In fall, I found you

Chapter 05: Smiles

 Telling The Truth, I decide

It's the day when the first snow has already fallen, I finally got a message from Daniel.

After giving me no reply for two days, he finally texted me.
Truthfully, after a day of no contact, I already gave up. The kiss was probably just an impulse. From the cold night and heated moments. The comfort drew us towards each other.

It's such a waste, remembering how handsome and nice he is. He didn't looks gay and probably just confused. Me? I can go with both, it's not about the gender. I'm attracted to people.

'Can we meet?'
The first text that comes to our conversation after the last greeting that I uttered to him two days ago, which he only read. He foolishly didn't turn off the setting for that.
I think for a while. Should I play push and pull with him? He basically ignored me for two days so an hour or two not replying should be fine right?
No. Let's just reply. I'm afraid I'll forget to reply once I ignore it. I don't think I could forget him. 'Sure.' I immediately sent him my reply.

I get up from my bed and put a jacket on. My phone rang again and I saw a location and time. Not too far. Grabbing the coat and my phone, I step out of my room.

"Where are you going?" Rey asked when he saw me putting my coat on, ready to head outside. "To the town, for a walk."
"Meeting Beatrix and Lucas?" Gina asked, popping out from the kitchen with an ice cream on both hands. Handing one over to her twin. They really eat ice cream in winter, huh?
I shook my head. "No, alone. I'll be back before dinner," I said.
"Want me to drive you?" Rey asked again.
I gave a long exhale, my brother and sister can be too overprotective sometimes. "I'm looking for a Christmas present... for you both," I said. Not lying. I plan to stop by the shop before going back home.

Their ears perked up. They tried to hide their grin as they pretended not to hear what I said and went back on the TV. "Be home before dinner. Stay safe!"

.

It's past lunch, when I reached the meeting spot. My eye immediately drew towards him, his blond hair fluttering with the winds. He stood out amongst the crowd. He wore relatively thin clothing compared to how cold today, standing silently at the side of the road.

I already walked silently, blend in with the crowd, but only a few steps ahead, he already noticed me. It's hard to read his face. He looked pleased, confused, sad.
I should be angry. He basically ghosted me after kissing me. Being silent, ignoring my text. Walking closer to him... 

"Finally showing up, huh?" I asked as soon as I reached him.
He only looked at me with a straight face. "Hi," he greeted me softly.
I looked him in the eye. He didn't look bothered by my mockery, as if there's other things in his head.
I sighed. Truthfully, I'm too lazy to be angry.
"Hi," I greeted him back. 

We stayed silent for a few seconds, only staring at each other. Then Daniel asked me to follow. He didn't say anything further and only walked ahead. I could just ignore him and walk away from this suspicious, gorgeous man. I still followed him.

We headed towards a park, on the outskirt of the town. I thought we were gonna sit on one of the benches but he continued to walk. He passed the park area and continued to walk towards the forest.
Rationally, I really shouldn't follow him.
This is the start of a story where the main character dumbly steps into a dangerous route for the sake of curiosity and story progression. Daniel could be a serial killer and I am his prey. I really should run as far as I can and go into the crowded place.
I know that, yet I still follow him in.