Story...
The 6 of them is walking... Rho, Nigel, Kaya, Nuri, Ace and Rin. they were walking for a while, after very tough battle... no one of them had any much rest... the were all very tired.
Nuri: This is useless, we will never again find a place to stay.
He said exhausted, he looked sleepy, and tired, they all looked like that.
Ace: Well me personally I can sleep anywhere, so we can do it here for all I care.
She stopped walking, they are in the middle of the forest. Rin noticed and he stopped walking too, but only because he wondered was that really a truth? How many times she slept like that, alone?
Rho: No need for that, for a fact I know that somewhere near must be a resort.
Nuri: Oh really? And you know that how?
They kept moving, Ace looked unbothered and she just continued to walk too, following the others. Rin followed her.
Rho: Instead of explaining, why don't I just prove you wrong in a few minutes?
She spoke cold like usual.
Nuri: You are right, I am too tired to listen... But after I get some sleep you will explain it to me how did you know! Because I already know that you are right.
He yawned.
Nuri: I just want to know how that is all.
She looked at him, surprised. He just said that he trusts her, that he wants to learn something... She understood him better, always analyzing everything, just like analyzing humans and their minds and souls. Her mind was a program that her heart couldn't follow...
Rho: Maybe there is a hope for him after all.
She said that inside her head, in a teasing way... Kaya walking with her eyes closed, she looks like she is sleeping...
Kaya: Are we close?
Rho: Yes.
All six of them kept walking... Soon they did find a resort... but...
Rho: We are not going there, we will move on.
She said cold and started to walk away but Nigel stopped her by holding onto her shoulder.
Nuri: Why? What is wrong with this place?
Kaya: Wait... I know what this is...
Rho: Not staying.
Ace: What why?
Kaya all excited.
Kaya: This is ?lovers stage!“
Ace: What now?
Rho sighs.
Rho: To solve this confusion... The “lovers stage” is a place that is opened once in a year on a special date... and it is opened for all lovers, everything for free... However... I cannot believe that we managed to be here in this moment now... Once in a year... Once! Chances are...
Nuri: Okay okay we get it... You are frustrated, so why can't we get in?
Rho: Do you see any lovers here?
She said cold, and in that moment Kaya and Nuri looked at Ace and Rin, while Rin was just looking at Her. Ace gave a look back at Nuri... watch it! She was saying with that look.
Kaya and Nuri: We have to stay!
Nuri and Kaya looked at each other.
Kaya: You know?
Nuri: Wait, you know too?
Rin raised an eyebrow, Ace confused. Rho even more confused that no one is giving her an answer.
Kaya: Well what if...
Rho: I do not like the tone of that ?What if?“
Kaya: Oh come on, let's be real. We have here three girls and three boys, we all could play couples for a night so we can get a free stay... Like no one ever did that...
Nigel, Rho, Rin looked at her confused and serious, while Ace laughed, and Nuri...
Nuri: Oh, good one!
Nuri: Anyway she is right, beside isn't that the most logical solution so far?
Rho: Well... you could say that... out of safety reasons, but! We would participate in a lie.
Kaya: That is not hurting anyone... Beside, can't you look at this as some sort of experiment?
Suddenly a little light was seen in Rho's eyes.
Rho: You are right... This could be an experiment!
Nuri: I think I never saw her this excited... or anyone this excited about learning...
He whispered to Nigel, Nigel just laughed a little.
Ace: Well you know what, I don't care what you do, I will just fall asleep against that tree. Good night and good luck in there!
She sat down against the tree.
Nuri and Kaya: No!!
She flinched.
Ace: What is wrong with you two today... Did you drink some tea without me?
They laugh nervously.
Rin: Without you? How often you guys drink tea?
She was chill and she just shrugged.
Kaya: Of course not... It will not be the same without you, that is all.
Nigel: So are we all going or not?
Nuri and Kaya: Yes!!
They were excited because they both wanted Rin and Ace to be together.
Rho: In that case… I guess we should discuss about who will pair with who...
The deal was, Nuri and Kaya, Nigel and Rho, Rin and Ace. Whatever you think now, well it is not actually what is seems like... keep reading. Ace already half asleep.
Nuri: Come on Ace! We are going!
Ace: Be there in a second...
She mumbled.
Nuri: If you don't get up and start walking, Rin will pick you up.
He said in a teasing way. She started to stand up.
Ace: I am coming I am coming....
They get inside, at reception.
Receptionist Lora: 3 new couples, and all of them friends! That is so beautiful to see...
Rho: Yeah we can skip the intro, can we get a room?
Lora: Oh I see someone can't wait to have some alone time with her lover...
Nigel put an arm around her.
Nigel: What can we say... she just loves me that much.
He teased her. She removed his hand a bit aggressively from her shoulder. He was bit in pain but he laughed.
Nigel: Nothing to worry about, she is a healer too...
Lora smiled.
Lora: I see... But we have rules before we give the keys...
Rho sighs because she knew the rules...
Rho: Not the rules...
Rin: What rules?
Lora: Well before we give you the key of your rooms, you need to sign this document and you need to answer one question...
Rho: Well this is it...
She said to herself. Everyone signed the papers after they read it.
Lora: Now the question, how do you know your partner is the one?
They wondered, what now?
Rho: And how about we just skip the question because we want to be with our partner as soon as we can, as you said before... and...
Lora: Sorry miss, those are the instructions, they are all in this manuals. See.
Lora said with a smile, she smiles all the time, and she is being polite. Rho looked at the manual.
Rho: I know...
Lora: And those are not any rules, those are Nexara rules!
Others surprised.
Nuri: Oh really...
Rho: No...
She shook her head, remembering every rule.
Nuri: Miss Lola, is there a way for me to have a copy of that.
Rho starts to look annoyed, but still in friendly way.
Rho: Okay fine, we will follow the rules... Everyone just answer the question so we can prove miss Lora that we are lovers and not liars.
Nuri was proud, just as Kaya.
Kaya: Damn Rho, that quote is fire!
Rho obviously was sarcastic.
Kaya: Okay, I will start by showing these idiots it is just a question needing some answer, not a big deal...
Lora: Great, you ready to give an answer?
Kaya: What was the question again?
Lora: How do you know your partner is the one?
Kaya: Oh... damn...
She looks at Nuri, at her best friend, she knows she doesn't look at him in romantic way, but she needed to think of some answer so they could get in... And help Rin and Ace... they are good wingmans after all...
Rin: Can I go first? I am really tired and I want to have some rest with my partner over here, if that is okay with all of you.
Ace blushed, she didn't expect that he would do something like that. Kaya and Nuri gave hidden high five. Rho studying. Nigel looking around.
Lora: Isn't that sweet... There is a man that knows what he wants... Go ahead, give your other half the answer.
He looked at her, then he took only one step towards her, there was still distance between them.
Rin: From the first moment I saw her I knew she was the one.
He said that a bit cold, calm, playing the role but then she looked at him differently... there was something else, Rare, in her eyes right now... she was vulnerable... Then his expression change. He was telling the truth but he said the truth in a cold way because he still knows this is just a role... but when he looked at her, really looked at her, he was aware of what he said.
Rin: I cannot explain how... the closest I have to an answer is...
He looked at her with soft gaze, that is rare,
Rin: I just know.
Lora: Wow... That was really beautiful...
Rho: Seriously? That can be an answer too?
Lore: Of course it can... but you need to give a different one.
Rho: And why?
Lora: Because I will only believe you if you give me your own answer.
Rho understood, she was just bad at this...
Lora: You two can have the key, your room number is 60. Enjoy your stay here.
Rho: Doesn't she have to answer too? Isn't that also in your rules? Or you are just not doing your job right?
She said that in a tone that Nexara would use... She was hit with nostalgia right now... her old program was kicking in... But as a Rho, the same second she said that she knew where she made a mistake now... Lora looked at her for a bit, like she studied her, then she smiled.
Lora: You are right miss... I don't know what I was thinking, I guess they just look like they belong together... Beside, she gave answer by her eyes, not her words.
Rin looked at her, but she looked away, shy.
Lora: But of course, those are the rules... You should give your answer too.
She looked at Ace, and Ace looked at Rho...
Ace: Thanks a lot...
Rho: Sorry, my bad.
Ace: My answer...
She looked at Rin and he looked at her... she could notice his pulse was a bit faster, he was nervous just as she was, but he really wants to know the answer...
Ace: I know that you are the one... because only next to you I can be... weak.
She said quietly, but he heard.
Lora: Just like I said, soul mates. Here are the keys.
She tosses them a key, and Rho in that moment realized something she couldn't notice before... Her friend is in love... her friends are in love... She gave them keys, Rin took it, just as he took Ace's hand, leading her towards their room.
Lora: How about you two?
She looked at Kaya and Nuri...and they both looked nervous...
Ace and Rin
Walking towards the room, through the hall, Rin still held her hand. Until she pulled it away. He stopped and he looked at her. Ace was silent, she couldn’t describe what she felt.
Rin: Are you okay?
Ace: Yeah… I mean why wouldn’t I be… I just thought that we shouldn’t hold hands anymore I mean no one is testing us anymore…
He raised an eyebrow but then he smiled.
Rin: Okay Mystery, if you want to play it like that… I have a different opinion.
Ace: Like what?
She crossed her arms.
Rin: I say because this is Nexara project, written by our friend, we could at least respect it, follow the rules… and I always follow the rules…Which means…
He took a step closer and took her hand again.
Rin: I will hold your hand because rules say that I am your partner right now, even if it is an act, I am going to do it right. So as your partner tonight, I must tell you…
He stepped one step closer, looking her in the eyes, she needed to look up, because he is much taller than her…
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Rin: I am always allowed to hold my partners hand… because that hand is mine… and I will protect it, and always keep it safe.
She was surprised, but mostly she forgot how to speak or act… She knew she needed to move away yet she felt so weak around him. In that moment Nuri and Kaya walked through the hall. Ace moved from Rin this time and she pulled away her hand. He stepped back.
Ace: You guys made it? How that happened?
Kaya: Easy, similar minds think alike and similar liars lie alike, so we just started to throw some basic answers…
Nuri: It was really fun actually…
Rin: And what happened to those two?
Nuri: Rho started to argue… something about the rules… so they stayed behind. Lora said that we might not see them for a while and I believe her!
Kaya: I swear if we needed to stay and listen to them arguing instead of having fun… Dude…
Nuri interrupted.
Nuri: Yeah yeah, you know her and her passion about the rules… this rules specific, that she doesn’t want us to see… yet…
He pulled out the document!
Nuri: I got Nexara rules!
Kaya: Damn, you stole something, I am impressed.
Nuri: No stupid… I asked nicely.
Kaya: Coward.
She teased him.
Rin: Do not encourage him on bad behavior.
Kaya: Understood.
Ace: Nexara rules?! We got to see those.
Kaya: Totally! Imagine Her writing a manual for lovers… Nexara and love topic… That must be funny as hell!
Ace: Then let’s read it!
Rin: Aren’t you tired?
Ace: Haven’t you been listening? Here we have romantic rules from literally the most non-romantic person ever. And that person is our Rho.
He smiled and he nodded, and they went in a room to hang out, the 4 of them, reading about the rules while in the same time breaking them…
Rho and Nigel.
They finally made it, they finally got their own room.
Nigel: You know, so far I can say, you are not an easy person to love.
He teased her but she remained serious.
Rho: No, I just know from who I want to be loved and from who I do not want.
Nigel stopped smiling, but he remained calm.
Rho: Anyway, what will we do about room situation? How tired are you? If you want to go and have a rest first just give me a time of how long that could be.
Nigel looked at her confused.
Nigel: You know that it is okay for both of us to sleep in the same room… I would never hurt you, you know that right?
She could tell he meant it.
Rho: I guess you are right… But, that doesn’t mean I want to share a room, even if we can.
Nigel nodded. And he took her hand and placed the keys in her hand.
Nigel: I respect it, go ahead and rest first, take all the time you need, just find me when you wake up that is all.
He let go of her hand and walked away.
4 of them.
Reading Nexara rules.
Kaya: Okay listen to this, “Any source of violence, hate is forbidden, you may fight with your words but not your hands.”
Ace: Well that one doesn’t make sense.
Rin: It makes a perfect one…
Kaya: But wait, there is an exception! “Unless he/she said he/she doesn’t like dogs, than kick all you want.”
Nuri: Did my ears really hear that? She made a joke! Oh I am going to tease her because of this so much.
Ace: I don’t think she was teasing…
Kaya: I agree.
They all laughed.
Kaya: Okay, listen this… “You may express your love in any way you want if that way doesn’t hurt anyone. Be yourself.”
Ace: That is actually a nice one, who would say she has that side of her?
Kaya kept reading.
Kaya: “Be in love and show your love…
Nuri: Awww.
Kaya: And once in a year is more than enough to do that.”
Ace: Well forget what I said.
She took a sip of Kaya’s tea. Rin took papers, while other talked.
Kaya: Well we will never know if that was just written out of brain or a heart.
Ace: That is true… But I mean, she has a love inside of her… Her emotions just scream in a different echo…
Nuri: I know what you mean… It is like she is hiding herself that well that she even hid her emotions from herself too.
Kaya: Damn Nuri, that was deep…
She took a sip of her tea, all of them drank, except Rin.
Ace: I mean, she was Nexara… and no one could even tell… Imagine that skill.
Rin still holding papers, then he noticed that Ace looked tired, all of them were, but especially her.
Rin: I agree, but I am also here to follow the rules, and this one says: “Couples should spend as much time together while they are here, and have some alone time, especially first few hours after checking in.
He looked at Ace. Nuri and Kaya looked at each other and at them.
Rin: And you look tired and you should have some rest.
Rin stood up, and offered her his hand. And she looked at him.
Kaya: You are right… we don’t want to break the rules! We all should have some alone time, now go!
Ace: Chill! Since when do you care this much about the rules…
Nuri: Yeah she is right… we don’t want to upset our friend that wrote those rules so… see you tomorrow!
Ace took a few sips of tea, and then she accepted his hand, and she stood up. Kaya stood up as well and practically forced them outside.
Kaya: Girl I am all about the rules! Now enjoy!!
She closed the door behind but then quickly she opened it and pulled Ace closer to her and whispered to her.
Kaya: Girl, you have everything you need?
Ace: What are you talking about…
Kaya: Then you are good, good luck! Love you!
She pushed her outside, and she closed the door.
Rho and Nigel.
Rho in her room. She changed her mind and let Nigel inside as well.
Nigel: What made you change your mind?
Rho: Well, you are my friend, and I trust you, and I know you need to have some rest too, it was a long day.
He nodded proudly.
Rho: Beside I can kill you in a second if you try anything.
Nigel laughed and lay down on the bed.
Nigel: This bed is huge, there is enough room, care to join me? My partner.
He teased her as he pat a spot next to him.
Rho: No need for that.
She took a small object from her bag, and she threw it on the floor making it look bigger. It was a bed. Nigel shocked. She was calm and she lay on her bed.
Nigel: Well I must say I didn’t see that coming.
Rho: Then you won’t see this coming as well.
She also placed curtains around her bed with her powers so she could stay hidden.
Rho: Good night.
She said cold as she lay on her bed and covered herself with blanket.
Ace and Rin.
They were a bit tired and they were inside their room. There was only one bed so naturally he decided to sleep on the floor... so he sat on the floor... Ace looked at him.
Ace: What are you doing?
Rin: I am preparing myself for a sleep.
Ace: On the floor? And not in this huge bed, what is wrong with you?
She starts to lay down.
Ace: I mean I know you are crazy, but that crazy, wow.
She said sarcastic in teasing way.
Rin: I am not doing that because I am crazy, I am doing that because you are a woman and I am a man, and I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.
Ace looked at him a bit confused then she looks away.
Ace: And what is the worst you could do? Bore me to sleep?
She turned to the other side and lay on a side. Rin looked at her but she wasn’t even looking at him, he was facing her back.
Rin: But still I am a man, and no woman should lay with a man she has no feelings for...
Ace calm, closing her eyes.
Ace: Then sleep on the floor, I don’t care.
She started to fall asleep and he looked at her a bit, but then he stood up and quietly went towards her bed, and kneeled in front of her bed, looking at her.
Rin: How can you say you don’t care?
Ace surprised, didn’t hear him, and expected him, even though she is always alert, but with him she was so relaxed that she knew she is safe... He just surprised her, that’s why she flinched a bit at his voice.
Ace: Jesus!
Rin: Would you really invite any man in bed with you?
He talked calm but hint serious.
Ace: Excuse me?
Rin: Just answer me.
Ace: And what do you think?
She looked at him pissed off a bit.
Ace: Now, go back to your floor.
She turned to the other side and she closed her eyes, trying to sleep. He smiled a bit, then he sat down and leaned on the wall.
Kaya and Nuri.
They were still in their room, drinking tea and hanging out. He was lying on the bed, his head was falling on the other side of a bed, and Kaya was sitting on the floor leaned against the bed.
Nuri: Do you think that anything will happen between Ace and my bro?
Kaya: Of course it will, they are soul mates. Now, how did you know about them? Did Rin tell you something?
Nuri: No, Ace did.
She was shocked.
Kaya: What? She told you and not me?
Nuri: Yeah, she told me back then when we were in that Nexum thing… that ended up crazy… wait, has Rin said anything to you? And not me?!
Kaya: Oh yes… Nexum… And it is not like that… I just figured it out. Now give me the tea, what she has told you?
Nuri: That is private.
Kaya looked at him.
Kaya: You little…
Nuri: You didn’t share so why should I?
Kaya: Fair enough. But they really do look cute together I hope they will end up together as well.
Nuri: Yeah…
He kept reading Nexara rules.
Kaya: You are still reading that?
Nuri: Yes… it is just fascinating… I mean we know her as Rho, and now we have a piece of her, well of a person she used to be.
Kaya: Well, I bet she wrote that rules because she had too, I mean imagine her being in love.
He laughed a bit.
Nuri: Well I would be sorry for that man.
She punched him a bit.
Nuri: I was joking!
Kaya: Well, don’t say things like that, we have no idea what she has been through.
Nuri: You are right…
He looked at ceiling, Kaya drinking tea.
Nuri: Do you think she is capable of love?
She wondered.
Kaya: Yes… I think she is… she just needs a right man that is all…
Rho
She couldn’t sleep, so she went outside for a walk. Nigel was still sleeping. She walked around looking at all the couples that have been staying there. Most of them looked happy. She sat down at the café place, she took the pen and her notebook and she started to analyze everyone, and to write her conclusions down.
Ace
She couldn’t sleep so she wanted to go out for a smoke. But Rin was blocking her way to the balcony, so she had to sneak around to get a smoke.. She was quiet, skilled, it was easy to pass without waking up someone so she went on the balcony... she did it, she took her cigarette, but she forgot the lighter, it was inside.
Ace: Shit.
She goes back inside and she sneaks back outside again. Then she had her cigarette and lighter, and she started to light it.... It didn’t work, so she needed to find another one, that works.
Ace: Are you kidding me?
She was pissed, she goes back inside, still trying not to wake him, it took her some time to find another lighter. And she sneaks again.
Ace: Finally...
She lights it, and Rin froze her cigarette.
Ace: DAMN IT!
Ace was pissed. Rin stayed calm, still having his eyes closed. She started to walk towards him. She stood in front of him and crossed her arms he opened her eyes and looked at her, still calm.
Rin: Yes?
Ace: Don’t you "yes? “To me! Stop freezing my cigarettes!
Rin looked at her.
Rin: They are bad for your health.
Ace pissed even more.
Ace: So what? No one frizzes my cigarettes, so try that again and it won’t go so good for you.
She started to walk on the balcony again.
Ace: And after I tried to be polite and stay quiet...
Rin laughed.
Rin: Oh yeah, that was funny.
She stops,
Ace: What is funny?
Rin: Your attempt of sneaking of course.
She looks at him.
Ace: You were awake the whole time?
Rin: Of course, did you really think you could sneak on me?
Ace triggered a bit, thinks of Aaron saying that, but he used to say that in a different way... like mean way... Rin was telling that trough laugh, teasing her. Ace was surprised that he actually could notice her... No one ever did, when she wanted to sneak she would always stay hidden...
(Except with Aaron... He also always could find her...)
Ace: There is no way you were awake this whole time...
Rin: Listen don’t go hard on yourself.. That is just something I do when I am surrounded with those I care about, I like to stay alert. That means no matter what sound, I will hear it, and especially yours, even though it is the most silent of them all.
She was stunned.
Ace: Man, you really need to find a way to relax...
She started to light a cigarette. He stood up and walked towards her.
Ace: What? Not going to freeze my cigarette now?
Her calm, relaxed, smoking chill.
Rin: You told me not to do it so I won’t do it.
Ace stunned again.
Ace: And what about all other times I told you the same?!
Rin laughs.
Rin: Oh come on, I need to tease you a little.
Ace looked at him annoyed.
Ace: You are really playing with your life sometimes you know?
Rin laughed again, leaned on a fence of balcony staying close but not too close to her.
Rin: Oh I am aware of that...
He smiles. Rin stayed quiet for some time. Just looking at her.
Rin: Anything on your mind?
Ace didn’t want to answer.
Ace: Nothing I just wanted to smoke.
Rin: Do you usually have trouble sleeping?
Ace: Well... Yeah... I mean sometimes... It depends...
Rin: Why can’t you sleep?
Ace: Okay pal, you ask a lot...
Rin laughs. A bit.
Rin: Am I not allowed to get to know you better?
Ace: Better? What do you want more... We are together almost everyday.
Rin: Well that doesn’t mean I know you enough.
Ace: What do you mean?
Rin: I want to get to know you even more.
Ace: Why?
Rin looks at her and smiles a bit.
Rin: You are a mystery that I want solve I guess.
She looked at him a bit confused.
Ace: Yeah... I think I am going to bed now.
He laughed a little bit, finding cute that she was defensive. She took out the cigarette and started to walk inside.
Ace: And no, I would not invite any man to sleep on the same bad with me. So if you want to sleep on the bed you can, you have my permission.
She walks inside, he smirks and follows.
Rin: And what makes me exception?
Ace lay down.
Ace: I trust you.
He lay down too, giving her space.
Rin: I am happy to hear that.
Ace: Good night, and try to get some sleep okay?
Rin: I’ll try, good night.
After some time he noticed that her body was moving a bit, she had tics that he didn’t notice before.
Rin: Are you okay?
Ace: Yeah... Those are just my tics... Don’t worry about it, it is normal. Once I calm my body and fall asleep they will stop.
Rin: I never noticed them before, how long do you have those?
Ace didn’t look at him, he was facing her back.
Ace: Not sure, since I was a kid I guess...
Rin: Can I help you somehow?
Ace: Don't worry about it.
He was quiet for a bit, then she felt his arm almost around her, while putting his teddy bear in front of her.
Rin: I know you like to hug something while sleeping, maybe this will help.
He couldn’t see her face, but she was blushing. She slowly took it and hugged it. He moved away his hand.
Ace: Thank you Rin...
Rin: You are welcome.
Ace: I hope my tics won’t bother you, just don’t get to close and you will be fine...
He looked at her, then he looked at ceiling.
Rin: And what if I want to be close to you?
He said quiet.
Ace: What?
His heart started to beat a bit faster, he was getting nervous, he wanted to hold her... But he didn’t repeat it.
Rin: Nothing, just try to get some sleep okay?
She didn’t say anything, she just hugged teddy bear, and closed her eyes.
Rho
She ended up talking with some couple, asking the questions.
Rho: And how would you describe your experience in this “lovers stage” resort?
Couple1: Amazing! Everything here is perfect…
Couple2: Yes… I love that I can spend some quality time with a person I love… and beside everything here is free so what is there not to love?
Rho: Yes, I see that people love that the most…
They laughed a little while she remained cold.
Couple1: But it is not just that… We just love this place because we can just be in love and free…
Rho: We? Do couples usually answer for each other?
Couple2: Maybe sometimes, but nothing she said was wrong.
Couple 1: You know what else I really love about this place… That not all couples are different gender, some couples are same gender.
Rho: And you are not bothered with that?
Couple 1: Not at all… I know some people might be upset about it because it is different and it is not something they are used to, but when you think about it… love is love. They are not hurting us with their love, so why should we be bothered?
Couple2: I agree, and you know what I also like about this place, that a hater can’t get in…
They nodded.
Rho: So… you are satisfied? With the rules and all?
They nodded.
Couple1: Well some rules are maybe weird but the staff here is amazing, and this entire place is perfect…
She hugged her partner.
Rho: Weird? What do you mean by that?
Suddenly Lora joined them.
Lora: Your couple massage is ready.
The couple stood up, they were smiling.
Couple1: This was fun, maybe we’ll see you and your partner later?
They smiled and walked away, but Lora stayed.
Rho: Wait, what rules are weird? Ah… damn it.
Lora: Can I help you with anything?
Rho looked at her cold and calm.
Rho: No, I got it.
Lora: And what about your partner? Is he going to join you?
Rho: He is asleep.
Lora: I see, someone was busy.
She joked, while Rho looked at her annoyed but calm. Lora sat down with her.
Lora: I have a question. You we been here for almost two hours, talking with couples, and making notes, I have to ask, are you a reporter?
She stayed quiet.
Rho: You got me… I am writing a story about this resort… because love is… everything for me…
She tried to say that in a nice believable way, but she sounded sarcastic.
Lora: I see, so let me guess, that partner of yours is your partner just not the kind we need here?
Rho: Yeap, you got it.
Lora: Well there was definitely no chemistry there.
Rho: And you can tell that how?
Lora: It is one of my special abilities. There is a reason I work here. Also I believe you know the rules but, the paper you are writing can be published only if you get my signature, or signature of my colleagues.
Rho: I am aware. Do you trust your colleagues?
Lora: Yes.
She answered kind but serious.
Rho: I see. What problems appeared here since it was opened?
Lore smiled, then she closed her notebook, Rho looked at her strange.
Lora: How about you take your rest from working and just… enjoy for a bit, okay?
Rho: Rest? What do you mean by that?
Lora: Well you seem like a person that is focused on the work too much… and I can sense that because of that you are starting to lose your emotions. Not in the way that they are gone, but just hidden.
Rho felt strange, in the same time she was a bit defensive, and annoyed, but on the other hand, she was impressed.
Lora: Trust me, even the strongest minds someone needs rest, it is okay to have some rest as well.
She gently touched her hand and then she got up, and left. Rho was left speechless.
Ace and Rin.
She still couldn’t sleep, her ticks were getting stronger. So she slowly got up to pour herself some water. Rin was asleep, or was he? She drank some water, and then she went to the balcony again. She smoked another cigarette but she still couldn’t sleep. She tried again. She lay on the bed, but tics were stronger. Then she went to the bathroom, she took a shower, after that she came back to the bed. After few minutes she started to get up again, but she felt Rin’s hand around her wrist. He opened her eyes and looked at her.
Rin: I think that is enough Mystery, you really should get some sleep.
Ace: Maybe you should listen to your own advice.
She wanted to pull away her hand but he didn’t let go of her wrist, instead he pulled her back on bed, towards him. She was now lying next to him, they were so closed to each other that their noses were almost touching. He still held her hand, and looked at her serious.
Ace: What do you think you are doing?
Rin: I want you to get some rest.
She started to move away a bit, but he used his another arm to wrap it around her waist, holding her in one place. She blushed, and he blushed as well. His heart started to beat faster but he remained serious.
Rin: You will get some sleep because you deserve it, and you will have some sleep now. Is that clear?
Ace: And who are you to decide that…
Rin: Well I am not letting you go, so at least you can do is to get some sleep.
She looked a bit pissed, she tried again to pull away, this time a bit stronger but he grabbed her both hands with his one and held it above her head, he rolled her a bit, towering over her. With another hand he trapped her and leaned closer, while she was laying on her back. He even trapped her legs with his. She looked at him vulnerable, but acting pissed and tough.
Rin: You are getting some sleep and that is not a question.
She struggled a bit until she gave up.
Ace: Fine… but you won’t be able to have any sleep if you keep lying next to me.
Rin: Why do you think that?
Ace: Well my ticks can get a bit…
He sighs and then he turned her towards him, laying on a side, wrapping his arms around her, making her to face him. Their faces were close to each other, and she was looking at his eyes, blushing, while he held her close to him. He looked her in the eyes, he was blushing too.
Rin: I want to be close to you, and I don't care about your tics... So give it your worse, I will still want to be close to you.
For a second he looked away, then again he looked at her eyes.
Rin: Beside, I will fall asleep easier knowing you are in my arms and that you are safe.
She felt shy, her heart was beating fast just as his was, she didn’t move away, she didn’t fight him anymore, and she let him to hold her. She closed her eyes and got a bit closer to him, burying her head onto his chest. Now he was the one surprised and he blushed even more.
Ace: Then don’t let me go...
She said quiet. He hugged her more tightly, and he leaned his head against her, closing his eyes.
Rin: I won’t, you are safe with me.
They both felt peace, they both felt safe, and soon they fell asleep, while holding each other..
Nuri and Kaya.
Kaya was sleeping deeply, but Nuri couldn’t sleep, he felt hungry, so he stood up and walked outside the room. He was walking towards the kitchen that was free to use for all lovers, it was late at night so he assumed no one will be there but then when he walked inside, he couldn’t believe his eyes.
Nuri: Rho?
There she was, standing in the kitchen and cooking, she was surprised to see him, she froze a bit.
Nuri: You are cooking?
Rho sighs.
Rho: This really isn’t my day…
Nuri walked closer.
Nuri: And you seem to know what you are doing… Wait, do you actually know how to cook?
Rho: Fine, you got me. But please don’t tell the others…
Nuri: Well it was suspicious that you didn’t know something but why did you lie?
Rho: Because I hate to cook.
Nuri: And why are you cooking now?
Rho: Because I am hungry, and I don’t mind to do that for me.
Nuri: Makes sense… How about this, I won’t tell anyone about this but every time you are making something you need to make some for me too.
She looked annoyed but she sighs.
Rho: Fine.
Nuri sat down at the chair, and looked at her.
Nuri: What are you making?
Rho: Some fried pancakes with filling.
He looked confused.
Nuri: What?
Rho: These are not the same pancakes that everyone usually makes.
She was making pancakes (not in American style), mixture is not so thick and dough is thinner, where you can eat it like that or to put some filling inside and roll it and fried it too.
Nuri: Can’t wait to try it, I am so hungry…
Rho: You can try one, I made few already, well those are just pancakes, they still need to be filled and fried, but you can eat it like this too.
Nuri: Thanks.
He tried it and he was genuinely surprised.
Nuri: Wow… this taste good.
Rho: You will see when I am finished, it will taste even better. So you are hungry, is that why you are up?
Nuri: Among other reasons.
Rho: Do you want to talk about it? Remember, it is always okay to say no…
He laughed a little.
Nuri: Oh I know you are a softy in your heart, I mean you created this place after all.
Rho: We won’t speak about that.
Nuri: Oh come on, but I have so many questions!
Rho: No.
He laughed a bit, he enjoyed teasing her. After teasing her, they ended up talking about his past and fake friends he had.
Nuri: That is why I have issues with trusting someone, you know…
Rho: What are you talking about? I never met a person who trusts that much everyone as you do. You will go and make some friends in a second, not only that you will share your entire story to some random stranger… So I do not see how you have “trust issues”.
Nuri: But most of them find a way to hurt me you know…
Rho: Yes, but you are the one repeating the same scenario over and over again, you are not learning anything if you are just repeating.
He looked down a bit.
Nuri: I know… I just want to believe that people are nice and good and all…
Rho: That is beautiful thought, but believing something is real doesn’t make it real.
She listened to him but she didn’t pay much attention to look at him, she was also focused on the food. She looked a bit disappointed.
Nuri: What is wrong?
She looked like she tried to hide her emotions but in the same time she couldn’t take it anymore.
Rho: I hate the fact that I can’t make it as good as my mother used to do.
Nuri was surprised, and shocked that she said something like that.
Nuri: Your mother? Maybe this will be stupid question but, you had a mother?
Rho: Yes… Before I was taken, I had parents. I was only 5 years old when my parents were…
She looked away.
Rho: When I saw them last time…
He was silent for a moment than he stood up and watched the pancakes that she made.
Rho: I remember a lot about them but some memories are starting to fade, but her making pancakes… is one of my favourite memories. I just wish to make at least one in the way she did it so I can feel like… well like I am eating her food again.
He looked at her with soft gaze, feeling sorry for her, but he knew he can’t just hug her because she would hate it, or to say that he felt sorry for he, she would hate that too… instead…
He looked better at the plate of pancakes noticing something.
Nuri: Can I ask you something? From your pile of pancakes, what do you think which one would your mother pick to eat?
She looked at that pile.
Rho: The most burned one.
Nuri smiled a bit.
Nuri: I thought so. And what about you? Which pancake she would give you?
Rho: Probably the one that… looks the most delicious. Why are you asking me this?
Nuri: Well you see, as someone who cooks I can tell you for sure that your mother really loved you, and she prepared all food with love, because she would always give you the best ones, and she would eat those who maybe got burned or something… but she didn’t care about some burned pancakes, she just wanted for you to be happy. Beside, you are probably making the same pancakes as she did, if you look at your pile, there are also few pancakes that are just perfect… Yes some of them are a bit burned, but still good, some are thicker, some are thinner… but I tried one, and I must tell you, their taste is amazing… And I bet you can find there at least one that is just like your mothers... well I believe they all are, it is just that you never ate the one’s she has.
She was surprised, she listened, her heart melted for a second. She realized so much, the answer was always in front of her, yet she never saw it… She looked at pancakes and she decided to take the one that was most burned, her mother claimed it was her favourite… She took a bite, and in that moment she wanted to cry… but she was holding it. She realized how much her mother truly loved her…
Nuri: I remember when my mother used to make us pancakes, well a normal one’s, and every time she…
Rho stepped closer and she just hugged him. He froze. He wasn’t sure what to do…
Nuri: Rho…
Rho: Thank you Nuri… You made me to see something I couldn’t see on my own. Because of you… now I know a little bit more about my mother, and I thought that was impossible.
She pulled away from hug and looked at him, then she smiled, but her eyes were filled with tears that were ready to drop. His eyes widen. She started to look away but then his heart started to beat a bit faster and then… he just pulled her back into a hug again. This time he hugged her back, he even blushed a little, she was a bit confused but she didn’t pull away,
Nuri: I am glad I could help you and… I am glad I can be a friend with someone amazing as you…
She relaxed a bit and then she let the tears fall down… she stayed in his hug feeling safe, and for the first time ever, she showed someone a part of her that was locked for so long…
Good night.
- Your Rare Artist.
