The next morning, the group arrived at a bustling ice fishing spot in the mountains. The icy landscape sparkled under the sun, and several people were scattered around, fishing through small holes in the ice. Excitement buzzed among the friends as they walked together, scouting for the perfect spot.
"Oh man, I've wanted to go ice fishing for so long!" Tom exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident.
Alya chuckled, turning to Sameer. "Your bro looks so excited for fishing, huh?"
"Yeah, he is," Sameer replied with a grin. "Last night, he was so excited he couldn't sleep—and neither could I, thanks to him."
Alya laughed softly, her laughter a gentle melody against the icy backdrop.
Sameer glanced at her, his expression softening. "Honestly, I wasn't sure you'd come today. But you did. Thanks for that."
Blushing, Alya smiled. "No, thank you all. I'm glad I could join."
Suzein approached Alya with a bright grin. "Oh, Alya, you look so adorable in that hoodie!"
Alya's smile widened. "Thanks, Suzein. You look great too."
Sameer, overhearing the exchange, stole a glance at Alya. Wow, she really does look super cute today. Oh man, I didn't compliment her yesterday—or the day before. But today, I have to say something! he thought.
"This place looks perfect. Let's set up here," Paul declared, stopping at a spot near the ice.
With practiced efficiency, Paul created five holes in the ice, one for each of them. The group settled down, each taking a hole, and began fishing.
After some time, Sameer groaned. "Ugh, it's been half an hour, and we haven't caught a single fish!"
Paul smirked. "Well, it's your first time, right?"
"Yeah," Sameer admitted.
"Then we're in the same boat. It's my first time too," Alya added with a smile.
Sameer's heart fluttered. Oh man… we have so much in common. And she's sitting beside me… so close.
Paul, ever the joker, grinned. "I figured as much. You two are total noobs! Let me give you some advice. Fishing takes patience. Just think of the fish as kids, the worms as chocolate, and you as a kidnapper."
Sameer stared at Paul, unimpressed. "Except for the first line, the rest doesn't make any sense."
Alya giggled, her laughter light and infectious.
Suddenly, Tom jumped up, frustrated. "I'm going somewhere else to fish," he announced, grabbing the auger. "I'm borrowing this!" With that, he stormed off to find a new spot.
Suzein turned to Alya. "So, Alya, do you like fish?"
"Not really, but if it's cooked really well, I might enjoy it," Alya replied thoughtfully.
"Then you're gonna love Paul's fish fry," Suzein said with a grin.
Paul waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, come on. I'm not that good."
While Paul and Suzein debated his cooking skills, Sameer and Alya sat quietly. Alya turned to Sameer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, Sameer, what about you? Do you like fish?"
Sameer, caught off guard, stammered, "Not really. But if it's cooked like something from a good restaurant, then it's different."
Alya smiled. "Looks like we have a lot in common."
Sameer returned her smile. "Yeah, I guess so."
Time passed, but the group still hadn't caught any fish. Sameer sighed. "This is taking forever, and we haven't caught a single fish."
Paul teased him. "Who says? Look, you caught a cute baby fish!"
Everyone laughed, except Sameer, who scowled. "Oh, shut up. At least I caught one. Look at you."
Suzein stood, brushing off her pants. "Babe, we're out of worms. Let's go get some."
Paul nodded. "Okay. Hey, Sameer, keep an eye on our rods."
As Paul and Suzein left to get more bait and Tom remained distant, it was just Sameer and Alya.
Sameer's heart raced. Oh man, we're alone. Lovebirds went off for bait, and Tom's nowhere nearby. Just me and Alya. I need to start a conversation, but what do I even say? I'm so bad at this…
Alya leaned closer, grinning playfully. "Pervert… what are you thinking?"
Sameer jumped in surprise. "N-Nothing! But wait, did you call me a pervert?!"
Alya laughed. "Yep. You are a pervert, aren't you?"
"No, I'm not!" Sameer protested.
"Yes, you are. I know it," Alya teased.
"Nope."
"Yes, you are," Alya insisted, giggling.
Sameer finally gave up, groaning. "Okay… if you say so."
Alya laughed harder. "What… you agreed… okay then, from now on, I'll call you 'pervert.'"
"What? No! I mean, not in front of my friends!" Sameer exclaimed, panicking.
Alya smirked. "Okay, I get it. I won't call you that in front of the others."
Sameer sighed in relief. "Thank goodness."
After a brief silence, Sameer gathered his courage. "You look so adorable and… kawaii today."
Alya's smile turned sly. "Huh? Only today?"
"No, no! I mean, you look adorable every day! Yesterday, the day before… all the time!" Sameer stammered, his face red.
Alya's eyes sparkled. "But you didn't use the word 'kawaii' for those days."
"N-No, but… it's true. You're cute—kawaii—today, yesterday, and the day before," Sameer admitted.
"Did you just call me cute twice?" Alya teased, her grin widening.
"N-No," Sameer stammered.
"But 'kawaii' means cute, right?"
"Y-Yeah… 'kawaii' means cute. I'm sorry," Sameer blurted.
Alya giggled. "Relax, Sameer. Why are you apologizing? I'm just teasing you." Blushing slightly, she added, "By the way, thank you."
Sameer laughed awkwardly, feeling both embarrassed and elated.
Just then, Tom, Paul, and Suzein returned, their voices breaking the moment.
"Hey, look! I caught some fish! Let's cook and eat them!" Tom shouted excitedly.
Later, The group sat together around a small campfire, enjoying the freshly fried fish. The warmth of the fire and the aroma of the food created a cozy atmosphere amidst the cold mountain air. Suzein looked over at Tom, her face lit with amazement.
"Wow, Tom! You managed to catch nine fish? That's amazing!" she exclaimed.
Tom shook his head modestly. "Nah, not quite. I caught seven, but a kind old man gave me two since he didn't need so many."
Paul, gesturing toward Sameer, grinned. "Hey, Sameer, why aren't you eating? Just try it—it's really good!"
Sameer, somewhat reluctantly, picked up a piece of fish. "Alright, alright, I'm eating…" he muttered.
Alya smiled encouragingly. "It's delicious. Trust me."
Taking a bite, Sameer chewed hesitantly. All eyes were on him, waiting for his reaction. Finally, Tom broke the silence. "So? How is it, bro?"
After a moment, Sameer's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Oh, it's awesome!" he declared dramatically.
Everyone burst into laughter at his over-the-top reaction. As they continued eating, the conversation flowed, punctuated by laughter and lighthearted banter.
"Oh man, that was so good. I'm full," Tom said, leaning back with a satisfied sigh.
"Who'd have thought that eating just two fish could be so filling?" Paul added, patting his stomach.
"Seriously, I agree!" Suzein chimed in, a content smile on her face.
Only one piece of fish remained. Both Sameer and Alya reached for it at the same time, their hands brushing against each other. Sameer quickly withdrew his hand, flustered.
"You take it," he insisted.
Alya shook her head, smiling. "No, you should have it."
"No, no. I insist, you take it. I really don't want it," Sameer said firmly.
Without another word, Alya picked up the last piece of fish, divided it evenly, and handed half to Sameer. Her sweet smile softened the moment.
"Here. Now we both get half," she said.
Taking the offered piece, Sameer smiled shyly. They ate together, sharing a quiet, warm moment. Inside, Sameer's thoughts raced. Oh man, because Alya handed this to me, it tastes even better. So delicious!
Later that night, a cab pulled up in front of Alya's apartment building. She stepped out, a happy glow on her face.
"Today was so much fun. Thank you, guys!" she said, waving to the group.
Suzein leaned out of the cab window, rolling her eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Alya. How many times do I have to tell you—no sorry and no thank you!"
Alya laughed softly. "I'll remember." Her eyes flickered toward the cab. "By the way, is Sameer still asleep?"
"Yeah, both the bros are knocked out," Suzein replied with a chuckle.
Paul turned back and shook Sameer lightly. "Dude, wake up…"
Alya stopped him quickly. "No, no. Let him sleep. Don't wake him up." She hesitated briefly before adding, "By the way… I wanted to let you all know that I won't be able to join you tomorrow. I hope you don't mind."
Suzein frowned slightly. "Oh? Why not, Alya?"
Alya's hesitation was noticeable. Suzein's expression softened as realization dawned. "You have some work to do, right?"
Alya nodded, smiling nervously. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks for understanding. Bye-bye!"
She waved goodbye and headed into her building. The cab pulled away, leaving the street quiet and serene under the night sky.