the tourist | l.h.

v

Luke

It is now day 3 of their trip and Luke barely got any sleep last night. 

As middle school as it sounds, Luke could not stop thinking about his encounter with Malaya last night. Her tough exterior was worn down when she had trouble opening the door. She finally accepted help, even if she didn't exactly say so. 

Today they were going to have a boat ride around Lake Como and discovering some more of the quaint city itself. 

They at a place near the docking area of the boat, "For about 20 minutes, I will let you all go have some coffee or use the restrooms and what not. I just need to check on the boat," Flavio says to the group, looking down at his watch to check the time, "Please be back at this spot after 20 minutes." 

Flavio leaves to go find the boats and organize the tickets. The elderly couple goes into a little cafe that was just a few steps away. The boys go to a shop, not too far away, to go find the bucket hats they've been wanting to find. And Malaya decides to wander around the square where there were beautiful flowers, great structures, and amazing street music.

"I see bucket hats!" Calum squeals, pointing to the rack of colorful hats that were in front of him. They wanted some matching hats so they bought black bucket hats that have a little sailboat in the front. "Now we look like a band."

As they walked out of the store, Luke spots Malaya enjoying the local street music. She was taking photos of them, listening along, and clapping to the beat of the music. "Just ask her out already, bro." Michael nudged him.

"Huh? W-What? I don't know what you're talking about." Luke said, trying to act nonchalant.

Which was not very good, by the way.

"Shut your pie hole, Hemmings. We've all noticed how you zone out and stare at her all the time." his platinum blonde haired friend scoffed. "Just do it."

"Oka-"

"Okay! The boat is ready for us. Let's go!" Flavio cuts off his brave moment. Luke and Michael shrug at each other and follow along with the rest of the group.

-

The group was now on the boat and, lucky for them, Flavio got them a private boat that was just for the little group. "Now, as we go through this lake, you'll see huge villas of aristocrats just by the lakeside. Lake Como is famous because of the fact that wealthy people retreat here." Flavio explained, the wind blowing into his curly brown hair.

"The only thing we're missing now is some tequila and hot chicks." Ashton whispered to Calum, who agreed and laughed at the statement. Everyone was off taking photos or having their photos taken.

Meanwhile, Malaya sat on the other side of the boat, where she could be alone and be in a total state of tranquility. Luke couldn't help but think that she felt outcasted and that was the reason why she chose to be separate from everyone. 

So, being the big hearted man he is, he decided to sit with her and maybe make her feel welcomed. "You know, you could sit with the rest of the group." he said softly. She was currently seated at the side of the boat, her arm resting on the railing and her hair flying with the wind.

"It's calmer here." she said blankly.

He sat beside her but she still didn't take her gaze off of the lake. "Why are you looking at the lake so intently?" 

She sighed and turned to him, "Take a look at the lake." 

They both avert their eyes to the beautiful view of Lake Como. "Notice how blue the waters are and how tall the trees grow. The houses that are surrounded by this should feel very lucky." Malaya said, taking in once again the beauty of this sight.