Kismet's Game

Chapter 5

Olivia

We clean up and everyone heads up to their tents for the night. After everyone has drifted off to sleep, I find myself unable to resist the lure of the bonfire so I step outside the tent, wrapping a blanket around my shoulders. To my surprise, Nathan is already there, tending to the fire.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asks, looking up as I approach.

"Something like that," I reply, sitting down beside him. "What about you?"

"Same. There's something about a fire that's just so... calming."

We sit in comfortable silence for a while, watching the flames dance.

"So, Nathan," I say, breaking the silence. "Why did you really come here for the summer?"

He looks at me, I see a bit of hesitation there for a split second then his expression softens. "I needed a change of pace. New York can be... a lot, you know? I wanted to get away, clear my head."

"And has it worked?" I ask, genuinely curious.

"To some extent," he admits. "Meeting you guys has definitely been a highlight."

"Even though we're not exactly the most conventional group?" I tease.

"Especially because of that," he says with a grin. "There's something refreshing about your dynamic. It's... real."

I smile, touched by his honesty. "I'm glad you're here, Nathan. It's been fun getting to know you."

"Likewise, Olivia," he says, his voice soft.

We sit by the dwindling bonfire, its warm glow casting flickering shadows on Nathan's face. I can't help but notice the way his eyes sparkle with mischief and curiosity.

"So, Olivia," Nathan starts, poking the fire with a stick, "tell me more about this adventurous side of yours. Do you secretly moonlight as an Indiana Jones type?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Not quite. More like an amateur explorer. I love discovering hidden trails and secret spots around the city. It's like my own personal quest for treasure."

"Interesting," he says, leaning back and crossing his arms. "What's the best treasure you've found so far?"

I think hard for a good 20 seconds then say, "There's this old, abandoned library I stumbled upon last year. It's tucked away behind a row of overgrown hedges. The place was filled with dusty books and cobwebs, but it had this magical, forgotten charm."

Nathan's eyebrows shoot up. "An abandoned library? Sounds like the perfect setting for a horror movie."

"Or a romantic one," I counter, grinning. "Depends on how you look at it."

"Touché," he says, chuckling. "What about your art? How does that fit into your adventures?"

"I like to sketch the places I find," I explain. "Capturing the essence of a forgotten spot or an untouched landscape. It's like bringing a piece of my adventure back with me."

"That's really cool," Nathan says, genuinely impressed. "You've got a knack for finding beauty in unexpected places."

"And what about you?" I ask, turning the tables. "Are you the logical type or the romantic?"

"A little bit of both."

"Are there other hobbies you enjoy besides reading?" I ask.

"Photography." He smile, but there's a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "My dad was a photographer and he passed down his old camera to me. I've been practicing." I did notice him snapping pictures of everyone earlier.

"That's so cool. What's your favorite subject to photograph?" I ask genuinely.

"Just anything random or unexpectedly breathtaking. I like capturing candid moments. I find them the most genuine."

"Hmmm." That's my response. I can't find any response for that. We sit i. Silence for a while, enjoying each other's company. He then asks, "So, tell me, what's your dream adventure? If you could go anywhere, do anything, what would it be?"

I think for a moment, staring into the fire. "I've always wanted to visit Iceland. The landscapes are so surreal, like stepping into another world. Plus, the Northern Lights? Definitely on my bucket list."

"Sounds epic," Nathan says, nodding appreciatively. "Iceland, huh? Maybe we should plan a trip."

I raise an eyebrow. "We?"

"Why not?" he says, shrugging. "Could be fun. Plus, I could use a good adventure guide."

"I'll hold you to that," I say, smirking. "What about you? What's your dream adventure?"

He stares into the fire for a moment, lost in thought, then he responds, "I've always wanted to take a backpacking trip across Europe ," he admits. "Just hit the open road with no set plan. See where the journey takes me."

"Now that sounds like an adventure," I say, picturing the endless possibilities. "Count me in."Nathan's smile widens. "Deal. But fair warning, I'm a terrible navigator."

"Good thing I'm excellent with maps," I say, winking.

We fall into a comfortable silence, the fire crackling softly. There's an ease between us that feels both exciting and reassuring. I realize that beneath Nathan's tough exterior is someone who, like me, craves connection and adventure.

"So, Olivia," Nathan says, breaking the silence. "What's your story? The real one."

I smile, looking up at the starry sky. "The real story? It's a work in progress. But I have a feeling this summer is going to be a pretty amazing chapter."

He smiles at my response and it's the kind of smile that would have you melting to your feet. It also spells trouble and heartbreak.