Sienna adjusted her travel pillow around her neck and leaned back into the bus seat, sighing as she gazed out of the window. Their university had organized a three-day survival camping trip, and many student leaders were invited to participate. As a University Ambassador, Sienna was among themâalong with Mia and, of course, Riley. But Riley was nowhere to be seen.
"Why am I even here?" Sienna mumbled to herself, rolling her eyes. "I'm majoring in Fashion Marketing and Management, not wilderness survival." She glanced at the empty seat beside her. "Where is that idiot? She should've been here by now," she muttered, checking her wristwatch. Riley was two minutes late, and the bus was supposed to leave by 3 AM.
Mia was already seated, chatting with none other than Anne Montgomery. Why is she even here? Sienna raised an eyebrow, eyeing Anne as she animatedly talked to Mia. Before she could dwell on it longer, Riley came rushing onto the bus, panting, both hands on her knees as she caught her breath.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I'm late," Riley said, apologizing, bowing her head slightly. She was dressed in a white sweatshirt, navy blue straight-cut pants, and chunky white sneakers, with a duffel bag slung over her shoulder. Sienna blinked, discovering that they were both wearing the same color and brand of clothes. Why the heck are we even matching?! she screamed internally as whispers and teasing murmurs from the other students filled the bus.
"Ms. Pierce, it's good you made it. Please, take your seat next to Ms. Reed," one of the professors instructed, gesturing to the seat beside Sienna. Riley nodded her thanks and walked toward her.
"Mind if I sit here?" Riley asked with a playful smile. Sienna rolled her eyes and scooted over to the window seat.
"If you don't want me here, I can switch sit with Miaâ"
"Fuck switching seats. Sit down," Sienna interrupted, hastily pulling Riley into the seat next to her.
Riley chuckled, leaning in to whisper, "Why so grumpy?"
"You have a seat here. Why would you want to sit somewhere else?" Sienna muttered, crossing her arms.
"Alright, alright," Riley said, raising her hands in surrender, trying to suppress a laugh.
"Why were you late?" Sienna asked, looking up as Riley stood to put her duffel bag in the overhead compartment.
"I woke up late," Riley replied nonchalantly as she sat back down, crossing her arms and closing her eyes.
Sienna's gaze hovered over Riley's hands. Her fingertips were neatly trimmed and clean. Without thinking, Sienna reached out to touch one, but before she could pull away, Riley intertwined their fingers, startling her.
"What are you doing?" Sienna mumbles, leaning in closer.
"What are you doing?" Riley teased, emphasizing the word as she gently held Sienna's hand.
"I was just checking your fingertips..." Sienna trailed off, trying to pull her hand back, but Riley wouldn't let go.
"I want to sleep, Sien," Riley murmured, eyes still closed.
"Then sleep, but let go of my hand first," Sienna grumbled, trying again to free herself. Riley didn't respond, only rubbing her thumb gently over Sienna's, their hands resting between their thighs.
Sienna sighed, realizing there was no point in arguing. Riley wasn't going to let go anytime soon.
Sienna glanced out the window before her gaze shifted back to their intertwined hands. She opened and closed her fingers, feeling the gentle pressure of Riley's grip. She raised their hand slightly and she stared at it, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar sensation it brings. It felt weird, but oddly comfortingâRiley's soft, pinkish palm, warm against her own.
A yawn escaped her mouth as she blinked twice, and her exhaustion started to settle in. Curious about it, Sienna wrapped her free arm around Riley's, the one holding her hand, and leaned her head on Riley's shoulder. The warmth and closeness made her feel at ease, and her eyes fluttered shut, ready for sleep on this long five-hour drive.
Riley, feeling the gentle weight of Sienna's head on her shoulder, glanced down at her quietly. A soft smile formed at the corners of her lips as she looked at Sienna, and then she closed her eyes again, letting the comfort of the moment soothe her back to sleep.
Sienna yawned softly, blinking as she adjusted her vision. She looked down and realized her other hand had somehow ended up intertwined with Riley's as well. Clearing her throat, she moved back into a more proper sitting position, stealing a glance at Riley, who was still asleep.
With a mischievous smile, Sienna reached for her phone, slipping it out of her pocket. She unlocked it and opened the camera app, checking how most of the other students on the bus were fast asleep too. She held up her phone and snapped a photo of Riley's sleeping face. She couldn't help but smile at how peaceful and soft Riley looked.
Just as she was about to take another picture, a sleepy voice startled her. "If you like my face that much, you can stare at me all you want. You can also be my girlfriend if you want to," Riley said, yawning, her eyes half-open as she turned her gaze to Sienna.
Caught off guard, Sienna's heart raced. She gulped and hastily set her phone aside, avoiding Riley's gaze but still unable to pull her hands away. She could feel her cheeks flush as the teasing words lingered in the air.
Riley sighed, slowly letting go of Sienna's hand as she rubbed her eyes. Sienna glanced at her, trying to hide her disbelief, then silently rolled her eyes and turned back to look out the window. The streets were still empty, and most of the establishments remained closedâsigns of the early morning hour.
"Oh," Riley muttered, drawing Sienna's attention once again. She touched her stomach and chuckled softly.
Concerned, Sienna leaned toward her. "What's wrong?"
"I'm hungry," Riley admitted, rubbing the back of her neck with a sheepish smile.
Sienna frowned. "Didn't you eat before leaving your unit?"
Riley shook her head, still laughing. "I told you, I woke up late, so I didn't have time to make anything." She reached into her pocket, pulling out a small piece of strawberry candy and popping it into her mouth. "Maybe we'll stop somewhere, and I'll grab something then."
Sienna, intrigued, watched her intently. "What's that?" she whispered, fully turning to Riley, resting her chin on her folded arms.
"Candy. Do you want some? I think I still have aâ"
Before Riley could finish her sentence, Sienna grabbed the neckband of her sweatshirt and pulled her in close. Riley's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting slightly as she tried to process what was happening. Without hesitation, Sienna slipped her tongue into Riley's mouth, skillfully retrieving the candy from her.
With a mischievous grin, Sienna lightly pushed Riley back, savoring the candy. "Hmm, yeah, tastes good," she remarked, giving Riley a playful thumbs up.
Riley, still in shock, touched her lips, her heart's racing. "What... the hell?" she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.
"You're eating candy on an empty stomach," Sienna clicked her tongue in disapproval. She bent down, retrieving a lunch bag from her footrest and opening it. "Here, I have mushroom soup. You can have it. Just don't eat candy when you haven't eaten a proper meal," she scolded, handing Riley a vacuum-insulated flask.
Riley hesitated, still dazed. "But... you didn't have to do that," she murmured as she accepted the flask.
Sienna smirked teasingly. "What, didn't you like it?"
Riley gulped, slowly unscrewing the flask's lid. "Of course I did..." she whispered before taking a sip of the warm soup, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly.