Chapter 27: Day Two – Still Waters, Shaky Hearts
The morning sun bathed the serene lake in gold. A few birds chirped, and the soft breeze carried the scent of water and pine.
They laid down mats near the lake shore, a cooler packed with drinks and lunchboxes beside them. Alya clapped her hands. "It's perfect here!"
Lisa smiled. "Good call, Alya."
Jacob helped unload the food while Jake silently set up the parasol, glancing now and then at the quiet lake. His eyes didn't sparkle like usual.
Alex nudged him. "You alright?"
Jake nodded. "Yeah. Just tired."
Alex didn't press.
---
Meanwhile, in the trees nearby…
Five figures crouched in the brush, eyes trained on the group by the lake.
"That's them," Remy hissed, tightening his fists. "Look at them having a picnic like nothing happened."
Luke sneered. "Wanna teach them a lesson?"
Ted cracked his knuckles. "Yeah. We owe 'em."
But Kram, arms crossed, stood still like stone.
"If we attack now, we'll lose. Again."
Suk raised an eyebrow. "Then what? Watch?"
Kram shook his head slowly. "No. We wait. We learn. We strike smart. Not loud."
Reluctantly, the others nodded and backed away into the trees—leaving only footprints in the mud.
---
Back at the lake
Alex and Jacob skipped rocks on the water, Alya sitting between them, laughing at how awful their throws were.
"I swear I used to be good at this," Jacob grinned.
Alex smirked. "That was probably in a video game."
Jake sat a little further with Lisa, both of them watching the others laugh.
Lisa broke the silence. "You've changed."
Jake blinked. "You said that yesterday too."
"I mean it," Lisa said softly. "You're quieter now."
Jake tried to laugh but it came out hollow. "Guess I ran out of jokes."
They fell quiet again, just watching the ripples.
---
Later
The group grilled food by a makeshift firepit. Alya placed a plate in front of Jake.
"You okay?" she whispered.
He nodded. "Thanks."
She looked at Lisa, then back to him, sensing the ache he tried to hide. She didn't press either.
Meanwhile, Jacob pulled Alex aside.
"Hey… I wanted to say thanks. For not brushing me off."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Why would I?"
Jacob looked out at the lake. "A lot of guys don't like me. Think I'm too nice or fake. Or annoying."
Alex shrugged. "You're trying. That matters."
Jacob smiled. "I wanna be real friends. Not just Lisa's boyfriend who tags along."
Alex gave a small, honest nod. "Then let's keep walking."
---
Evening: Quiet return
As they packed up and walked home, Jake and Lisa trailed behind the group.
"Thanks for still talking to me," Lisa said suddenly.
Jake gave her a gentle glance. "Thanks for still being here."
They didn't speak much more—but sometimes silence says enough.
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