Chapter 230: Night Drive
The SUV glided through the city like a silent predator, its engine barely making a sound. Naomi leaned against the window, watching as the streets blurred past. The city was alive—neon signs flickering, crowds moving like waves, music spilling out from clubs and bars. But Adams? He looked as calm as ever, one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on the gear shift.
"So," Adams said, glancing at her with a smirk, "where exactly are we going?"
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Naomi smirked back, eyes full of mischief. "You'll see."
Adams raised an eyebrow but didn't push. He simply kept driving as Naomi gave him directions, leading him further away from the crowded parts of the city. Eventually, the streets got quieter. The bright lights dimmed, replaced by street lamps and the occasional flicker of fireflies. They passed through a narrow road lined with trees, the scent of fresh earth and grass replacing the city's smoky air.
Adams slowed down. "You're not leading me into some kind of trap, are you?"
Naomi scoffed. "Please, if I wanted to trap you, I'd have done it already."
Adams chuckled, turning into a small clearing. As soon as he parked, Naomi unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out. Adams followed, shutting the car door behind him.
What lay before them was a breathtaking sight—a hidden lake, reflecting the full moon like a giant mirror. The water was so still it looked almost unreal. Fireflies danced in the air, their golden glow adding a dreamlike touch to the scene. A small wooden pier stretched over the water, swaying slightly with the breeze.
Naomi crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Not bad, huh?"
Adams let out a low whistle. "Alright, I'll admit, this is impressive. How'd you find this place?"
Naomi shrugged. "Used to come here as a kid. Not many people know about it. Thought it'd be a good spot to escape the city noise for a bit."
Adams walked up to the pier, stepping onto the wooden planks with slow, deliberate steps. He looked out at the water, the reflection of the moon casting a silver glow across his face.
Naomi watched him quietly. Something about the way he stood, so effortlessly composed, made her curious. It was like he belonged everywhere but was tied to nowhere.
She walked over, standing beside him. "So? Worth the trip?"
Adams glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah. It's nice."
For a moment, they just stood there, listening to the sounds of the night—the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of crickets, the occasional splash of fish in the water.
Then, Naomi turned to him with a grin. "Alright, enough standing around. I brought snacks."
Adams raised an eyebrow. "You planned this whole thing, didn't you?"
Naomi pulled out a bag from the car and smirked. "Obviously."
She sat down on the pier, patting the spot next to her. Adams joined her, watching as she pulled out a couple of canned drinks, a pack of chips, and a box of Pocky.
"Fancy," Adams mused, grabbing a can.
Naomi popped hers open. "Hey, you should feel honored. I don't share my snacks with just anyone."
Adams chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."
The night stretched on as they sat there, eating and talking about random things.
Naomi leaned back on her elbows, staring at the sky. "You ever wonder what's out there?"
Adams took a sip of his drink. "You mean in space?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Like… what if there's another planet where people are just like us, having a date by a lake, wondering the same thing?"
Adams smirked. "You call this a date?"
Naomi froze for half a second, then scoffed. "Tch. Don't flatter yourself."
Adams laughed, tilting his head back to look at the stars. "But yeah. The universe is big. Wouldn't be surprised if there were others like us out there."
Naomi smiled slightly. "Guess we're just tiny specks in the grand scheme of things, huh?"
Adams glanced at her, noticing the distant look in her eyes. He didn't say anything right away, just studied her expression. Then, he said, "Maybe. But that doesn't make us any less important."
Naomi blinked, then turned to him. "That's surprisingly deep coming from you."
Adams smirked. "I have my moments."
She laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah."
As the night wore on, Naomi pulled out the box of Pocky, opening it with a small snap. She took one and bit into it, then suddenly got an idea.
She held up another Pocky stick and wiggled it in front of Adams. "Ever played the Pocky game?"
Adams raised an eyebrow. "No. Should I be concerned?"
Naomi grinned. "Relax. It's just a game. Both people bite from opposite ends of the Pocky, and whoever pulls away first loses."
Adams smirked. "Sounds like a trick."
Naomi leaned closer, challenging him with her eyes. "What? Scared?"
Adams let out a small chuckle. "Alright, fine."
She placed the Pocky stick between her lips and tilted her head, motioning for him to take the other end.
Adams hesitated for a second but then leaned in, biting the other end of the stick.
The game started.
Slowly, they both bit their way toward the center. The distance between them got smaller… and smaller… until their noses were almost touching.
Naomi's heart pounded, but she refused to pull away. Adams, on the other hand, looked completely relaxed.
And just before their lips could touch—snap!
The Pocky broke.
Naomi blinked, realizing she was the one who bit down too hard.
Adams chuckled, leaning back. "Looks like you lost."
Naomi scoffed, crossing her arms. "Tch. I let you win."
Adams smirked. "Sure you did."
She threw a chip at him. He dodged effortlessly, still grinning.
Eventually, the cool breeze signaled it was time to leave.
Naomi stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Alright, let's head back before I start freezing to death."
Adams stood up, offering her a hand. She eyed it for a second before taking it, letting him pull her up. His grip was warm, steady.
As they walked back to the SUV, Naomi glanced at him. "So? Was this the best first date of your life or what?"
Adams hummed, pretending to think. "Hmm… I dunno. Could've used more action. Maybe a car chase, an explosion or two—"
Naomi smacked his arm. "Oh, shut up."
Adams laughed as they got into the car, the engine humming softly to life.
As they drove back toward the city, Naomi looked out the window, watching the lights grow brighter.
It had been a good night.
She glanced at Adams, who was focused on the road, his face calm yet unreadable.
Yeah. A really good night.