The morning after our s’mores-filled night was met with a brilliant sun, casting a golden light over the cabin and the surrounding woods. The world felt alive, buzzing with the potential of a new day. I awoke to the smell of bacon wafting up from the kitchen, and my stomach grumbled in response.
As I got ready, I couldn’t shake the warmth of the moments spent with Martinus. The way he looked at me, the playful banter, and our almost-serious conversations lingered in my mind. I realized I was beginning to enjoy being around him more than I had ever expected.
When I made my way downstairs, I found everyone gathered in the kitchen, laughter and chatter filling the air. Martinus stood by the stove, expertly flipping bacon, his hair slightly tousled and his smile bright. My heart did a little flip as I joined the group.
“Morning, superstar chef!” I teased, grabbing a mug and pouring myself some coffee.
“Good morning, Y/N! Want to help me with the eggs?” he replied, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Only if you promise not to burn them,” I shot back, moving closer to him.
He laughed, and together we tackled the breakfast preparations. There was a comfortable rhythm to our movements, a silent understanding that made my heart race with every accidental brush of our arms.
As breakfast wrapped up, we all settled around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Marcus proposed a day filled with adventure, suggesting a visit to a nearby waterfall that was rumored to be stunning.
“Waterfall sounds perfect! Let’s go!” Emma exclaimed, her excitement infectious.
“Count me in,” I added, glancing at Martinus, who nodded in agreement.
“I’ll grab the towels and snacks,” he said, already moving to gather supplies.
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After breakfast, we packed up everything we’d need for the day—towels, snacks, and water bottles—before piling into Marcus’s car. The drive to the waterfall was filled with music and laughter, the excitement bubbling among us like a fizzy drink.
As we arrived, I felt a thrill of anticipation. The air was fresh, and the sound of rushing water grew louder as we approached the trail. The scenery was breathtaking, with tall trees lining the path and the scent of damp earth filling the air.
“Let’s race to the waterfall!” Marcus shouted, taking off down the trail before anyone could respond.
“Hey, no fair!” Emma called after him, and the rest of us quickly followed, laughter echoing through the trees.
I found myself beside Martinus, our feet pounding against the dirt trail. “Think we can catch them?” I asked, grinning at him.
He smirked, “Only if you keep up!”
With a burst of adrenaline, we sprinted, dodging tree roots and laughing as we raced towards the sound of cascading water. As we neared the waterfall, I could see the others already waiting at the edge, their faces lit with excitement.
When we finally arrived, I stopped short, breathless and wide-eyed. The waterfall was more magnificent than I had imagined, water tumbling over the rocks in a dazzling display, creating a mist that sparkled in the sunlight.
“Wow…” I breathed, taking in the view.
“Isn’t it incredible?” Martinus said, standing beside me.
“It really is,” I agreed, feeling a sense of awe wash over me.
The group began snapping pictures, posing by the edge of the water, and I joined in, laughing and feeling the joy of the moment. But through it all, I could feel Martinus’s gaze on me, an unspoken connection threading between us.
