INTOXICATED

Chapter 31: The Second Day Of The Picnic

The second day of the picnic dawned bright and full of promise. The cool morning air made the outdoor setting even more inviting, and the atmosphere was filled with the quiet hum of students talking and laughing. The previous day had been full of games, teasing, and laughter, but today, the mood shifted—softened. Reema couldn’t help but notice how everything felt different with Jungkook at her side.

The laughter from last night had faded, leaving behind a quiet anticipation in the air. She was unsure of what today would bring, but one thing was clear: Jungkook was determined to spend every moment with her.

---

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Reema stretched, rubbing her eyes and waking up from a peaceful sleep in the small tent they’d set up for the night. The blanket she’d shared with a few classmates was warm, and she didn’t want to leave it just yet.

But a familiar voice broke the serenity.

“Good morning,” Jungkook said, his voice smooth, his silhouette framed by the entrance of the tent.

Reema startled, sitting up straight. “Jungkook, what are you doing here?”

He raised an eyebrow and grinned mischievously. “I’m just checking on my favorite person.”

Reema groaned, pushing a lock of messy hair behind her ear. “You’re impossible. It’s early.”

Jungkook’s smile widened as he entered the tent, sitting down beside her. “It’s not early. It’s perfect.” He stretched, making himself comfortable beside her, and then casually slung an arm across her shoulders, drawing her closer.

Reema tensed for a second, but then relaxed into his touch. The warmth of his body, his presence—it all felt natural. And yet, the proximity still made her heartbeat race a little faster.

“Let’s go for a walk,” Jungkook suggested, his voice quiet but with an undeniable charm. “It’s too beautiful outside to stay cooped up.”

Reema hesitated for a moment, still not quite ready to leave the comfort of the tent. But something about the way he looked at her, with that soft, almost vulnerable expression, made her heart melt.

“Okay,” she agreed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Let’s go.”

---

The two of them wandered off into the nearby woods, following a narrow trail that led to a secluded spot near the lake. The trees around them provided a canopy of shade, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind created a peaceful ambiance. Jungkook seemed to be in a playful mood, occasionally nudging Reema and teasing her about small things.

“You know,” he said, giving her a sidelong glance, “I never thought you’d be the type to get up so early.”

Reema rolled her eyes. “I’m not a morning person, but that doesn’t mean I want to waste the whole day sleeping, either.”

He grinned. “You’re not as boring as I thought.”

“I’m definitely not boring,” she muttered.

“Oh, you are,” Jungkook teased. “But that’s part of your charm.”

Reema scoffed, nudging him in the side. “I am not boring.”

“Of course not,” Jungkook said with a grin. “You’re the most interesting person I know. You make my life more interesting, at least.”

Reema’s heart skipped a beat at his words, but she quickly shrugged it off, choosing to focus on the trail ahead. She knew better than to overthink the meaning of his words.