Bab 18: They Played Charades under the Moonlight
Under the canopy of stars, amidst the crackling bonfire, the game of charades unfolded with lively enthusiasm. Jeno, ever the organizer, had suggested the rules: anyone unable to guess correctly would have to drink a glass of wine. It was a simple yet effective incentive, ensuring both focus and laughter among the group.
Kath, her eyes twinkling with amusement, mimed out a scene with exaggerated gestures, prompting wild guesses and uproarious laughter when someone finally shouted out the correct answer. Gin, usually composed and reserved, surprised everyone with his dramatic flair in mimicking famous movie scenes, earning cheers and applause from his friends.
As the game progressed, the wine glasses occasionally clinked together in toasts and camaraderie, adding a touch of warmth to the cool night air. Each participant took turns, with Blake proving surprisingly adept at deciphering obscure clues and acting out tricky scenarios.
Throughout it all, Jeno watched with a contented smile, pleased that his idea had brought such joy to their impromptu gathering. The tension that had once simmered beneath the surface seemed like a distant memory now, replaced by shared laughter and the easy comfort of friendship.
Yet amidst the merriment, a subtle melancholy hung over Jeno. Despite his efforts to make the night special for everyone, he couldn't shake the absence of his best friend, Blake. It was their day off from the hectic city life, a rare chance to unwind together, yet Blake was conspicuously missing.
Nevertheless, Jeno pushed aside his feelings, focusing instead on ensuring everyone had a great time. He raised his glass in a silent toast to absent friends, hoping that Blake was safe and happy wherever he might be.
As the night deepened, the fire crackled and the stars glimmered overhead, casting a gentle glow on the faces of Kath, Gin, and the others. For now, they were content to bask in the warmth of friendship and the simple pleasures of a carefree evening away from the bustling city.
After the animated rounds of charades and the clinking of wine glasses, the atmosphere around the bonfire shifted subtly as Jeno grabbed a guitar and strummed a familiar melody. His fingers moved deftly over the strings, weaving a tune that resonated with the tranquility of the night.
Blake, always quick with banter, teased him good-naturedly. "Hey, are you sure you want to do that? I can't believe you're a guitar boy now," he quipped, a playful grin tugging at his lips. Jeno chuckled, accustomed to Blake's teasing, but continued to play, his expression betraying a hint of concentration.
As the music filled the air, Jeno's eyes wandered toward Gin, who sat nearby, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. Kath and Blake, observant of the subtle dynamics between their friends, exchanged knowing glances but said nothing, choosing to let the moment unfold without interruption.
Gin, seemingly lost in thought, occasionally glanced in Jeno's direction, a faint smile playing on his lips whenever their eyes met. The night seemed to amplify the unspoken connection between them, a bond forged through shared experiences and unspoken understandings.
Meanwhile, Jeno's fingers danced across the guitar strings, his playing imbued with a tenderness that spoke volumes. The music seemed to weave a thread of intimacy around the group, enveloping them in a cocoon of shared memories and unspoken emotions.
As the song drew to a gentle conclusion, a hush settled over the gathering. The crackling of the fire provided a soft backdrop to the lingering echoes of the melody. In that moment, under the starlit sky, Kath and Blake exchanged another meaningful look, silently acknowledging the unspoken currents swirling around their friends.
Jeno set the guitar aside, breaking the reverie that had settled over them. With a wistful smile, he glanced at Gin, who returned the gaze with a warmth that spoke volumes. The night continued on, infused with the echoes of laughter, the glow of friendship, and the unspoken bonds that held them all together.
As the evening wore on and the music continued to weave its spell around the bonfire, Gin couldn't help but notice Jeno's lingering glances. His eyes seemed to search hers, seeking something unspoken, yet she resisted the urge to meet his gaze directly. Instead, she adopted a playful indifference, as if building an invisible wall around herself.
While others joined in singing along to Jeno's music, Gin's voice blended harmoniously with theirs, her laughter ringing out with genuine joy. She engaged in conversations with Kath and Blake, exchanging stories and playful banter, all the while aware of Jeno's presence nearby.
Jeno, undeterred by Gin's apparent aloofness, continued to play and sing, his eyes occasionally darting towards her despite her subtle attempts to deflect his attention. Each glance seemed to carry a silent question, a plea for acknowledgment that Gin couldn't bring herself to respond to.
As the night deepened and the fire cast long shadows across the clearing, the group's camaraderie remained buoyant. They shared memories, traded jokes, and reveled in the simple pleasure of each other's company. Yet, beneath the surface, an unspoken tension lingered between Gin and Jeno, an uncharted territory of feelings and uncertainties.
Despite Gin's efforts to maintain her composure, her heart quickened whenever Jeno's voice rose above the crackling fire, his songs resonating with a sincerity that touched her in ways she dared not admit. She found herself stealing glances at him when she thought no one was looking, catching glimpses of vulnerability and longing in his eyes.
But Gin remained steadfast in her resolve to appear unaffected, her laughter ringing out as she joined in the chorus of another song. She sang with passion and abandon, yet Jeno's presence lingered in the background, a silent presence that tugged at her thoughts.
Jeno when noticed that Gin seems not impressed, he put down the guitar and invited others to play charades again. He came with the idea of playing by team. Hen then grabbed Gin to be his partner and the rest also make a team.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone