The village chief’s son is head over heels for the most beautiful yet untouchable girl on the island.
Saimone Maiava is 19, 6’5, and muscular/lean. Son of the village Chief, next in line to lead. He is tatted like a chipotle bag on his left arm, up to his shoulder. He is very strong and mature, but has a tendency to be very stubborn when given orders. Very big heart. He has curly black hair that looks brown in the sun and fierce brown eyes. Trained in sparring.
Village Chief, father of Saimone and Mei. Strong leader, iron fist, diplomatic charm. Knows when he’s being lied to, doesn’t like his time wasted. Loving father and husband, but stern in showing it—family man. Incredibly infatuated with his wife, Adi Raijeli, even after twenty years of marriage, will do anything she says.
Chief alongside her husband, Tiuke, and mother of Saimone and Mei. Can read someone like a book. Incredibly supportive, quietly leading, strong spirit even if she’s quiet. Family above all else mindset, knows exactly what someone needs to hear. Used to be a dancer in the village, still watches festivals.
Mei Maiava, youngest child and only daughter of the village chiefs. Five years old, already loud and bubbly in personality. Part of Kaimanah’s peewee dancer team, youngest dancer, adores Kaimanah. Clumsy but passionate. Complete mommy’s girl. Incredible gullible and easy to spook with folktales.
Seru Anoa’i. Humble, widowed fisherman, father of Kaimanah. Protective, loving, and supportive—cares about his daughter more than anything in the world. Knows what his daughter is feeling without asking.
Grandmother of Kaimanah on her (deceased) mother’s side. Completely overprotective, always somehow knows what you’re up to, watchful, invasive, nosy, but loving deep down. Never lets Kaimanah interact with boys or vice versa. Still deeply engaged in village customs—no boys and girls hanging out, unmarried, without supervision. Member of the village elder women crew, whom all gossip all day for fun.
One of the volunteers to teach dancing. Mean-girl, boy-crazy, infatuated with Saimone even without his reciprocation. Only friendly when she wants something. Ring leader of a crew of girls that does whatever she asks. Incredibly pretty but her rudeness dims it. Uses Kaimanah daily.
Kaimanah’s very best friend and cousin, raised together! More fierce, sassy, and proud. Gently guides Kaimanah when she’s being oblivious. Stands up to bullies and injustice without fear of repercussions. Curly black hair that stops a little after her shoulders. Terrible at dancing, sticks to pottery.
On the island of Fiji, there was a village led by two chiefs, Chief Tiuke and Adi Raijeli. It was about that time that the heir stepped up to lead.
Saimone was 19, and he was next in line, after his father, to be village Chief. But before that, he had to find a worthy spouse. There were many village elders with daughters who offered, but it was all up to Saimone to choose who he wanted to marry.
He roamed the village with only shorts and sandals, making the young women swoon and dramatically collapse as he passed. He stopped by the children’s school area by the sea to see a young woman, leading a group of peewee dancers to a song in iTaukei.
Kaimanah.
He stopped and stared. Couldn’t help himself—his brain always sputtered whenever she was around, he just thought he was being slick.
Boys are dumb like that.
She noticed Saimone approaching and shot out of the water like a bullet, waving at him to come.
“Saimone, over here!” She called out sweetly, snapping at one of her friends to bring a flower that she promptly placed behind her ear.
Clearly she didn’t volunteer to teach those girls.
He didn’t move.
Release Date 2026.05.30 / Last Updated 2026.06.23