"What are you lovebirds talking about?" Zack smacked Vernon's shoulder.
"We're just planning a picnic for the group tonight. If you guys are interested,' he scanned the group.
"Sure! We'd love to– "
"Actually, I think we'll be busy tonight," Taylor elbowed Zack's stomach.
"Yeah! I just remembered. Eric and I will go on a shopping spree at the night market," Lily covered.
"We are?" Eric turned.
"Yea!" she angrily whispered and gave a stern stare.
"I guess you guys would have to go without us. Sorry," Taylor smiled at Lily.
Those succubi, I harrumphed. After we finished our meals, one of the couples went to ski and the other went to the hot spring and spa. I excused myself to the room to give my legs a break from the exertion I put it through while ice skating. Vernon said that he was going to drive around and spend some time outdoors. I was watching YouTube videos on my phone, but I ended up taking a few hours nap.
Had it not been for my low battery warning, I wouldn't have woken up from my accidental slumber. I woke up to find the room dim and warm. I didn't remember wrapping myself with the blanket so tidily when I fell asleep. And the thermostat was warmer. I texted Vernon as I plugged my phone to a portable charger.
He just got back from a quick errand to the convenient store to buy some snacks and drinks for our picnic. With my energy bar recharged, I would enjoy the whole night view without having to fight off sleepiness. I went to meet him at the lobby. He had a cowlick at the back of his head.
"Ready to go?" I tidied his hair.
"Oh, yea I haven't looked at myself after my nap," he combed his own hair.
"You took a nap too?" we walked to his car.
'Yeah, I bumped into Eric during my ride and he asked me to help him put some of the shopping bags he had in his room. So, I took an hour nap on their chair and went to check on you,' we started our journey up the hill and into the forest.
"You put the blanket on?"
"Yeah, sorry about that."
"No, thanks," I smiled at him.
The ride up was empty as people celebrated the first day of the Christmas night market. I could hear music playing down the valley. The town was brightly lit by fairy lights along the streets and houses. We finally reached our destination and stepped out to admire the view below and above. We sat on a bench that overlooked the town and stared down in silence.
"How many times have you been here?" I started the conversation.
"Quite often. You?" he replied.
"First time. Must've been a lot of fun to visit with your friends, huh?"
"I don't have as many friends as Cathy," he sounded somber.
"Really? Wouldn't have thought."
"I told you, I kept my friend circle small. Miniscule even."
"Why is that?"
"Ysaye & Co. wasn't the first company I tried to develop. I've experienced so much betrayal and failure. Even my parents couldn't pull it together. It pushed me to be independent and selective."
"Oh."
"Sorry, it got depressing real quick."
"No, I admire your strength to keep going back," I smiled.
"It wasn't easy. But I'm sure you'll make it. Whatever you decided to do in life," he smiled back.
"Oof, is it just me or did it become so much colder suddenly," I hugged myself and rubbed my arms.
"Let's get back in the car."
"But, what about the stars?"
"We can see them through the sunroof."
The car heater kept us warm and snug in the cold winter night. The sky was just as pretty from under the glass window of the car. Vernon opened a bag of potato chip and cheese dip. We had our little snack while watching Netflix on his laptop. We pushed the back of the seats down flat and laid to stare at the sky. The various snacks and drinks were arranged between our seats.
"Oh my god! I haven't seen this cracker since I was in primary school! Brought so much memory," I exclaimed as I picked up a pack of rice cracker.
"I'm glad you like those. I bought some soju too," he revealed the bottle from inside of the glove compartment.
"No way! We have to play never have I ever," I sat up on my seat.
"You start," he opened the cap.
'Okay, never have I ever failed a first language exam."
"That's not fair," he took a shot, "Never have I ever been scolded by my parents while helping them cook."
I took a shot, "Never have I ever been kicked out of a class."
"Never. Take a shot."
"I'm impressed," I drank.
"Never have I ever liked century egg."
"What's your problem with that? It tastes good with porridge," I drank. "Never have I ever hated nato."
"I love nato. You played yourself," he smugly grinned.
"What?' I took a confused sip, 'you have a weird taste bud."
"Let's make this interesting. Never have I ever destroyed or vandalized school property."
I took a small sip.
"What? No way!"
"It was an accident! The duster flew out of my hand and shattered the window. I felt so bad for days."
"Okay. Never have I ever gotten drunk before any of my friends."
"No fair! You're about to give me alcohol poisoning,' I complied, 'never have I ever finished a bottle of wine by myself."
"It was a sad period of my life. Don't judge," he chugged.
"What's the story behind that?"
"I watched an elephant documentary. It was so sad!"
"Hahahahha…. I can't believe you were so soft behind all that charm."
"And you're not as innocent as you seem to be."
"Oh yea? I bet you the rest of the bottle that you've had your first kiss before me," I challenged.
"Then you're gonna lose."