Serayah brought up an idea that had been lingering in her mind. "So... there's something I've been wanting to do," she began, glancing at A'ja with a spark of excitement in her eyes.
A'ja raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's that?"
"Well," Serayah said, her gaze shifting to the trees surrounding the cabin. "I've always wanted to go zip-lining. I thought maybe we could go together."
A'ja grinned, her competitive spirit igniting. "Zip-lining, huh? I didn't peg you for an adrenaline junkie."
"Hey, there's a lot you don't know about me," Serayah teased. "You in?"
A'ja chuckled. "Absolutely. Let's make it a date."
Later that afternoon, they found themselves harnessed and standing on a platform high above the treetops. The instructor went over safety protocols, but all A'ja could focus on was the excited, slightly nervous look on Serayah's face. She loved seeing her like this-adventurous, free-spirited, and completely in her element.
"Ready?" A'ja asked, nudging Serayah's shoulder.
Serayah laughed, taking a deep breath. "As ready as I'll ever be."
They each took their turn, soaring through the trees and laughing as the wind rushed past them. Serayah's laughter echoed through the forest, her joy contagious. A'ja felt her own heart race, but it wasn't from the zip-lining. Being with Serayah made her feel alive in a way she hadn't in a long time.
When they reached the final platform, Serayah was breathless, her face flushed with exhilaration. "That was amazing! Thank you for doing this with me."
"Anytime," A'ja replied, smiling warmly. "I'd follow you anywhere, honestly."
Serayah's cheeks turned pink, and she looked down, shy but pleased. "I'd be lost without you, you know."
They stood there, both caught up in the moment, the intensity of their feelings clear in their eyes. A'ja took Serayah's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I feel the same way."
A'ja and Serayah held onto each other's hands as they made their way back down the path, still buzzing from the adrenaline of the zip-lining.
"So," A'ja teased, glancing over, "what's next on your daredevil list? Skydiving? Bungee jumping?"
Serayah laughed, nudging her playfully. "Slow down! I'm not trying to jump out of a plane just yet. But... maybe rock climbing? Or snorkeling?"
A'ja's eyes lit up. "Alright, rock climbing it is. I'll be right there with you. Might have to help you up a few rocks though," she added with a smirk.
Serayah rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face showed how much she enjoyed their playful banter. "Please, I could probably out-climb you if I wanted."
"Oh, is that a challenge?" A'ja laughed. "Be careful, I'm not one to back down."
They spent the evening sitting on the cabin's deck, watching the sun set over the trees. Wrapped in a blanket together, they shared stories of their childhood, each memory sparking laughter or a smile. A'ja found herself falling more and more for Serayah with every laugh, every detail of her life that she shared.
"So, tell me something I don't know about you," A'ja said, her voice softening as the stars began to appear.
Serayah thought for a moment, then turned to her with a mischievous grin. "I used to be in a talent show every summer, back in my hometown. Singing, dancing... sometimes even a little acting."
A'ja's face lit up. "Wait, so you're saying I've been dating a triple threat this whole time?"
Serayah laughed, resting her head on A'ja's shoulder. "It was all in good fun. But maybe, someday, I'll let you see my moves."
