𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 • 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐲𝐜𝐞𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

• 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐲 •

- - & - -

Spontaneity has always been our thing. We see beyond what freedom, letting go, and the naturalness of the moment can offer. It is the trigger to let ourselves be free of the inhibitions that hold us back from being who we are and who we really want to be.

Spontaneity has always been our thing. We see the beauty in taking risks.

We both dislike uncertainty. We want to be sure and certain of whatever endeavor we pursue. We like things to be planned out because it gives us control over what could and what could not happen. Foresight, as some people would call it.

This is why it came as a shock when I asked you to do World of Dance with me.

I've been staring at my bedroom ceiling for almost an hour now, my cellphone placed right beside my head. Despite being in the comfort of our own homes, I can sense the gears in your head turning relentlessly as you contemplate my idea.

"Would you like to do World of Dance with me?" I nervously asked a few minutes after you answered my Facetime call.

I saw your facial expressions morph from shock, to amusement, to confusion, to nervousness, and, lastly, to neutrality.

I silently watched you lay your phone down. Your bedroom ceiling came into view, and the slight and subtle ruffling in the background indicated that you got into a different position – perhaps lying down beside your phone.

I wanted to give you more time and space to think about it – one without the pressure imposed of me being on the other line. I was about to tell you that I would be hanging up when you suddenly answered.

"Yes, I'd do World of Dance with you."

That was our first leap of faith; and after that night, we understood why a lot of people like spontaneity. We saw the beauty of not knowing what lies ahead.

It is exciting. It is exhilarating. It is adventurous.

We went to Greece to celebrate your 18th birthday.

Travelling has always been a tradition for your birthday. It follows the week-long pre-birthday celebration we organize at your family's lake house. You invited me to come and, as usual, I said yes.

It was always fun and exciting to celebrate your birthday in a foreign place. But as the day comes to an end, I became anxious to give you my present.

I deliberately chose to give it to you in private because I was scared of the judgment I might receive from your family; scared of being humiliated if you ever choose to reject my gift.

"Hey, Rice, want to go to the rooftop?" I whispered in your ear. You looked at me and smiled.

We muttered a quick excuse to your family and headed to the rooftop of the hotel we were staying at.

The hotel was beautiful. It remained true to the beauty and the legacy of Greek architecture, overlooking the wide ocean. The moon and the stars were shining brightly, and the wind, a soft breeze – cool enough to make you shiver.

I shrugged my jacket off and placed it over your shoulders. You gave me a grateful smile.

"I don't know why you still wear these kinds of dresses when you know you get cold so easily," I commented.

You scoffed. The light, feather-like material of your white dress swayed with the wind. Your curls were pinned to both sides.

You look like a goddess.