rest of their summer trip felt like a blur of sun, laughter, and late nights under the stars.
They wandered through the colorful, lively beach town markets, tasting strange snacks and buying silly souvenirs. Eliza bought a tiny, glass seashell — she didn't need it, but it reminded her of the way the sun reflected off Lucifer's eyes when they were by the water. She didn't tell him that, of course. Ava dragged them to try paddleboarding, which ended in complete chaos. She fell into the water five times, Lucifer nearly tipped over from laughing too hard, and Eliza, giggling uncontrollably, barely managed to stay upright.
--
One afternoon, they found a secluded little cove, hidden away from the crowds. The water was so clear it looked unreal, and they spent hours splashing around, daring each other to jump off the rocks. Lucifer, being Lucifer, went first — executing a ridiculous, exaggerated dive that ended in the loudest cannonball splash. He resurfaced with a grin, shaking water from his hair.
"Didn't think I'd survive, huh, Princess?" he teased, flicking water at Eliza.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips.
At night, the three of them sat by a crackling bonfire on the beach. They wrapped themselves in blankets, the ocean breeze cool against their sunburned skin. The sky was endless and full of stars, and the firelight made Lucifer's face glow in a way Eliza couldn't stop looking at.
He kept leaning in to make sarcastic comments just for her, his voice low and warm — like it was their own private joke. She loved those moments more than she wanted to admit.
every time he smiled at her like that, she wondered what it would be like if he ever felt the same way.
Eliza loved every second of it. She didn't want it to end.
But eventually, it had to.
The drive home was quieter than she expected. Ava passed out halfway through, snoring softly in the backseat, leaving Eliza and Lucifer alone in the front. The road stretched on ahead of them, the smell of salt and sunscreen still lingering in the car.
Eliza rested her head against the window, her voice soft. "You think things'll feel different when we're back?"
Lucifer glanced over at her, his voice quieter than usual. "Yeah… probably. But we'll always have this. It doesn't have to disappear just because we're home."
Eliza smiled, though her heart twisted painfully. She wanted to believe that.
School came back faster than anyone wanted it to. The hallways buzzed with noise — friends swapping summer stories, complaining about early mornings, and pretending they weren't thrilled to see each other again.
Eliza didn't mind it, though. She felt lighter, like summer had recharged her somehow. Every time her mind wandered back to the beach — back to him — she felt warm all over again.
"Is it too early to start skipping class?" Ava groaned dramatically as they walked to homeroom.
Eliza laughed. "Definitely too early."
They found their usual seats just as Lucifer strolled in, looking way too relaxed for someone who nearly failed last year.
"Miss me, Princess?" he smirked, dropping into the desk beside her.
Eliza rolled her eyes, but her heart did a little somersault anyway. "Not even a little."
Before he could say something snarky back, the teacher walked in, clapping his hands.
"Alright, settle down! We've got a new student joining us today."
Eliza wasn't paying attention — not at first.
The door opened, and in walked a girl who looked like she stepped straight out of a teen drama. Long, shiny brown hair, bright green eyes, and the kind of easy, confident smile that made people instantly like her.
"This is Lily Dawson," the teacher said. "She's joining us this year. Let's make her feel welcome."
Lily glanced around the room, her eyes landing briefly on Eliza before flicking to Lucifer — and staying there.
Eliza felt an uncomfortable prickle at the back of her neck.
The teacher looked around the room. "Looks like the only free seat is… right next to Mr. Hayes. Lily, go ahead and take a seat."
Eliza's stomach dropped.
Lily's smile didn't falter as she walked over to the empty seat next to Lucifer. He glanced up, giving her a polite nod.
"Hey," she said, her voice smooth and friendly.
"Hey," Lucifer replied, casual. Too casual.
Eliza didn't like the way Lily smiled at him.
And she really didn't like the way Lucifer smiled back.
Ava leaned in, whispering so only Eliza could hear. "Looks like you've got competition."
Eliza didn't answer. She just stared straight ahead, pretending she didn't feel that awful, twisting feeling in her chest.
She wasn't sure why, but something about Lily felt… off. Like she wasn't just a new student.
Like she was going to change everything.
To be continued....
💬Author's Note:
Aaaand just like that... the summer love bubble popped. 💔
We were all vibing with sunshine, slow-burn feelings, and bonfire cuddles... until Lily Dawson walked in with her perfect hair and sparkly eyes like she owned the place. 👀
Do we trust Lily? Well... Lets see what will happen...
If you were Eliza, and a shiny new girl sat next to your almost-something crush, what would you do?
(And pray for Eliza, please. She's gonna need it.) 🙏💔