Risk is the Spice of Life

Chapter 5

"Sure" I responded, my attempt at nonchalance ruined by the unflattering squeak of my voice. Rap Monster's smile widened, but he didn't say anything.

We walked in silence for a while, and, surprisingly, the silence wasn't awkward – just enjoying nature's beauty, until we came to a fork in the path. We turned to each other ready to ask which direction when movement behind Rap Monster caught my attention. Out of the trees stepped a doe. In my excitement I grabbed Rap Monster's sleeve, leaned close, and silently pointed at the doe behind him. Behind her stumbled a Fawn. We were silent and motionless, like marble statues. The doe and her fawn stared unblinkingly at us. In that moment, it felt like time had stopped as they regarded us. Finally deciding that we posed no threat, they continued on their way across the path and into the foliage.

"Ohmygosh that was so cool!" breathed when they were out of sight.

"It was?" Rap Monster asked. I looked up at him and he was grinning. It didn't feel like he was teasing me, but I got defensive anyway. I took a deep breath and calmed myself before speaking.

"Yes, it was....beautiful" I said. I gripped the sleeve of his hoodie tighter, trying to think of a way to explain more clearly. And when I realized what I was doing, I quickly let go and stepped back, averting my gaze to the ground.

"I'm sorry" I said after giving him some space, "I just....find joy and beauty in the simple things; they're just so...." I shrugged and looked back up at him apologetically as a cool breeze tugged at my hair. Rap Monster stepped closer, negating the space I'd put between us, and gently pulled something from my hair; a leaf I saw as he let it float to the ground.

He smiled and said "I understand you. I was just taken aback by your pure joy and wonder. It was refreshing....and cute." My cheeks turned a vibrant shade of pink. "Thanks" I managed to squeak as I averted my gaze back to the forest floor.

"Left or right?" Rap Monster asked after a moment.

"Huh?" I asked jerking my head up. Oh. The fork. "Whichever way you want to go is fine." I replied trying to study the paths; they were identical.

"I think you should choose."

"You've been really nice to me since we met, the least I can do is allow you to make a decision on something, even if it's a simple one."

"Are you indecisive or just stubborn?"

I grinned as I looked at him. "Both" I answered. He chuckled.

"Well, in that case.....left or right?" He was challenging me and his raised eyebrow wasn't helping.

"You win this time, Rap Monster, but, rest assured, next time won't be so easy. He continued to grin at me. "We go right" I said, giving in.

"Right it is" he said as he held out his arm to me the way a gentleman would a lady.

We walked arm-in-arm for a while, following the path, admiring the scenery, and having an enjoyable conversation. It was just basic stuff, like the weather and likes and dislikes, but it was nice, despite the initial awkwardness, mostly on my part. Without warning, the trail came to an end and we were facing the far side of the resort. The sun was low in the sky and Rap Monster hastily checked his phone. He cursed under his breath.

"I've gotta go. See you at the orientation." He started toward running toward the front of the resort.

"Nn—ap Monster!" I called, mentally face palming; I hadn't gotten permission to call him by his name. I'd gotten too comfortable while we were talking and forgot myself. He turned to face me.

"I think Nap Monster is a name better suited to Suga" he said laughing.

"Ahhhhh, probably" I responded with a chuckle, "I just wanted to say thank you for walking with me. Time flies, as they say."