Chapter 3
Nikki and Yoochun had been walking for about three hours. Nikki's breath was labored and her legs were on fire. Why did they have to walk so far?
They were headed to Yoochun's hideout. She was pretty amazed at the fact that she trusted him so much. It seemed instinctual, so she didn't fight it. It didn't hurt that he wasn't bad to look at with is long hair, tousled around his face, strong arms that could surely win in a fight, and especially the place where his back and legs connected. She couldn't see it much because of his long trench-coat, but sometimes he would bend over and his coat would fall to the side, giving her a nice view. What the hell am I thinking?
She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her throat and she immediately placed her hand over her mouth. Yoochun stopped and turned toward her.
"What's so funny?" he questioned.
Nikki shook her head, not trusting her voice. Yoochun raised an eyebrow at her antics and she couldn't suppress the rumble of laughter that erupted past her lips. She continued to laugh, holding her stomach to calm the aching. She laughed for a few minutes, tears leaking out of her eyes. Her laughter began to slow and the tears became greater and sadness began to take hold. How funny to go from laughing to crying in only a matter of seconds. Everything just seemed to hit her at once. She was terrified, and nervous, and lost, and so much more.
"You done?" Yoochun asked and Nikki nodded her head, looking at the ground. She didn't want him to see her crying. She looked up quickly, thinking he head turned away, but she caught his gaze. His eyes widened at the sight of her tears.
"What's wrong?" He asked, concern in his voice.
"It's nothing, really. Just a little emotional," Nikki told him, trying hard to wipe away the tears, but they continued to cascade down her blushing cheeks.
"It's okay to feel overwhelmed," Yoochun offered, awkwardly patting her back. She could tell he wasn't used to comforting anyone, let alone sobbing girls.
"I'll be fine in a minute. Just wait here," Nikki said, walking through the trees. She needed to be alone, even if for a moment. She trudged through the forest, branches hitting her face but she was unfazed. She came upon a clearing and gasped at the incredible sight.
The trees went on for miles. The rolling hills cascaded in fallen leaves and lush grounds. Mountains in the distance stood tall against the elements as if ready to do battle. Their tops glistened with fallen snow and Nikki was amazed by it all.
Her tears began to halt and her heart slowed. Calm seemed to wash over her at that moment, relieving her of her many different emotions. She stood, entranced, for a while, before walking closer to the edge.
It was very steep and treacherous, and if she fell, there would be no coming back.
"Watch your step," a voice said, startling her. She whipped around to see Yoochun standing directly beside her. She stepped back on instinct because he was far too close and her foot met air. Sudden fear welled up as she lost her footing. She grabbed for anything, but all she felt was air. Well, I guess this is it, she thought, before someone grabbed her arm, hauling her back onto solid ground. She knew it was Yoochun before she could even look up. She was tight against him, her hands fisted into his shirt and his hand held her back, holding her steady.
"Thank you," she whispered into his shirt.
"Next time, do as I say," he said and Nikki's head shot up, anger in her eyes, ready to tell him off, but when her eyes caught his face she could see the tiny smirk that played on his face and she let it slide. She smiled a little to herself. Yoochun pulled them apart and Nikki instantly missed his warmth and rustic smell he had about him.
"It'll be dark soon," Yoochun uttered, before turning around and heading back through the woods.
Nikki stood for a moment, her face feeling hot. She sighed a bit and tried to fan her face, although it didn't help. She couldn't help the upturn of her lips as she skipped off after him.