Tales Of The Heart (undergoing editing)

FOREST'S SECRET PARADISE

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My eyes flickered open after a deep, restful slumber, the tent filling with warm sunlight.
I found myself enveloping her completely in a tight embrace, our bodies pressed together. She slept peacefully still, her breaths steady and tranquil. I gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek and spent a moment observing her, taking in her captivating features.
I carefully extricated myself from her embrace, making sure not to disturb her slumber. As I put my clothes on quietly, I couldn't help but steal a few glances at her peaceful form, still deeply asleep like a carefree baby.

As I crept out of the tent, where I found Sasha and Jake, engaging in conversation and enjoying their meal. I joined them when she asked, "Who sleeps that late? And where is Amber? Is she still asleep?!"

"She's exhausted after yesterday's mountain hike. Let her rest a little more."

Jake raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as he chimed in, a twinkle in his eye. "Oh, we know exactly why she's tired, Kev. And I bet the whole mountain was ready to collapse last night because of you two."

I stood there, taken aback. There was no comeback for me this time. They must have heard us doing it.
The realisation was more amusing than embarrassing. As Amber's not here otherwise the situation would've been awkward.

Sasha and Jake both burst out laughing. Watching them, a small chuckle escaped my lips.
"Okay, enough!", Sasha cried controlling her laugh. " Let me wake her up."

" Let Kevin's 'Snow White' get her beauty rest," Jake quipped, unable to resist a jab.
Sasha joined in, a cheeky smile on her face, saying, "Well, it's my wish, and regardless, she's my friend before being his girlfriend.

Jake's laughter filled the air as he retorted, "I doubt that now, after their last night's shenanigans."

"Alright, how about this," Sasha proposed, "If I win, you owe me a trip to Switzerland next summer."
Amidst the banter, Amber appeared out of nowhere, her curious voice interrupting the conversation. "What's this bet about?" Caught off guard, I turned to see her standing right behind me.

Jake seized the opportunity saying, " ah, she's here. Let's ask her then."

Sasha asked her with a series expression, " Just answer this, if you had to choose between me or Kevin, who would it be?"

"Ah, so that is what the bet is all about," she replied with a smile. "Of course my answer is you, Sasha."

Elation washed over Sasha as she embraced her friend, celebrating her victory. Meanwhile, Jake's expression held a mix of playful disappointment and amusement as he shot me a thumbs down gesture, a wry smile on his face.

"Now, you gotta make good on that bet," she said, her voice laced with excitement.
He laughed in response, "I would have done that for you even if you hadn't made a bet, baby. That's a promise."
Overwhelmed with joy, she wrapped her arms around him.
Amidst their romance, Amber and I settled down to eat nearby, eyeing them while holding back our laughter.

Jake caught us suppressing our laughter and quipped, "Give us some space, you two." Sasha simply grinned at him. It became apparent that they had devised a clever ploy to kill two birds with one stone. Not only It would provide us to have some alone time, but it would also allow them to do the same.

I declared, "Let's go"seizing her hand and leading her to explore the entire area. My expectations had held that she might be awkward after last night, yet she appeared more at ease than ever. While making our way through the tall grasses, her voice broke the silence, curiosity tugging at her: "Where are we heading?"
A smile played upon my lips as I responded, "I'm on the lookout for a specific spot. If it meets my expectations, I know you'll adore it."