Amaranthine | k.jh ✓

chapter three

and I'm sinking into the feeling that we could be so much more

"So, gang," you rub your hands together as if scheming, "What's our plan for the summer?"

We all look at you expectantly, hoping for elaboration. It doesn't come.

"What are you talking about?" Kibum sips some water, his brows furrowed in annoyance.

"Jonghyun wants to go on an adventure," I prompt, giving you an arched brow.

"Yes," you continue, playing with the straw in your drink, "It's our last summer before university, so our last snatch of freedom before we're thrust into the real world, right? I thought we could plan something fun, something big to do before school starts."

Minho's tongue pokes his cheek, his gaze curious. "Like what?"

"Well, we've been trying to come up with something, but to no avail," you admit, "Does anyone else have any ideas?"

"Not really, cause we're still not sure exactly what you mean," Flick says.

You're getting frustrated, I can tell by your jaw tightening. I reach my hand to your wrist gently, and you relax in the slightest.

"One of the ideas we had was like a long camping trip," I offer, "Maybe plan a week or two somewhere? Have activities planned for the trip?"

"That actually sounds like a ton of fun," Minho says.

Kibum's nose is screwed up. "Really? Camping? Ick."

"C'mon now," Jinki says, "I think it could be really fun with everyone here. We'd never be bored."

"Not worried about being bored," Kibum grumbles, "Worried about not having access to internet and having to bathe in a creek."

"It won't be for six months," Flora chides, "Plus, you won't care about internet when we're there."

"Sure."

"I'm down for it," Taemin says, unexpectedly.

I glance at you. Your eyes are shimmering a little, excitement swirling in those mahogany depths. I may just lose myself in them, but you meet my gaze and catch me staring, and your face scrunches up with delight.

"Admiring the view?" you tease, but I don't even flush.

"Yeah," I admit, "You're cute when you're excited."

Oh, how the tables turn, because your cheeks reveal the faintest hint of dusty pink. "I know I am."

"Where will we go?" Jinki asks, making me turn away from your only slightly flustered state.

"Uh... Oh! What if we find a state park to camp in?" I propose.

"I like that idea," Flora says, "I've wanted to go to a state park for a while. Preferably one with lots of wildlife."

"Uh, hopefully not too much," Kibum says, "I'll go because I love you guys, but if a bear tries to eat me I'm never talking to any of you again."

"Especially not if you actually get eaten," Taemin points out pleasantly.

Kibum looked horrified, and I can't help myself- I snort-laugh at his flabbergasted expression and the deadpan tone in Taemin's voice. This triggers everyone else to start laughing, and I snort harder. You almost fall out of your seat doubling over, and Kibum cackles despite being the butt of the joke. Passersby give us annoyed looks, but none of us notice. There's too much jubilance in the air. Just the eight of us giggling against the world.