Rian looked nervous as they walked up to the hot-air balloon. Rafi smiled at her in amusement. “It’ll be alright. I got you.” He held out his hand. Rian hesitated for a moment before taking his hand.

He smirked as she stepped up and pulled her into him as he wrapped his arms around her. “You just need to trust me. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Rian let him hold her. She really wished she could tell him everything, but that was impossible. He would probably hate her then. Better to keep things the way they are and deal with the fallout as it comes. “Rian?” Rafi was looking at her curiously. “Are you alright? You look like you’re about to cry. If you’re that scared, we don’t need to do it.”

Rian smiled and kissed him on the cheek, “You’re the sweetest. I’m alright. Let’s do this.”

He gave her a worried glance and nodded, but his arm didn’t leave her waist. The balloon swayed as it lifted. They drifted up over the Spanish countryside. “It’s beautiful up here,” Rian said.

Rafi smiled, pulling her a bit closer. “So are you.” He huffed in amusement, “Okay, that was cheesy. But do you think we should elect a Captain in case something happens? Just in case we end up floating away and have to start a new life here. “He smirked. “I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve got natural leadership qualities to head up an expedition like this.”

Rian chuckled inwardly. She would give him this. “I’m not really the captaining type. Besides, I think you’d look handsome with a captain’s hat.”

“What’s a captain’s hat look like?” Rafi asked curiously.

“You know one of those big triangular hats? It would look great on you.” Rian answered.

Rafi smiled roguishly, “I’ll be your captain any time, babe.”

She giggled, “now that was cheesy. Everything said, though, I don’t know how to steer this thing. So either way, we’re going to have to go wherever the wind blows us.”

“Still, it’s a nice thought,” Rafi said, brushing a kiss across her cheek. Rian tilted her face up to him, and his lips met hers. The world melted away for a moment. They pulled away from each other, slightly breathless. “I can’t wait to spend more time with you once the summer is over.”

“Why can’t we just stay here?” Rian asked. She really didn’t want to think about what was going to happen after.

“That would be fun,” he said, smiling, “we’re alone. We can do whatever we want.” He looked down at her nervously for a moment. “Maybe you’d like to meet my brother after we’re finished here? And maybe my parents?”

Rian smiled. She could dream, couldn’t she? “I would love that. I should make baklava.”

Rafi beamed. “That’s the way to their hearts. It’ll be love at first sight.” She buried her head into his chest. This just kept getting harder and harder. “I haven’t actually brought anyone to meet my family before. I’ve had girlfriends before, obviously, but it’s never really been serious enough to… take the plunge.” Her heart ached. Rafi was so sweet, and she knew it was all a gamble. He continued talking, but Rian was thinking about someone else. She really needed to get it together, at least for now. “Listen, Rian, I know it’s still the early days for us. But I just wanted to say… I’m so, so glad I met you, and there’s nobody else I’d rather be leaving Love Island with. Whatever happens in the final, I really see a future for us outside the Villa.”

Rian smiled. “Shush, let’s just enjoy this moment.”

“You’re right. I’m getting carried away,” Rafi said, pulling her to his chest again as he squeezed her into a hug. “For now, let’s just enjoy this view.” The sky was darkening, and one by one, the stars were lighting up the night. The only sound was the distant sigh of the ocean.” I wish we never had to go back down.”