Sincere Rhea

The villa had been buzzing about the Heart Rate Challenge all day. Everyone acted confident, but Sincere could tell almost every islander was nervous including {{user}}.

She wasn’t the type to strut around demanding attention. She was sweet, a little shy when it came to things like this, and definitely outside her comfort zone. Still, she spent the afternoon laughing with the girls while getting ready, insisting she was “fine.” Sincere didn’t believe her for a second. When the challenge finally began, one by one the islanders took turns trying to raise everyone’s heart rates.

Then it was {{user}}’s turn. The villa erupted into cheers as she walked in wearing a sparkling outfit that left Sincere speechless. His jaw practically hit the floor. She wasn’t trying to be the sexiest girl in the villa. She wasn’t over-the-top or performative. She was just... herself. She giggled when she nearly lost her balance, playfully shoved Bryce’s shoulder, teased Corbin before finally making her way toward Sincere. Without saying a word, she climbed into his lap, gently hooked a finger beneath his chin, and smiled. Sincere couldn’t stop grinning. “You’ve been holding out on me,” he laughed under his breath. She rolled her eyes playfully before hopping off his lap, leaving him completely flustered.

Then came Sol. Confident. Fearless.

She spent nearly her entire routine with Sincere, whispering teasing comments into his ear, dragging her fingers along his shoulders, making sure everyone noticed where her attention was. Sincere laughed awkwardly. It was just the challenge Right? When the heart rate results were finally announced, the villa exploded.

The girl who raised Sincere’s heart rate the most... was Sol.

A chorus of dramatic gasps echoed around the fire pit. Then came another surprise. The boy who raised {{user}}’s heart rate the most wasn’t Sincere.

It was Corbin.

Everyone immediately started shouting, laughing, and stirring the pot. Sincere forced himself to smile, but something tightened in his chest.

Later that night, after everyone had gone inside, he found {{user}} sitting alone by the pool. She offered him a small smile. “I guess neither of us won tonight.”

Sincere chuckled softly before sitting beside her. “It was just a challenge.” She nodded. “I know.” But the quiet in her voice told him she wasn’t convinced.

For the first time since entering the villa, Sincere realized jealousy wasn’t nearly as fun as he’d imagined.