The Unspoken Currents

Finding the Way

Ever since their café study session, life had returned to its familiar rhythm—classes, fleeting hallway exchanges, and quiet study sessions in the library. Freen had grown comfortable with this new routine, a delicate balance where she felt close to Becky without getting too close. But today, the routine was about to change.

The school was abuzz with excitement over the upcoming field trip—a nature hike through a nearby forest reserve. Freen had almost forgotten about it until the day arrived, and now, standing in the school courtyard, she felt a familiar knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. Group activities weren't her thing; they never had been. But participation was mandatory.

"Alright, everyone, listen up!" Mr. Anan, their enthusiastic science teacher, called out to the gathered students. "You'll be paired up for this hike. Make sure to stick together, follow the trail, and enjoy the experience!"

Freen glanced around, hoping to slip into the background as usual. But before she could move, she heard a voice beside her.

"Looks like we're partners again," Becky said with a smile, falling into step beside her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I might have been the one to suggest it to Mr. Anan."

Freen's heart skipped a beat. She had been hoping to go through this hike with minimal interaction, but of course, Becky would be the one standing next to her, ready to take on whatever came their way.

"Of course you would," Freen muttered, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Hey, it's not so bad," Becky said, nudging her playfully. "I promise I'll try not to get us lost."

Despite herself, Freen felt a small smile tug at the corner of her lips. "I guess we'll see."

---

The hike started off smoothly, the group following the well-marked trail through the forest. The sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Freen found herself relaxing a little, the peacefulness of the forest easing her nerves.

Becky was a natural conversationalist, filling the silence with light chatter about the trees, the birds, and stories from her past hiking experiences. Freen listened more than she spoke, but it was easy being around Becky in this setting. There was no pressure, no forced small talk—just the simplicity of walking side by side through nature. There hands brushing against each other sending chills through Freens' spine. 'Must be from the wind'.

As they hiked deeper into the forest, the group began to spread out, some students moving ahead while others lingered behind. Freen and Becky found themselves in a comfortable middle ground, enjoying the quiet sounds of the forest.

"So," Becky began, glancing over at Freen with a curious look, "have you ever done something like this before?"

Freen shook her head. "No, not really. I mean, I've been on walks, but nothing like this."

Becky smiled. "It's nice, isn't it? Being out here, away from everything."

Freen nodded, surprised by how much she agreed. It was nice—more than she had expected.

---

They continued along the trail, the path winding through the trees. The forest seemed to grow denser as they walked, the canopy overhead thickening and the underbrush closing in around them. Freen kept an eye on the trail markers, making sure they stayed on the right path, but Becky's enthusiastic chatter filled the air, drawing Freen's attention away.

"So, there was this one time when I tried to set up a tent all by myself," Becky laughed, gesturing animatedly with her hands. "It ended up looking more like a crumpled ball of fabric than a tent."