The Devil Of Probability-Chapter 52: By The Riverside

Leo’s house was not far behind Simon and Evelyn. The smoky smell of Evelyn’s perfume shadowed Simon, as it was now the only thing he could smell in the frosted air.

Their steps were in sync, walking side by side. As the air brushed across their faces, Simon couldn’t help but squint, and Evelyn did the same. Only after it calmed did they turn to each other, as if expecting something from one another.

Simon raised an eyebrow before saying:

"Wow, you really expect me to talk first this time?"

"I don’t see why not, I always go first!"

Evelyn’s voice had a slightly teasing tone behind it, but Simon didn’t dare to point it out. Instead, he retorted.

"Okay, well, first off, I actually start the conversations most of the time because I need to get my work from you."

"Oh yeah. Fair point."

Simon put his hands in his pockets, shaking his head. Evelyn mockingly copied him, along with his posture.

"Now, what are you doing?"

"Mmmmm. Look at me. I left a party just to go around and walk!"

Evelyn’s impression of Simon was horrible. In fact, it was as if a child were mocking a bird.

"Really? And do you have a better idea?"

"Uh, Yeah!"

"And what would that be?"

Evelyn blinked. Apparently, from her expression, she hadn’t thought this far ahead...

(Typical.)

"Well, you like quiet places, so how about a park?!"

"There’s no park nearby."

"Shucks."

"Haha."

Simon mimicked her laugh, making Evelyn pout. This lasted a few moments until she nudged him on the shoulder.

"What about the forest?"

Simon halted his laughter, looking up in thought. Eventually, he replied with a nod.

"Yeah, that sounds nice."

With that, Evelyn walked in front of him, extending her hand out to his. Simon looked down at her hand with a tilt of his head in confusion.

"You don’t seriously expect me to let you drag me along, do you?"

"What? No, I just want you to take off your gloves..."

"Liar."

Still, Simon complied; he ungloved himself and shoved them into the pocket of his suit. Only after did he grab Evelyn’s hand, and she led him forward. The city lights began to dim as they burst into a sprint.

The stars above them shone brighter than ever before, and the sound of cars became drowned out. In moments, they were already at the edge of the forest.

Leaves crunched underfoot as their hands separated as they ran faster. The sound of a flowing river in the distance could be heard, but this still did not stop the two.

Everything down to their steps, to their breathing, lined up with each other, as Simon followed behind her.

"Hahaha! Catch me, Simon!"

"Catch you?! What does that even mean?"

"You’re It!"

"What?!"

Simon could barely comprehend what was going on, but he still went along with the game. The two of them dodged through bushes, trees, and fallen autumn leaves throughout the forest.

Chirp. Chirp.

Many insects watched and circled the two as they played, fireflies lighting their way. Simon had regretted taking his gloves off, as the frost of the night air clung to his fingers.

However, he was far past thinking right now. Both of their laughs filled the forest, drowning out the sound of the rushing current. Still, an audible crunch could be heard when their feet hit the ground.

"Come on, slowpoke, are you allergic to fun, Si?"

"You got a head start!"

Evelyn still did not let up, her obsidian-black hair flying through the night. Her violet-blue coat did the same, giving her look a new light. Her usual messy hair began to untangle itself from the pressure of her run.

Simon instinctively started to cut paths to catch up to her, inching in with every turn. Eventually, as the distance between them closed, he found himself slipping on a rock.

He stumbled, rolling just a few inches away from the river with heavy breaths. Evelyn stopped, walking over him and kneeling down next to him.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah... Hah, I can see why Alina could never catch you now. You’re like a cat."

"Haha!"

Simon found himself laughing too, tapping her shoulder.

"Eh?"

"You’re it."

"Huh?! No! That’s cheating!"

"Rules are rules."

Evelyn accepted her defeat after a silence consumed them. In no way was this awkward; in fact, both of them felt content with this. With a heavy exhale, she lay down next to him at the riverside.

Both of them stared up into the sky, the moonlight casting shadows of falling leaves across their faces. The starstruck sky gazed upon them, entrapping their vision.

Simon smiled to himself, not bothering to look at Evelyn before saying:

"So you can sit still?"

"Well, that’s rude!... Yeah, but I admit, it’s a bit hard."

"You’d better try harder then."

The cold pebbles under them were surprisingly comfortable, and Simon held one in his clutches. After a while of inspecting it, he threw it towards the river and watched as it skipped.

"So you can have fun?"

"Well, that’s rude." Simon mocked.

"Not so funny, is it? But I like seeing you when you’re not so tense."

"Really? Well, I’d prefer the quiet either way."

"Too bad, we’re going to another party eventually."

"You’re evil."

Simon blew into his hands, which Evelyn caught note of. Her first instinct was to offer her coat, and Simon could not help but look at her like she was stupid. However, it was softer than usual as he put on his gloves again.

He squeezed his fingers, letting the blood flow return to them. Evelyn rolled her eyes playfully before putting her coat back on.

"You know, I thought you hated childhood games. Hehe, did I change your mind?"

"The opposite. You only made me hate them more."

"So then why are you smiling?"

Simon didn’t have to think about his response to this; it was already clear to him.

"I’m laughing because of the stupidity of it. But I guess, sometimes stupidity can be fun."

He turned his full attention towards her, now lying on his side.

"How about we not go to a party next time?"

Evelyn did the same, turning to him before replying with:

"...No promises."