Evelyn's voice trembled with relief as she mumbled, her words muffled by Jane's embrace.
Jane chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around Evelyn. "Gosh, the neighbors might think you've finally reunited with your long-lost husband at this rate," she teased, attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere. "And what's with the towel? Were you so desperate for me that you decided to ditch the clothing?"
Evelyn managed a watery laugh, her grip on Jane loosening slightly. "You have no idea," she mumbled, her voice laced with both sadness and gratitude.
As Jane held her, the two friends engaged in a playful exchange, their banter laced with an intimacy that only years of friendship could foster. "You know, if you keep holding me this tight, people might get the wrong idea," Jane teased.
Evelyn pulled away slightly, her eyes finally showing a glimmer of amusement. "Oh, don't worry. They'll just assume we're having a passionate affair in the middle of the night," she replied, a hint of mischief in her tone.
Jane burst into laughter, her infectious mirth filling the air. "Well, if that's what they think, at least we'll be the talk of the town," she quipped.
Evelyn's lips curved into a playful smile. "And here I was, thinking we could keep our torrid love affair a secret," she said, her tone dripping with exaggerated melodrama.
Jane dramatically placed a hand on her chest. "Alas, my love, secrets this scandalous are meant to be shouted from the rooftops!"
Evelyn joined in the silliness, her laughter mingling with Jane's. "Oh, the shame! How will we ever face society again?"
Jane shook her head dramatically. "Fear not, my dearest. I shall don a disguise and sweep you away to a land where our forbidden love can flourish."
Evelyn wiped a fake tear from her eye. "Oh, my hero! But can we at least make a stop for some late-night snacks on the way?"
Jane dramatically clasped her hands together. "Anything for you, my love. Our love may be forbidden, but our cravings for snacks are unwavering!"
They dissolved into laughter, the weight of the night's events temporarily forgotten in the midst of their absurd and passionate charade. Evelyn's heart lightened and the fact that s burying weight was on her shoulder suddenly vanished. In that moment, their friendship became a sanctuary, a place where they could embrace the ridiculousness of life and find solace in each other's company.
Evelyn placed her head in Jane's lap, deep in thought as she began to speak, her voice a mix of uncertainty and frustration. "I'm still not sure if it was a dream or if it was the person who broke in. When I went into the bath, I couldn't stop thinking about the professor, and I felt so weird inside. It wasn't normal if I think about it now, but at that time, I just—"
Her words trailed off, her thoughts seemingly tangled in a web of confusion. Jane listened attentively, her fingers gently stroking Evelyn's hair as a reassuring gesture. After a brief pause, Jane responded, her tone curious but empathetic. "So... you had a steamy dream about the professor? And then you felt like someone else had tried to harass you, and you woke up to the sound of the intruder?"
Evelyn's brows furrowed as she grappled with the complex emotions that swirled within her. She nodded slowly, her expression a mixture of bewilderment and introspection. "Yeah, it's hard to explain, but you've got the gist of it."
Jane's lips curled into a wry smile, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, your imagination certainly knows how to create some interesting scenarios."
Evelyn managed a faint chuckle, grateful for the touch of lightness Jane injected into the conversation. Shifting her position slightly, she gazed up at Jane, her eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and trust. "I know, it sounds crazy. But honestly, after everything that happened, I can't help but wonder if there's more to it."
Jane's expression softened, her fingers continuing their soothing motion. "What do you mean?"
Evelyn released a sigh, her fingers absently tracing patterns on her blanket. "It's like the dream's intensity and those feelings weren't just random. It felt like there's something deeper at play, something that's affecting me in ways I can't quite grasp."
Jane's eyes held a blend of concern and determination, a clear reflection of her deep friendship with Evelyn. "Okay, let's unpack this together. What else could be causing these intense emotions and dreams?"
Evelyn's mind raced, searching for answers amidst the chaos of her thoughts. And then, a memory surfaced, prompting her to speak. "Actually, this isn't the first time I've had a similar dream."
Jane's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity. "Wait, what do you mean, girl? Since when did you start becoming one of those overly excited pleasure-seekers? I thought you were different," Jane exaggerated. "Tell me in detail." She then chuckled, relaxing her face. "I have no romantic life whatsoever, at least I can enjoy it like a smut novel." She snickered, and Evelyn playfully slapped her arm when she wouldn't quit teasing her.
"It wasn't me, okay? I don't think of the professor like that," Evelyn spoke in a mumbling voice.
"You don't? Are you sure?!" Jane nudged at her and rubbed her shoulder in a funny manner, making Evelyn blush.
"Alright, alright, I will stop messing with you for now. So tell me what you were saying." Jane fixed her expressions and asked.
Evelyn's contemplative tone carried a sense of depth as she continued, "A few days ago, after taking a bath, I had a similar dream. Not exactly the same, but the intensity of the feelings was overwhelming. It felt like I was being pursued, and the sensations were just as vivid as they are now."
Understanding illuminated Jane's eyes. "Are you serious? That's more than just a coincidence. It's almost like a pattern is emerging."
Evelyn nodded thoughtfully. "Initially, I dismissed it as a random occurrence. But then the professor mentioned that the plant I touched in the forest might be responsible for these vivid dreams." A faint blush colored her ears.
Jane's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, the professor knew about your steamy dreams? Wow, that's... intense."
Evelyn clarified with a sheepish grin, "Well, I didn't exactly tell him about the dreams. He just mentioned the potential side effects of the plant. I thought those effects had worn off by now, but if anything, they seem to be growing stronger."
Jane's gaze turned contemplative as she absorbed Evelyn's words. "So, this plant... What's its name?"
Evelyn retrieved her phone swiftly. "It's called Raven bud or something."
Jane nodded and quickly conducted an online search. In seconds, a relevant article appeared, capturing her attention. She read through it intently before her eyes narrowed in realization. "Here it is. A medicinal plant that's toxic upon contact with humans. When burned or ingested, even in small amounts, it clouds the user's mind..." Jane's voice trailed off as she continued reading, her expression growing more focused. "Bringing out their deepest desires."