Accidentally Married

59. Date 3.0

Zo blinked at the sound of his own voice breaking the silence. "So... what do we do next?"

They had been sitting outside the RV for what felt like hours, sipping the tea Nai had brewed "to help with digestion," as he had said. The steam from the cups had long faded, replaced by the soft rustle of wind through leaves and the rhythmic hum of insects. The shade from the RV's awning kept them cool, and the air carried the faint scent of damp earth and wildflowers.

Zo leaned back in his foldable chair, trying not to look impatient. He had enjoyed lunch — really enjoyed it — but he was not the kind of person who could sit still for too long just to "take in the view." Nai, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at peace, eyes half closed, shoulders relaxed, as if the forest itself was an old friend.

When Nai finally looked at his phone and chuckled, Zo nearly sighed in relief. "I didn't realize we have been sitting here this long," Nai said. "Now that the food's settled... how about a swim?"

"A swim?" Zo straightened up, glancing at the stream ahead. The water glittered in the afternoon light, but it also looked... deep. Untamed. "Uh... here?"

Nai smiled faintly, already gathering the empty teacups. "No, not here. There is a perfect spot nearby. You will see, Hia."

Before Zo could protest, Nai had disappeared into the RV, the clink of ceramic echoing faintly. Then his voice floated out, warm and practical. "Could you fold the chairs and the table, Hia? Please bring them inside."

Zo mumbled a quick "okay" and did as he was told. By the time he turned around, Nai was stepping out again, a small backpack slung over his shoulder, the RV door locked behind him.

Zo blinked. "You are locking it?"

"It will be safer," Nai said, checking the latch. "We will be in the woods for a while."

Zo's eyebrows rose. "We are going into the jungle to swim?"

Nai's chuckle came like sunlight breaking through branches. "Relax, Hia. It's not far. And trust me, it's worth it."

They began walking, the ground soft beneath their feet, the forest gradually closing in around them. Birds called from somewhere above, and the faint rush of water grew louder as they moved deeper in. Zo found himself watching Nai — the easy stride, the slight swing of his backpack, the confidence of someone who knew every turn of this trail.

"What's in the bag?" Zo asked.

"Towels. Change of clothes."

Zo let out a sheepish laugh. "Right. Of course."

It took less than ten minutes before the trees opened up, revealing a small clearing that looked like something out of a painting. A stream wound lazily through the glade, its water clear enough to see the pebbles below. Smooth boulders framed the edges, and wild ferns leaned toward the banks as though eavesdropping. Sunlight spilled through the canopy, dappled and golden.

Zo's breath caught. "It's beautiful."

"Told you." Nai's voice was full of quiet pride. "The current here is gentle, and the water is clean. Perfect for swimming."

Before Zo could reply, Nai was already rolling up his sleeves, his movements unhurried. "You don't have to come in if you don't want to," he said, setting the bag down. "But the water feels amazing."

Zo hesitated. He wasn't exactly fond of unpredictable water, but something about Nai's calmness made him feel safe. "Alright," he muttered. "But if I drown, you are explaining it to my mom."

That made Nai laugh, the sound bouncing softly off the rocks. "Deal."

They stepped into the stream together. The water was shockingly cold at first, but once the chill faded, it became refreshing, almost therapeutic. Nai waded ahead, the water climbing to his waist, then his chest. Zo followed carefully, shivering as the current swirled around his legs.