Rewrite the Rules

Compass: Part 43

The airport bustled with frenetic energy, a stark contrast to the serenity of the desert trail we'd just left. Namjoon's private plane, a sleek predator on the tarmac, stood out amidst the commercial airliners.

"So, this is the deal," Namjoon explained, his voice barely audible over the din. "This plane was already booked, and they sell off the extra seats. Not only is it cheaper, but it bypasses LAX and the whole celebrity circus."

"This is incredible," I breathed, a mixture of awe and surprise washing over me. "But hey, can you do me a favor? Could you text me when you land?"

"Of course," he replied, his smile warm and reassuring. This simple gesture, this unspoken promise to stay connected, sealed the strange bond that had formed between us on this unexpected journey.

A pang of sadness, sharp and unexpected, pierced my chest as I realized our time together was at an end. "What a day," I managed, forcing a smile. "A hike, a surprise picnic... it's certainly not what I expected when I laced up my hiking boots this morning."

Namjoon's gaze softened, his smile turning contemplative. "Life throws you curveballs sometimes," he said quietly. "This has been an unforgettable day, Emma. I'm truly grateful you were here to share it with me."

My smile trembled slightly. "The pleasure was entirely mine, Namjoon. Safe travels to LA."

He stepped closer, a playful glint in his eyes, momentarily eclipsing the surrounding chaos. The world seemed to shrink, the noise fading into a distant hum. "Thanks for joining me on this crazy adventure," he murmured, his voice husky. "It wouldn't have been half as fun without you."

The sincerity in his words sent a jolt through me. "Thanks for showing me a day I'll never forget," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "Who knew a hike could turn into a Hollywood-worthy adventure?"

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He leaned in, the space between us closing... and then a loud cough from a nearby security guard shattered the instant. We both jumped back, startled, a flush creeping up my cheeks.

"Boarding for private jet to Los Angeles, all passengers please proceed to gate D12," echoed a voice through the terminal.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, beautifully wrapped package. "A little something for the unexpected adventure partner," he said, his voice warm.

My heart skipped a beat. Curiosity piqued, I unwrapped the present to reveal a delicate silver necklace adorned with a single, sparkling charm in the shape of a compass rose. It was stunning.

"It's a reminder of today," Namjoon explained, his eyes shimmering with a hint of something deeper. "Something to keep the adventure spirit alive."

Touched by the thoughtful gesture, he fastened the necklace around my neck. The cool metal felt like a secret against my skin. The airport lights glittered around us, and time seemed to slow.

"It's a compass," Namjoon explained, his fingers gently brushing the pendant. "So, if you ever get lost, you'll always find your way back to me. Together, we can find our way anywhere."

He kissed me. A soft, lingering kiss that left me breathless.

Pulling away, he whispered, "Until our next adventure, Emma."

With a lingering smile and a final, meaningful glance, Namjoon boarded his private plane, the sleek metal form dissolving into the dusky sky.

Left alone on the tarmac, the hum of the airport a dull thrum in my ears, I touched the cool metal of the compass necklace against my skin. It was a tangible reminder of the day's unexpected magic, a spark ignited between us amidst the vast desert landscape.

This adventure wouldn't fade. It would be etched into my heart, a story to be told and retold, a testament to the day when reality surpassed even the wildest dreams.

A day that began with a simple hike and ended with a promise whispered under the desert stars – a promise of adventures yet to come.

He stepped forward. Closing the space between. Intoxicating. A man's smell of musk and cologne. Truly, only a Namjoon scent. He brushed my hair from shoulder. Looking down at me through his eye lashes. I reached up touching the small freckle below his lip. He let out a slight sign. His hands pulled me closer. His lips, light and gentle. I stood on my tippy toes to taste more of him. He deepened the kiss.

Yes, this was the reasonkisses were invented.