V- Picnic and Stories

Day 4

JOHN

We started getting along when Evan took me to the beach. It feels more natural between us today than it did when we first met. Nearly always, we engaged in conversation, teasing, and laughter. As a result, we had a picnic planned for today as well as a writing session for my book. We also wanted to find a quiet, peaceful location. Putting my belongings in my bag, I grinned. Since we only recently met, I simply cannot imagine having someone this dependable, I simply shrugged. Isn't it incredible when someone you hardly know supports you in what you want to do? He appears to be a good person, so there's no need to be concerned.

I prepared everything in the little bag before leaving the room and heading into the lobby with Evan. My phone started vibrating nonstop as I was about to enter the elevator, so I took it out of my pocket to check it. Hanz's number was on the caller ID, so I declined the call despite answering it. I was about to put the phone back in my pocket when I received a text message from Hanz asking me to pick up the phone because he was so desperate to speak with me.

"Please not now." I murmured to myself as I ignored it and put my phone back in my pocket just as the elevator door opened, so I exited immediately. When I looked for Evan, I noticed him talking to a woman and a man, whom I assumed were a married couple. When I approached them, he smiled and introduced me to the people he was talking to.

"Hello, this is John m-my—." Evan stammered, glancing at me, as he didn't know how to address me, so I jumped in right away.

"I'm his colleague," I introduced myself as I extended my hand to them. The woman took my hand and shook it right away.

"Hello, my name is Mary, and this is my husband Paul," she remarked as she introduced herself. We also exchanged handshakes with Mary's husband, Paul.

"So Evan, this is him you were talking about, right?" Mary asked Evan, and I was also confused. They were talking about me earlier, and I'm curious what's going on.

"Yes, and I'll tell him the details later; thanks, Mary," Evan responded, making Mary smile.

Mary glanced at me with a smile and said, "My pleasure. Just be sure you tell him all the details clearly, okay?"

Paul said, "And by the way, we're going to be celebrating our anniversary here, so I would like to invite you guys; are you free anytime?"

I'm not sure what they are talking about because I don't understand what they are discussing or what those specifics are. Evan gave me a brief glance before nodding.

Evan responded as he turned his gaze back to Mary and Paul, "We're available whenever, and we'd be happy to join your anniversary party."

"All right, so I'll just send you an invitation card the day before the event, okay?" Mary asked as she smiled at me and took both of my hands in hers.

"Make sure you're there, okay? We have a lot to talk about," she said once, smiling.

"So we'll get started then?" Paul inquired.

"We'll see you around guys, enjoy your tour, and have a nice day," Mary added as they walked away. When they left, Evan and I followed them out of the hotel and went to the bike racks.

"I know you have a lot of questions, but I'll answer them when we get to where we're going," Evan stated as he took out two keys, which I assume are bike keys because they're locked. I looked at him as he handed me one.

"So we're driving these things?" I inquired, and he simply nodded solemnly. We exchanged a brief glance before he recognized what was on my mind without saying anything. I don't know how to ride a bike; I'm old enough, but I'm not sure how.

"I see, so we're stuck with this one," he explained, pointing to an antique bike with a basket and an extra seat on the back.

"Are you sure? If you want, I'll just call the dri-" He cut me off before I finished speaking.

"Renting a car is very expensive, so I'll drive the bike, and you'll ride in the back whether you like it or not," he remarked after unlocking the bike with the key. He rode in, turned around, and gave me the signal to ride. Of course I obeyed, because I'm stupid son of a bitch.

"Hold onto anything so we can avoid accidents; you could fall down any minute while I'm driving this bike," he remarked, so I instantly searched for something to hold into, but I was astonished when he abruptly took my two hands and extended them to his waist, wrapping it like a belt or should I say hugging him from behind.

He said, "Hold on tight." If only he weren't so attractive, I could have slapped him in the shoulder because he's so domineering. He started to drive, so I tightened my hold even more, and I could feel his abs, but I nearly fell when he did.

We both remained silent, Evan and I. I chose not to think about it and instead concentrated on the surroundings we were traveling through. We only travel through wood in this serene setting. There are also residents there, but all I can make out are a few dwellings. When I raised my head, I noticed that the branches of the imposing trees were blocking the sun's beams.

I tried to close my eyes and breathe in the area's clean, pure air, which helped me feel better because it was plainly not polluted. I can see homes, a few shops, and tiny stores beside the lake, as well as boats and fishermen, of course.

I'm eager for us to get here. We abruptly came to a standstill. I uncomfortably released my hold on Evan's waist and avoided looking at him.

EVAN

I laughed  I felt that he was acting awkwardly after he let go of his grip on my waist—well, technically, it was a hug because his entire arm was wrapped around my waist—to keep him safe. I advised him to search for something to grab onto so he didn't fall or have an accident. I took his hands and wrapped them around my waist because it was evident he didn't know what to do. But when I started driving, he nearly fell and held me. I nearly break out laughing because I can feel his hands on my abs. He clearly has a physical attraction to me.

He asked me as I helped him spread the picnic blanket on the lush green grass, "So are you going to tell me about what you and Mary were talking about?" We could only see trees behind us as John and I stood on the lake's edge. There are tiny flowers and dandelions sprouting even here.

I laughed and asked him, "Are you that excited?" as I took out and put the food in the basket we were carrying.

He added sarcastically, making me chuckle for a bit, "Well, actually, I'm just curious, because I'm the one you're talking about, and how dare you talk behind my back?"

I continued, with a hand gesture, "Well, just so you know, we're not talking behind your back—well, sort of, I guess, but not in a bad way." He smirked at me, yet he still has a charming expression.

He glanced at me as he lay down on the blanket and asked, "So do you mind if you tell me now?" He took a lolly from the basket and opened it. I got to my feet and grabbed the fishing rod I had brought.

I stared at him and responded, "Mary was my classmate during my senior year, and we coincidentally met at the hotel while I was waiting for you," but I was astonished when he played with the lollipop with his tongue and smiled at me. Is he intending to do this? I took a moment to gulp before turning my head away from him.

He questioned me abruptly, and I couldn't help but gaze at him sucking a lollipop like, "What the f---?" "And then why was my name involved in your conversation?"

I stumbled, "Oh, i-it's b-because–" I said. I can't concentrate, fuck!

I exhaled deeply to push the thought away, "Because of what?"

I replied to him, "Mary works at a very famous publishing company, so basically she is a publisher, and she is the CEO. We talked, and I asked her a favor on your behalf." I looked at him, and he was looking at me in surprise.

I merely stated, "I asked her if she could publish your book once you finish writing."

He panicked to me, "What?! I haven't even started yet!"

I laughed and said, "I know, but just calm down and listen to me first." I grinned when I saw his response, and I felt somewhat flattered at least. Although he has already calmed down, his worry is still evident on his face.

"I told her you're a newbie; in fact, I said it's your first time to write a book, and she asked me if you were determined and passionate about writing a book, and I told her you were." I said.

I only know he is passionate and committed to finishing a book because I read what he writes in his tiny notepad every night before he goes to sleep. I am able to sense the terrible feelings and challenges he has been going through as I read every word, every sentence, and every aspect of what he is writing. He endured a great deal of agony, and it's still with him now. So every time I wake up, I learn more about him.

"Then she said, maybe she can help you; she'll be glad to teach you everything she knows about being a writer," I continued. A tear escaped from his eye, and he quickly wiped it away.

"Did you just cry?" I inquired, concerned.

"No, something just got into my eyes," he replied almost laughing.

"You're doing a great job of making me feel better," he remarked and hugged me, surprising me. "You know you're a good and very kind person, Evan; thank you for doing this." I don't know if he could feel it, but he tightened his hold, so I slowly hugged him back. Suddenly, I felt nervous, like my heart was about to break out of my chest.

He embraced me and mumbled, "Thank you. After a little period of time, we both let go of the hug awkwardly, and we both became silent for a bit.

To break the unpleasant silence, I proposed, "How about you start writing something in that pocket notebook you have there, and I'll stay here and catch some fish."

He simply nodded and grinned. What a sweetheart!

"That's not a bad idea," he responded calmly, taking a cigarette and about to smoke it when I pulled it away from him.

"And no smoking begins today!" I exclaimed, making him giggle.

"Hahaha, just give it back!" he exclaimed, and I gave him a serious look to indicate that I wasn't joking. His smile had likewise faded and been replaced by a serene gaze.

He asked, "Seriously?," and I nodded in response. He reached into his pocket and offered me a box of smokes as I reached out my open palm to him.

I added, "And the lighter," since I was certain he had it stashed away in one of his pockets. He handed me his lighter while rolling his eyes as he did so.

I call him a "good boy" and make fun of him. He spoke to me in a whisper, but I didn't hear him.

Later, as I was busy fishing, I briefly looked back at John and noticed him spread on the blanket engaged in activity. However, I was drawn to his white thighs, particularly the bit of his butt that I could see because of the length of his pants. However, because the cloth is so light, the wind can pick it up.

He is wearing white underpants, as I can see. I'm not sure why I find him to be so sexual, hot, and alluring. My body started to feel warm, and I also felt like I was turning on. I quickly looked away from John in an effort to get my mind off the idea.

I choked and muttered, "Holy shit," as I stopped myself.

Day 5

EVAN

When John and I awoke the next morning, we decided to take a break from the trip because we were both exhausted from the previous day's activities. And by that, I mean that I taught John how to go fishing as well as how to ride a bike. It's difficult because it was his first time; he fell several times and even collided with a large tree.

I approached John, who had just completed taking a shower and was sitting on his bed treating his knee wounds, and took the treated cotton.

"Let me do it," I softly murmured, and he listened and allowed me to treat his wound. When I rubbed the cotton on his wound, he abruptly stirred, and I realized that he was in pain.

"I'm sorry. Just hang on for a minute. I'll finish it quickly. Don't worry. I'll be gentle," I said and he's looking at me stunned and blushing. What caused him to turn red?

I looked in the mirror and discovered I was only wearing boxers. I looked at him again, but this time he was lying down with a pillow over his face. But there was one thing that drew my attention: both of his elbows were wounded. Only the left side was cut while the right side was slightly deeper.

I quickly grabbed his arm and examined both of his wounds.

I asked him, "Why didn't you say right away that you had a wound on both of your arms?" but he didn't reply. I released him and began treating his injuries.

I glanced at him with an astonished expression on my face as he cried, "Ahhh! Ugh!" It resembles a moan nearly entirely. As I continue to tend to his wounds, I make an effort not to chuckle.

JOHN

We stayed inside all day because we were a little exhausted from our activities yesterday and had no intention of leaving. But today I was writing while seated on the balcony and facing a typewriter. I've chosen to begin writing the book I'll publish. I was writing when I felt something wrapped around my shoulder. I looked up to see Evan. Due to the time of day and the fact that I am not wearing a shirt, it is starting to become a little cool.

I said, "Thanks," in a soft voice, and a smile returned to my face. He offered me a cup of tea, which I accepted and drank. He then sat down next to me. He took a sip of his tea and looked over the lake before saying, "I want to take you to the town tomorrow."

I smiled as I answered, "I know," and noticed that he was looking directly into my eyes.