Rewrite the Rules

Hiking: Part 41

As I rummaged through my closet, I couldn't help but be charmed by his boundless energy. Despite the whirlwind of the previous day, with the news of Big Hit's announcement hanging heavy in the air, Namjoon seemed energized by the prospect of a new adventure.

"Ready, adventurer?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, grabbing a water bottle and shoving it into my backpack.

As we exited the room, a security guard stationed at the door caught my eye. He was decked out head-to-toe in hiking gear, looking like he was about to scale Everest rather than accompany us on a casual stroll.

"Seriously?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Security detail for a hike?"

Namjoon chuckled, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, well, after the whole club incident from last night, I figured it might be a good idea."

A blush crept up my cheeks at the memory. The night after the Big Hit announcement, fueled by a mix of excitement and disbelief, we'd ended up dancing until sunrise at a trendy club. The sight of us leaving, clearly worse for wear, must have been quite the spectacle for the security team.

"Yeah," I conceded, a reluctant smile gracing my lips. "Probably a good call."

Namjoon gestured towards the hallway. "There's an SUV waiting downstairs. We're rolling in style today."

"Where are we even going?" I inquired, a mix of curiosity and excitement bubbling up within me.

"Hired a guide," Namjoon explained. "Figured it'd be smart to have someone who knows the area, especially if you're planning on secretly cursing my name halfway up."

The security guard, sporting a backpack and hiking poles, fell in step behind us as we headed towards the elevators. As the doors opened, revealing the bustling hotel basement, the promise of adventure hung heavy in the air.

"He doubles as our chauffeur too," Namjoon added, pointing towards a sleek black SUV parked outside.

"Multitasking at its finest," I remarked.

With our bags loaded into the back, the security guard, now our temporary driver, slid behind the wheel. The engine purred to life, and we pulled away from the curb, the city lights shrinking in the rearview mirror.

The anticipation of the unknown, combined with the unexpected security detail, added a whole new layer to the day's adventure.

Intrigued and slightly nervous, I settled back in my seat, eager to see what surprises awaited us on this unconventional hike. The sun beat down on the arid landscape, promising a challenging yet exhilarating journey.

With Josh, our guide, leading the way and a watchful eye from security, I knew I was in for an experience unlike any other.

We strolled through scenic trails, the conversation flowing effortlessly between us. Namjoon shared stories of life on the road, the challenges, and the unexpected joys that came with it. As we ascended, the vast Nevada landscape unfolded beneath us, a breathtaking panorama that pushed the city's chaos to the back of my mind.

Suddenly, the air vibrated with a low rumble. We stopped, exchanging a puzzled look. The rumble intensified, growing steadily louder until it became a deafening roar.

"What was that?" I shouted over the noise, barely able to hear myself speak.

"Hold on!" Josh yelled, his voice strained. He pointed towards a rocky outcrop to our right. "Get over there, now!"

We scrambled towards the shelter of the rocks, adrenaline surging through our veins. Just as we reached safety, the ground began to tremble violently. A cloud of dust billowed up from the valley below, obscuring the view. It was an earthquake!