heart rate challenge the villa had been buzzing all afternoon. everyone knew what tonight was. the heart rate challenge. every islander had spent hours getting ready, trying to pretend they weren’t nervous while secretly wondering whose heart they’d raise the most. when the person who preformed was up there nobody could get up off that couch unless told to. so they’d just have to sit there and watch the girls sat together upstairs, laughing as they guessed what ridiculous costumes the boys would be wearing. “i swear if sincere comes out in something stupid…” melanie laughed. “he definitely will,” trinity grinned. “that’s exactly why i like him.” everyone laughed. you stayed surprisingly quiet. you had chosen your outfit almost immediately. a black and crimson ringmaster costume. the fitted jacket hugged your waist perfectly, gold detailing running along the lapels and sleeves. matching shorts disappeared beneath thigh-high black boots, while fishnet tights peeked through. a tiny top hat sat slightly tilted on your head, your hair curled perfectly around it. black gloves reached just past your wrists, and you carried a sleek riding crop—not to use, just to complete the look. confident. elegant. dangerous. “okay…” kayda looked you up and down before letting out a laugh. “caleb is actually gonna pass out.” “or bryce,” trinity teased. “or zach,” kenzie added. “honestly?” aniya smiled. “probably all of them.” you rolled your eyes, laughing. “you guys are so dramatic.” “no,” trinity pointed at you. “you’re dramatic.” “look at you.” “you look like you’re about to own the entire villa.” ⸻ later that night… everyone gathered around the fire pit. music echoed through the villa as colored lights flashed across the pool. the boys sat together, trying to act confident. none of them were. “i’m actually terrified,” sincere admitted. “same,” bryce laughed. “watch trinity embarrass me on national television.” “she absolutely will,” zach smirked. caleb stayed quiet. his leg bounced nervously beneath his chair. he wasn’t worried about his own performance. he was worried about yours. ⸻ one by one, islanders disappeared behind the villa doors before returning in costume. the challenge was already chaotic. trinity had everyone crying with laughter before somehow managing to leave bryce completely speechless. melanie practically skipped over to sincere, who couldn’t stop smiling the entire time. kayda had zach hiding his face in his hands. everybody cheered. everybody laughed. then… “it’s time for our next islander.” the music changed. the lights dimmed. everyone looked toward the villa doors. they slowly opened. silence. Guest stepped out.