Page 143 of Hawaii Can Suck It

She takes a deep breath, stares straight into the camera. “I suppose I should introduce myself, although if you watch this channel, you probably already know me. I’m Camila Morales. And before anyone comments—yeah, I’m aware my eyes are puffy. I’m not having the best day.”

I want to reach through the screen and pull her into my arms. I wish I could apologize for not listening, for trusting my walls over her and not letting her explain. For being a fucking coward—again.

“You all know me as Reece Dare’s new girlfriend. But that’s not true. I was never his real girlfriend. Our relationship wasfake, only for views.”

“Ohhh shit,” Blaze drawls.

I shush him, pressing the volume higher.

“Reece works his butt off for every fan,” she continues. “You don’t see the endless planning, the safety checks, the sleepless edits—all for those ten minutes that make you smile. He’s got true integrity, pushing through exhaustion not only for you, but for his team. Three hundred people rely on him to show up, no matter what.”

I can’t tear my eyes away from her face—from the sincerity etched into every feature.

“I’ve been a DareSquad fan since high school,” she says, a faint smile on her lips. “But I never knew the pressure and isolation Reece faces. The grind of being a full-time creator is brutal and leads to burnout. The internet is fickle.

It’s true I wanted to start a documentary channel and hoped to get Reece’s endorsement. But in Maui, I got to see a side of him fans never see—his big heart. That’s why he arranged a visit to Lahaina Town, which was ravaged by fires a year ago.”

Images of Lahaina before and after play on the screen. The contrast is gut-wrenching. Front Street as it used to be—vibrant storefronts, the historic, sprawling banyan tree, tourists and locals mingling together. Then comes blackened foundations, skeletal buildings, and the scorched tree somehow still standing.

“A fan asked Reece if there was a way he could help,” she says, and the video cuts to Keoni’s hopeful expression. “Now, I’m asking you, the DareSquad, to rise to the challenge. Let’s show Reece that there’s more to his impact than just stunts and pranks. Together, we can help him help others.”

“Holy shit,” I whisper, and I swear my heart is swelling to twice its normal size.

Out of nowhere, Kai places a steadying palm on my shoulder, his usual unsettling presence offering me a strange comfort.

“The warrior goddess fights for your honor as her heart bleeds,” he intones softly. “Such is the rarest form of devotion—that which gives without expectation of return.”

“I was going to post this video onmynew channel, but it can do so much more good for the people of Lahaina if the DareSquad sees it and stands up for something meaningful—not another scandal.”

Her words are a wrecking ball to my chest. She gave up her own opportunity—her chance to launch her dream—to help these people. To help me.

“I’ve added a donate button to help Lahaina families rebuild,” she says, leaning in. “I dare you all to contribute, even a dollar. Every bit counts. Together, we can make a difference, just like hitting a million likes—one click at a time.”

Pride surges through me. This woman—this incredibly brilliant, passionate, take-no-shit angel—is fighting for a cause that matters. She’s turned a personal disaster into a chance to help others. She’s showing me the way, embodying everything I was too scared to embrace.

“One more thing. I’m sorry, Reece, for not telling you how I felt. I never expected this trip to change me, no clue I’d feel…” She pauses, her hazel eyes drowning in emotion. A tear escapes, cutting a path down her cheek. “I would’ve said yes.”

The world stops spinning.

She would’ve said yes. To being my girlfriend. To being mine,for real.

The video cuts away to footage of Lahaina: the Akana family standing outside their temporary shelter, and the interview where they shared their struggles with losing everything.

The views skyrocket before my eyes.

Ten million.

Fifteen million.

Twenty-three million.

The comments flood in:

Help Reece Help Lahaina! #DareToRebuild.

Just donated $50! Who can match me?

#Dare4Change.

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