If you only knew...

3.Getting to know you better

V's POV

As I grip the steering wheel and pull away from the curb, I can feel Ana's gaze lingering on me. There's a curious intensity in her eyes, and I can't help but steal a glance in her direction, even if just out of the corner of my eye. It's both flattering and slightly nerve-wracking—her unbroken attention makes my pulse quicken and a hint of a smile creeps onto my face. I wonder if she knows just how much her gaze flusters me.

"Are you really going to keep staring at me like that for the entire journey?" I ask, trying to keep my tone playful, even though I feel the weight of her gaze.

"Oh, I wasn't staring!" she blurts out, a rush of color creeping up her cheeks. "I just got lost in my thoughts, and I guess my gaze landed unintentionally on you," she admits, casting her eyes down, clearly flustered.

I chuckle, shaking my head playfully. "Well, maybe next time you drift away mentally, try to focus on something a little less distracting than me!"

With a mischievous glint in her eye, she retorts, "Does that make you feel shy? A little nervous, perhaps?"

I grin, playing along. "Honestly? It makes me feel like I'm going to crash this car, and we'll end up upside down in a ditch! Is that how you want our mission to begin?"

Her laughter fills the car, bright and infectious. "Alright, alright! I promise to keep my eyes on the road for the rest of the trip!"

As she tunes into the radio, a familiar melody fills the air—it's "Mr. Kitty - Afterdark," a song we both know and love. The catchy beats and fitting lyrics instantly draw us in, as they capture the feeling of two strangers starting to realize they enjoy each other's company.

"Would you like to get to know each other better?" she inquires with genuine curiosity.

I hesitate, feeling a mix of awkwardness and self-doubt. "Honestly, I don't think I'm that interesting. But I'd love to hear about you, Ana," I reply slowly, a hint of sadness creeping into my voice.

"Don't be so hard on yourself! You seem fascinating to me, which is exactly why I want to learn more about you—your life, your family," she insists, her enthusiasm brightening the moment.

I sigh, the mention of 'family' casting a shadow over my thoughts. "I appreciate that, but I'd really prefer to hear your story. I'm just not up for talking about myself," I admit, feeling a weight settle in my chest.

"Alright, I'll share!" she responds, her eyes sparkling with determination. "You see, I'm not the typical girl who craves a life of luxury or fame. My family has always provided me with everything I could ever want or need. I had a wonderful childhood filled with love and support, but still, something felt off. I often felt like an outsider in my own perfect world. I craved something different, something challenging. Is that strange?"

"No, Ana! I don't think so... but if you feel like your life is at risk, don't hesitate to step back. Embrace your peaceful life while you can! Some people are trapped here with no other options, but you still have a choice. It would be a shame to put yourself in unnecessary danger."

"I completely agree! Thanks for the advice, V! Oh, and one more thing, I'm engaged!" she adds with a joyful laugh.

"That's nice! I wonder if your fiancé liked the idea of you coming here."

"He didn't, but he's an amazing man and he accepted it. He's much older than me, 34 to my 25, but I like how wise and understanding he is. We've known each other for many years, and he's always my safe spot!" she smiles.

"That's so sweet, the way you talk about him. You must miss him already."

"I do a bit. Honestly, everything here happened so fast that I barely had time to miss anyone, but I can't wait to hold him in my arms again!" She responds, her eyes revealing an emptiness that speaks volumes.

"Is this what love feels like? I've never been in love before. You seem so happy when you talk about him!"

"Oh, that's interesting! You were 24 right?"

"I'll be 24 soon, so I guess I'm a bit younger than you."

"I can't believe you've never had feelings for someone, not even a crush?!" She gazes at me, her eyebrows raised in astonishment.

"I suppose I tend to keep my distance from others. The thought of forming attachments makes me uneasy; perhaps that's why I hold back," I reply, my honesty catching her off guard.

She titles her head, studying me with a curious expression. "You know, I've noticed this distant vibe from you since yesterday. At first, I thought you were just arrogant!" She bursts into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Really?" I reply, trying to mask my confusion. "You still think that?"

Her laughter fades, being replaced by a thoughtful smile. "Not at all! You're actually really nice to talk to—if someone takes the time to get to know you."

I grin, feeling a playful defiance rise within me. "Well, who says I can't just play the 'arrogant' card a little longer?"

Ana's POV

He's completely different from the way I saw him on our first encounter. I can't shake my curiosity about his life, but I find myself holding back from probing further. It's unsettling to think about why he's so guarded, and each time I try to dig into his past, I can sense his discomfort—it casts a shadow over his mood. For now, I think it's best to take a step back and wait for him to open up when he feels ready. Patience may just be the key to unlocking his story.

"Aren't you tired, V? I doubt you got any sleep, and there's still a lot of driving left," I say, my voice filled with concern.

"I'm all right. Feel free to catch some sleep if you need to," he chuckles, a playful grin on his face. "I promise I won't doze off while driving."

With a sigh of relief, I reply, "I think I can trust you. My eyelids are practically weighing me down." As I settle deeper into the chair, I can feel the pull of sleep drawing me in, the world around me fading into a soft haze.

.........................................................

A soft, soothing voice drifts into my dreams, calling my name, "Ana... Ana..." Reluctantly, I crack open my eyes, yearning to lose myself back in slumber. But there is V, his piercing blue gaze locking onto mine, an intensity that makes my heart race. He gestures toward the world beyond the vehicle's confines.

"Good morning! I'm sorry to wake you, but I think we've reached our destination," he said with a hint of calmness in his voice.

Before us sprawls an enchanting forest, its towering trees bathed in the golden light of dawn. Nestled at the edge is a quaint cabin that looks like it had stepped right out of a storybook. Sensing the magic in the air, we decide to walk towards our temporary haven, a place to eat and gather our strength before the night's adventures begin.

As the sun climbs higher, I feel the thrill of our upcoming mission pulsing in my veins. Soon, under the veil of darkness, we will venture into a treacherous cave, where danger lurks and a heavy guard's presence awaits. This is just the calm before the storm.

As we step into the cabin, a warm, inviting atmosphere envelops us. The small bedroom peeks from one corner, while the cozy living room beckons us to unwind. Eager to share a moment together, I rummage through our bags and pull out some food packages, the tantalizing scents filling the air. "Let's dig in," I say with a smile, inviting V to join me for a delightful meal.

"I'm sorry, I'm going to rest on the couch because I'm really tired. I'll leave the bedroom for you."

"Please, just take a moment to eat something before you rest!" I urge him, but he shakes his head, clearly not interested in food. His exhaustion is palpable, and within moments, his eyelids flutter shut as he succumbs to sleep.

Once I finish my meal, I rummage through the closet in my bedroom and pull out a couple of cozy blankets. The morning air is crisp, sending a chill through the room, and I'm eager to wrap myself in warmth for a quick nap. I gently drape one blanket over him, knowing he could use the extra warmth too.

As I nestle into bed, the comfort of the blankets quickly lulls me back into slumber. I know I need every ounce of energy for the challenges that await us later!