Chapter 4

Days go by without Ri-yo appearing out of thin air. It might sound silly, but I’m starting to miss him. His stupid, snarky remarks and the mischievous sparkle in his eyes.
“Stop it, Cedar, stop it. You probably made it all up, anyway,” I whisper to myself.
“No, you didn’t.”
I quickly turn around and see Ri-yo standing by the couch. He’s wearing a white t-shirt, a pair of light jeans and is wearing white sneakers.
I can’t help but smile.
“That look actually suits you quite well.”
Ri-yo hesitantly grins.
“Thank you.”
We’re both quiet for a moment. Then both of us try to apologize to each other at the same time.
“I’m sorry for messing things up at the lunch room.”
“I apologize for walking away and saying I don’t want to see you again.”
We both chuckle shyly and then look at each other.
“Hug?” He asks softly as he opens his arms.
“Hug,” I confirm, as I wrap my arms around him.
I feel much better.
“Shall I make you a cup of tea this time?” I ask.
“Yes, please. Thanks, Cedar,” he replies and sits down at the table.
“How is your writing going?”
He’s only been back for two minutes and he already hits a sensitive spot.
“It’s stagnant, really. Can’t seem to motivate myself,” I admit, while I pour him a cup of tea. “I usually get inspiration from beautiful things, but it seems as if everything is just grey nowadays.”
“You want to see something pretty?” Ri-yo asks me, keeping a straight face.
I sit down next to him.
“I guess so. But there’s nothing much to see around here,” I answer and take a sip of my tea. “Besides, it has been raining all day, things just look miserable outside.”
Ri-yo suddenly stands up and holds out his hand.
“Do you trust me?”
I frown.
“Why?”
“I’m about to show you something beautiful.”
I look into his bright blue eyes. They seem hypnotizing, in a good way.
“Okay,” I say and put my hand in his.
Ri-yo smiles and his whole face appears to sparkle.
“Close your eyes and hold on to my hand. Don’t let go.”
I nod and suddenly start to feel anxious, but I have no time to worry, because I feel a sharp tug and my surroundings disappear.
Two seconds later I feel the cold wind and I hear the sound of traffic somewhere in the distance. I don’t dare to open my eyes and tightly hold on to my blonde fairy-like friend.
I hear him chuckle.
“You can open your eyes now, Cedar,” he calmly informs me.
“No, I’m scared,” I inform him, while I shiver and try to steady my breathing.
“It’s okay, I’ve got you.”
His voice sounds soothing and after a few seconds I open my eyes.
“What the?!” I gasp as I look around.
We’re standing on top of one of the highest buildings in Stockholm, Norra Tornen, an apartment building.
“Ahh, this is too high, too high…” I start muttering as I slowly turn around, not daring to let go of Ri-yo’s hand.
“Look over there, Cedar,” he softly says as he points towards the sky.
A beautiful bright rainbow appeared over Stockholm’s city centre. My mouth drops open as I stare at this wonderful view. I feel Ri-yo carefully releasing my hand. My fear is gone. I’m just totally in awe of the sky and its magnificent colours.
I almost want to start jumping up and down with pure joy.
“Woah, this is so pretty!”
“Glad you think so.”
He gives my shoulder a little squeeze and then goes silent again, letting me quietly enjoy the view.
When the colours slowly start to fade, I turn to my friend.
“Thank you for showing me this. This is just awesome.”
His little face lights up and he nods.
“You’re welcome. I’m enjoying this just as much as you though.”
“But it’s starting to get a little too cold for me,” I say sheepishly as I try to stop my teeth from chattering. “Do you think you can take us back to my apartment?”
I rub my arms in an attempt to feel warm.
“I sure can,” he says and takes a hold of my hands.
This teleportation business is great, if we had to take a bus back home, it would take ages.
With a loud ‘woosh’ sound we arrive back in my living room, where we are welcomed by a terrified scream.
Niklas’s brown eyes stare at us in disbelief as he clutches his heart in shock.
“Where did you come from?” the waiter shrieks.
Ri-yo seems surprised, but unfazed.
“Better yet, what are you doing here?” he sharply asks.
I’m just confused as I watch both guys eye each other suspiciously. The sense of wonder has turned into the dreaded feeling of concern.

To be continued.

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