THAT NIGHT was a relaxing one. We had dinner inside, in the hotel's attached restaurant which had huge glass windows around the sides so that the mountain range in the distance was visible. It was so pretty, and having good food made the experience exponentially better. 

Even though Finn started to subtly mimic everything I was doing— if I took a sip of water, he took a sip of his; if I adjusted my napkin, he did too—until I caught on and glared at him (to which he just grinned, of course). He's so immature.

Afterwards, in our room, Jolene and I stayed up all night talking about our favourite fandoms and our wildest ships between fictional characters. We couldn't stop giggling over the strangest pop culture things out there, and I'd come to find out that apparently, anime p○rn exists? Um, excuse me, what?!

The internet is a wild, wild place.

Then Jolene shared some stories from her strangest dates, while I entertained with stories of my long-distance, unrequited crushes. The whole ordeal, a girly exchange of high-school-sleepover-worth material, made me happy in ways I couldn't describe. It had been a while since I'd talked like this with a friend, and I realized I needed more of this in my life. 

Like, a lot more.

The next day was the start of another hike to another resort. We had a breakfast of tasty cornmeal porridge at the hotel before we packed our things and left. 

The trek to the next resort took a couple of days. We camped out at night after each day of tiresome and backbreaking but super fun and wholesome hiking. The forests held twisting trails that, with each turn, seemed to reveal new layers of green as if we were peeling back the Earth's secrets. The sun penetrated these parts of the town, shining effortlessly through the thick canopies as it turned the ground into a quilt of dappled shadows. 

What stuck with me the most was the peacefulness of it all (yes, I even got used to Priscilla's chatter about her favourite eco-friendly nail polish brands; miracles do happen, apparently). There was something so calming about being out here, away from the noise and the rush of everyday life. Just us, the forest, and our path ahead.

What surprised me the most was that all ten of us were in perfect sync with each other and the pace of the trek. Someone would start a wild story of theirs, and another would relate, and someone else would comment something so wildly out of place but just so right— it was indescribably sweet. They felt like... family.

Finally, we arrived at the resort, which was a very ancient one. It was used for guests to stay back in the days when people came from other lands to trade goods. I couldn't stop taking pictures (Renzo practically had to drag me back), it was so interesting.

"Alright folks," Yumi started as we assembled around her, excited. "Today, we will be sleeping outside, but not in our itty-bitty tents. We, my friends, are going to see the stars."

There was an immediate chatter among our group, an undercurrent of awe running through the hushed discussions as I struggled to pay attention. 

"Okay, okay," Yumi said, laughing, "Let's get to our rooms now. We'll have to set up after, but we have a couple of hours before then. Rest up, y'all."

We went to our rooms. This time, I was with Jolene again as well as Isla, who murmured something about the moon being made of cheese before promptly crashing on the couch and falling asleep. I laughed to myself, careful not to wake the girl up. 

I sat down to rest my feet and must have fallen asleep sometime too because suddenly I felt a constant tapping at my shoulder and I jolted awake in my chair. I looked up to see Jolene tapping my shoulder constantly like a woodpecker (on steroids) or something before she finally realized I was awake. 

"Early dinner, Cora," she squealed, doing a little happy dance on the spot. I shot up out of my chair, bleary-eyed no more, and joined her. Because, food. Duh.

"Isla's gone to save us a good spot near the tandoori lamb chops, and I heard there's butternut squash ravioli on the menu too," Jolene informed me, and then we hurried to the dining area. 

The beautifully lit dining area was filled. There were travellers not only from our trekking group but from others as well, from different countries, even, which was a pleasant surprise. Our group sat on the same side of the room but we were mostly scattered in groups of three or four. 

I spotted Renzo happily sitting between Finn and Yumi, saying something that made Yumi throw her head back and laugh. And then I caught sight of Priscilla and Edna. Edna was about to sit beside Finn but Miss Priss threw her a molten glare, to which Edna just rolled her eyes but gave up her seat. I caught Edna's eye, attempting a smile, and to my surprise she returned it full force. Edna was nice, more so than Priscilla, and I wondered why Edna put up with her. But then again, friendship was a fickle thing; it could connect people that wouldn't fit perfectly on pen and paper, but in real life, under the spell of friendship, worked wonders. 

Just like love. 

I noted this all as I piled on my plate an assortment of fine cheeses, cured meats, caprese salad, and good old lasagna. 

Jo, Isla, and I went and sat at a free table across but slightly further from Finn and the others. Our chatter contributed to the conversation-filled ambience in the room, the air filled with laughter and political debates and next steps in life. 

Meanwhile, I was having an observation of my own. 

I'd simply been minding my own business, pretending to pay attention to the conversation but in reality too busy stuffing my face with something called pasta primavera (it was just so good), when someone had moved out of their chair and suddenly in the path of my vision, a few tables away, was Finn. 

His smile flashed, dimple deep, as he paid attention to the conversation at hand. He leaned back in his chair, posture relaxed as he absently ran a hand through his tousled hair. His other hand then played with the edge of his glass, fingers tapping softly and rhythmically against it to a beat only he could hear. 

Between bites of ravioli and gravy, what I also nonchalantly noticed as it happened to totally randomly catch my eye, was Finn's interactions with Priscilla and the rest of them. 

He simply seemed to, like, ooze charm. He was completely at ease, like he owned the space without trying. From here, I could hear that his voice was low and smooth, laced with the humour that was also present in his smile, as if he was telling some joke that only he could. After all that, it slightly dawned on me how his interactions with someone like Miss Priss was different from my own ones with him. 

And then I thought of the way we interacted: like old friends, teasing, and of course, there were innuendos because it's Finn, come on. But... there's never that purposeful charm that he seemed to be marinating in right now. 

Surely, that wasn't a problem... but did it say something about me? It didn't... did it? And even if it did, was it a bad thing? I looked away, sighing quietly. I really needed to stop overthinking before I got an ulcer from it or something. 

That night, after dinner, it was me that left a note this time, in Finn's room on top of his bags. I knew he probably wouldn't see it for a while, so I brought one of my textbooks that I had packed so that I could read it while I waited in the clearing nearby this building (hotels in Anaril always seemed to have clusters of clearings nearby). 

This clearing was quite similar to the one at the other hotel: a quiet, empty space with small shrubs lining the circumference, with a medium-sized rock or two to perch on; ultimately, just really, really pretty. 

I sat on a mostly-smooth rock off to the side, pulling my white cardigan around me tighter as the summer's evening breeze passed through the air, deliciously dancing across my skin. I was engrossed in a chapter in my textbook when I heard a shuffle of feet and then a dramatic, incredulous gasp. 

"Are you seriously reading your textbook right now?"

Finn's disbelieving face stared back at me when I looked up, and I watched as he walked closer to the rock I was sitting on. I blushed and moved my page marker to the section I was on just as Finn finally stood over me. I shut the book like he'd caught me reading p○rn or something, my ears burning as I looked up to meet his wide eyes. 

He must have caught something even as I shut the book because he asked, "...What language was that?"

I burst out laughing, giving him a light shove with the book. He stumbled back playfully but still had that slightly dazed-and-confused look on his face. 

"I think it's English," I grinned. "But I can't be too sure." 

Finn gave me a knowing smile before he also sat down on the rock beside me. "...So, Miss A.B. You've invited me over for conversation on this fine summer evening. May I know what I owe the pleasure of your invitation?" 

I shot him a look, gently poking his shoulder. "Why, can't I just want to be in your company, hmm? Maybe you're just, like, the needed comedic relief in my life or something." I bit my lip to hide my laughter. 

"I think you're amusing enough to be your own comedic relief in your life, Almond Baba," he said back. "But if you want me to be the comedic relief, then that I shall be." 

"You're too sweet," I swooned, putting a hand over my heart.

"Nice to know, but stop changing the topic."

"I wasn't!" I gasped. But I knew that he'd caught me, and that I couldn't back out of this now. But how would I go about addressing the question that had been gnawing at my insides, wanting an answer?

"Finn..." I started, voice tentative. I shifted slightly in my seat, trying not to make this awkward. But who was I kidding? I think my first word must have been 'awkward' or something, because it seemed to be the only thing I was naturally flawless at. I coughed lightly. "Can I ask you something?"

He turned his head to look at me, probably surprised at my apprehension. "Of course, Cora."

I hesitated then, looking down at my shoes as if I'd find the right words there (shocker, I didn't). 

"It's just... I've noticed something. About us— no, about me." I glanced up to meet Finn's eyes, my heart pounding a little faster. "The way we, you know, talk. It's different from how you're with other people, like, say, Priscilla or something. There's no... oh, how do I say it? Like, purposeful charm, you know? We talk like... old buddies. Or something. And that's not a problem, of course, but it's... not how you usually talk with others, right? So I was just wondering, if... oh, I don't know. I was starting to think something was wrong with... me...?"

Wow, maybe I had a possible career out there in professional speech writing or something!

NOT.

Finn shook his head immediately. "Cora," he said, looking at me. "There's nothing wrong with you. Why would you think that? And no, before you ask, I don't feel pity on you or something. Maybe the way we act with each other is different because... oh, how do I explain this?" He said the last part almost to himself, and then he paused, thinking. 

He didn't respond immediately after that. When he finally found his words, he leaned in slightly, and I followed his lead, leaning in conspiratorially. 

"Some dances, Cora," he murmured, his eyes locking with mine, "are for the stage." 

I held my breath, caught up in the moment, in the way his words seemed to pull me closer like a magnet. 

"But some dances," he continued softly, "are for moonlit nights. Alone."

The world around us seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us under the silver glow of the soon-to-be night. A beautiful moment, really.

And then I whispered: 

"That's deep."

Finn's laughter pierced through the evening, and even though I felt my ears heat up and burn like an oven, I couldn't help but grin at him. 

He leaned back, giving my shoulder a small nudge with his, and I smiled softly. "Did I answer your question?" he asked me. 

"A little poetic, but I think I've figured it out." I paused. "Kind of." 

"Just... you're irreplaceable, Cora. So stop thinking otherwise, yeah?"

"Yeah," I sighed non-committedly. And then I changed the topic, turning to Finn excitedly. "Wasn't the food, like, absolutely delish?!"

Finn chuckled. "Yes, it was, Miss Topic-Changer. But I also hope you haven't forgotten about our snow owl bet?"

Ugh, dammit. I was totally hoping to avoid that somehow. My stomach felt suddenly hollow with nervousness. I really hoped he wouldn't tell me to get up in front of everyone and do the chicken dance or something. 

I told him this. "I wouldn't make a good chicken," I confessed, shaking my head in remorse, but Finn waved my concern away. 

"Don't worry, Cora," he grinned. "I have an idea... and I think you might actually like it."

"Pfft, no way," I snorted (literally like a pig; it wasn't cute; please don't try it at home). "Me, enjoying something potentially so socially embarrassing? That's almost as impossible as turtles being able to jump. Which they really can't, by the way."

Finn didn't respond, just gave me a small smile before he got off the rock. "We'll see."

"No, you'll see. Because I'm right."

"As I said, we'll see."

I narrowed my eyes. "You're so suspicious," I sighed, and he grinned. "That wasn't a compliment."

"But it's from you, so I'll take it, Miss A.B." He shot me a cheesy grin before he looked back down the path. "Want to head back now?"

I got off the rock too, looking at the sky. "Fine. But only because you're scared of the dark."

"Of course, Cora."

"Not me or anything. Obviously."

"Right."

We walked back, with me taking my time (because of course, I wasn't scared or anything ridiculous like that). But the charade didn't last long because Finn suddenly yelled, "Look, bats!" which had me hightailing down the path like I was Usain Bolt or someone. I didn't stop until I heard Finn's laugh, way behind me. 

"Y-you're a psychotic little... chicken nugget for that! You'll regret it!" I yelled back threateningly, my face a seemingly permanent pout as I stomped my way back. 

Back at the hotel, preparations for the stargazing were in full swing. After half an hour of setting up sleeping bags and telescopes, and then carefully dimming all the lights, we were almost ready. 

I'd just gotten a pillow from inside, and was standing on the back patio for a second, taking it all in, when Finn materialized beside me like a genie in all his dark-haired and wicked-eyed glory. He nudged me with his elbow, a playful smirk already playing on his lips. 

"Alright, Cora," he began, his voice low enough that only I could hear, "remember the embarrassing thing we made a deal about? I've thought about it, and you're going to do it... now."

It took everything in me not to fall at Finn's feet shamelessly and whine at him not to do this to me. Instead, like the calm, collected and cool individual I was(n't), I simply nodded, accepting my fate. "What is it?"

"Nothing too crazy," he assured me, though his grin didn't quite match his words. "When we start stargazing, you're going to do some creative... storytelling for us."

"Storytelling?" I repeated stupidly.

Finn leaned in closer, his voice dropping some more. "Yup. Every time we spot a constellation, you're going to make up a completely random shape from it and a story behind it, while including a little something about everyone in our trekking group. The more ridiculous, the better."

The first part wasn't even half bad... but making up a story and including our group members in it... oh gosh. I stared at him, my expression shifting from confusion to dreadful horror. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"

He smiled. "Maybe. Probably. But that's half the fun, right?" 

"Ugh," I groaned. "I can't believe you're making me do this."

"That was the deal, sweetheart," Finn replied, looking completely unapologetic. "You lost the bet. Now you've got to pay up."

I shot him a withering look. 

"Don't worry," he said, grinning. "I'm sure whatever you come up with will be... memorable."

I rolled my eyes. "Finneas Ryder, your confidence in me is so supremely unrealistic, it's actually, like, hurting my spleen."

An incredulous laugh broke from him. I was about to whack him with my pillow when just then, it slipped from my hands; of course it did. Finn caught it, and to my surprise, he just started to walk off with it, our conversation presumably over. 

"Finn," I sputtered. "Give it back."

He turned around and tossed it back, but it was so fast that it hurtled straight into my face before I could catch it. "Hey!" I pulled the pillow away from my face, certain my nose was going to come off with it, but thankfully, it hadn't. I looked back up and saw Finn struggling and failing to hold in his laughter. 

I just sighed. "You're ridiculous."

"Yes," he agreed easily. "But I'm your kind of ridiculous. Now, get ready, Miss A.B. The stars aren't going to wait."

A/N: This chapter took so long to write because I was putting it off like someone was paying me to procrastinate (and no, they were not; I WISH, tho).

Also, yes! Some stargazing-plus- pseudo-story telling coming your way... as well as some new revelations and feelings...!

Stay tuned <3

🧋