whatever."

Suddenly, Ekin's voice boomed from the firepit.
"YOU WERE AT THE FIREPIT!" she screeched, pointing at the boys like they'd committed a federal crime.

Sophia frowned, confused. "Why's she yelling now?" she whispered.

From the firepit, Luca leapt to his feet, shouting back. "EKIN, YOU WEREN'T EVEN THERE!"

Sophia raised her hands in surrender. "Don't look at me—I'm not getting involved. That's their mess to clean up. I've clocked out for the night," she said, slumping back on the beanbag.

While she and Ron were chatting, Montel, the newest bombshell, walked over, looking nervous.
"Mind if I steal you for a chat?" he asked Sophia.

She sighed but nodded, letting Ron know she'd be back before heading to the now-empty daybeds with Montel.

"So, how are you finding the villa?" she asked, leaning back casually.

"It's good, but I haven't really spoken to you properly yet."

"First time for everything, I guess," she replied with a cheeky smile.

"So, how are things with you and Ron?"

"It's going okay. But, you know, I'm technically still single," she said with a shrug.

"So... you'd be open to coupling up with someone else?"

"Listen, my last guy got stolen and basically cheated on me, so yeah, I'm up for anything. Bring on the drama," she said, laughing.

Montel grinned. "That's good to know. You're definitely someone I'd like to get to know better."

"That's sweet. But you should talk to Catherine, too. She was buzzing to see you, you know."

"I have been. But I wanted to get to know the other beautiful girl in the villa as well," he said, giving her a wink.

Sophia smiled. "Well, I'm flattered, but like I said, I'm technically single... but Ron's getting close."

"What about Luca?"

Sophia hesitated. "Me and Luca have history, but he's always with Grace. I haven't even had a proper conversation with him since he mugged me off."

Montel nodded. "Fair enough."

With that, Sophia made her way back to Ron, who immediately dragged her off to the terrace.

"Why are we up here? I'm shattered," she grumbled as he practically pulled her along.

"Privacy," Ron said with a cheeky grin.

"If you're trying to recreate that night, I'll kick you down these stairs," she joked, narrowing her eyes at him.

Ron laughed. "Nah, but I wanted to ask you something."

"What?"

"Can I kiss you?"

Sophia paused, then nodded. Ron leaned in, and their kiss was intense, her stomach flipping like a rollercoaster.

Beach Hut – Sophia
"Oh, my DAYS. That kiss?! Butterflies, fireworks, the whole shebang. I'm actually speechless, which is a miracle in itself."

The pair eventually went back inside, Sophia skipping the introductions with Harriet entirely because Grace was practically glued to her side. After getting into her PJs, Sophia climbed into bed with Ron, who instantly wrapped his arms around her.

From across the room, she clocked Luca watching them. His face was thunderous, but Sophia couldn't care less. She snuggled into Ron and enjoyed the moment.

Lights out, and under the sheets, things heated up between Ron and Sophia—kissing, laughing, and a bit of cheeky touching.

"SOPHIA, I CAN BLOODY HEAR YOU! SHUT UP!" Scott yelled from the other side of the room, sounding absolutely livid.

Sophia burst out laughing, trying to muffle the sound with her pillow. "Don't listen to him," she whispered to Ron before diving back under the covers.

Beach Hut – Sophia
"Scott needs to RELAX. He's just jealous, innit? Let me live!"

The next morning, Sophia woke up fresh as a daisy, while the rest of the villa looked like zombies. Her giggling half the night had ruined their sleep, and they weren't shy about letting her know.

"Oi, I swear, I'm gonna shag someone next to you just so you know how it feels!" Casey teased, smacking her arm.

Sophia laughed. "Go on, then! You won't!"

By the afternoon, she and Ron were inseparable, making out on the daybeds and winding everyone up. The girls were happy for her, but the boys? Not so much.

Suddenly, a phone buzzed. Sophia leapt up like a cat.

"It's Elma!" someone shouted. Elma stood up, phone in hand.

"Islanders, please gather around the firepit for an important announcement," she read aloud.

Sophia grabbed Ron's arm. "What the fuck is this about?" she whispered as they made their way over.

The Islanders sat down, tension thick in the air.

"Montel and Harriet, as the newest bombshells, it's your turn to pick your partner. You will be stealing someone from an existing couple," Elma read.

Harriet went first.
"It's not easy coming into a villa full of couples, but there's one boy I'd like to couple up with. The boy I'd like to couple up with is... Ron."

Sophia's jaw dropped. AGAIN. First Luca with Grace, and now Harriet with Ron?! She rolled her eyes so hard, she saw next week.

Beach Hut – Sophia
"Of course, Harriet picks Ron. I mean, why not, eh? First Luca, now this. It's like the universe is having a laugh at my expense."

Montel was next.
"There's one girl I'd like to couple up with. The girl I'd like to couple up with is... Sophia."

Sophia stood up, kissed Catherine on the cheek, and whispered, "I've got you, babe," before heading to stand next to Montel.

Beach Hut – Sophia
"I mean, it's world war three now, innit? Harriet's stolen Ron, Montel's picked me, and the villa is ready to explode. Get your popcorn!"

After the recoupling, Ron pulled Sophia aside for a hug.
"Daybeds tonight?" she asked, grinning.

"100%," he replied, kissing her cheek.

From the kitchen, Sophia caught Luca staring at her, his expression dark with jealousy.

Beach Hut – Sophia
"Luca's giving me the evils again. Like, make up your mind, mate. You're either done with me or you're not. Pick a lane!"