Annoying the Stubborn

s e v e n

Branches of trees got crushed beneath Lauren's small feet as Y/N threaded hurriedly through the dark forest.

"Y/N, wait!" Lauren's mousy voice caught Y/N's attention but she didn't spare her a glance, nor stop to what she has to say for that matter. "You're too fast!"

Y/N rolled her eyes and groaned. "That's because you're going too slow."

"What are we even looking for?" Lauren whined, following Y/N's steps anyway.

"Magic."

They got further into the forest as much as their little feet could go, Lauren slowly starting to become worried about their surroundings. It was in the middle of the night and they don't usually go this deep in the woods but Y/N crawled on Lauren's room in the basement at 10:51 and the green-eyed girl simply couldn't say no when the billionaire said that they'd go search for something that would make your wish come true.

"Aren't we going to get caught?" Lauren questioned anxiously, not knowing whether to focus on her breathing or her running. Maybe she should just focus on how she'll eventually fall without breaking a bone.

"Our parents are asleep," Y/N answered as a matter-of-fact. "And your room is in the basement. No one's going to notice you're gone unless they go to your room."

"Y/N, I'm scared."

And with that, Y/N finally stopped on her tracks, looking back at an apprehensive Lauren who had her wide green eyes slowly brimming with tears. Y/N didn't like crying, especially when it's Lauren.

"Laur," Y/N said ever so softly, reminding Lauren of how her huge bed at home felt and how safe it made her feel. "You're okay."

"I can hear something moving around. It's not safe here, and it's dark, and I hate being in the dark."

"I'm sorry." Y/N took a step forward, looking at Lauren sheepishly with those sincere blue eyes. "I didn't get the flashlights because Mom would see me."

Lauren wasn't at the slightest bit convinced and Y/N caught on this so she offered a brave hand and smiled at the smaller girl that easily won Lauren over.

"I'll be slower and guide you," Y/N compromised, accepting Lauren's shaking hand in hers. "But we have to walk a little bit faster or else we'll miss it."

And Lauren was satisfied with the lame reassuring Y/N gave her. It was enough, and together, they walked through the forest, darkness hugging them but Y/N's hand was warm on Lauren's and suddenly she wasn't scared anymore. Y/N slowed down when it got a little steep, clutching Lauren's hand as they reached the biggest tree in the woods by far. But it wasn't that that caught Lauren's attention—it was the landscape before them. They were meters away from the cliff and the platform provided them the perfect view of the mountains and it was another set of woods—another civilization of life. It had streaks of lampposts, the orange light dotting around the mountain. Within darkness, there will always be light, and despite the night, the moonlight illuminating the world was enough for them to see magic. But it wasn't just that.

"Lauren, close your eyes!" Y/N's hands flew up to Lauren's eyes and the green-eyed girl struggled for a bit but let the billionaire do what she wanted.

"What are you doing?" Lauren grumbled, pushing Y/N's hand away weakly but her voice cut her off.

"This is the real magic, Lauren. It's now 11:11, hurry and make a wish!"

Lauren frowned at the thought but did as she was told and wished for what a normal six-year-old would: A unicorn, then thought if that was all she wanted. However, before 11:11 was finished, she rushed to make a wish—a wish that she wasn't so sure of but wanted it anyway.