#korirae

They sat on top of Kory’s hatchback, at least 80 miles from the city and down a winding country road that looked like it hadn’t seen fresh pavement in half a century. The perfect spot to stargaze for Raven’s astronomy elective. 

“Is it wrong that I hope that you’ll take 102, just so we can have an excuse to come back?”

Raven smiled, “Tempting. But I have already made my schedule for next semester.”

“We’ll find some other excuses, then...”

They sat for several moments longer, Raven occasionally pointing out another planet or the position of the moon. Kory interjecting with a new pattern or ones similar to constellations from her own culture. Several moments and memories shared. And just as soon forgotten.

A stiff breeze caused Raven to shiver mid-sentence, and Kory wrapped an arm around her shoulders. 

“We should head back to the dorm.”

“And end our extended study break?”

“Raven…”

There was another shiver, a long beat of silence, a final nod of acquiescence. 

Kory climbed down first, then helped Raven off of her car. She laughed as she looked back at her roof.

“Remind me to ask Vic to help pop out those dents when class ends tomorrow.”

Raven only nodded, checking that her belongings were secure in her bag before taking her seat.

“Any requests for our soundtrack back?” Kory asked, picking up the CD wallet she kept under her seat and leafing through the sleeves. “Joey gave me a few more to borrow that he said were-“

Raven reached over to still Kory’s hands, a soft smile on her lips as their eyes met. Her glance down was the only invitation Kory needed to close the distance between them. Neither could help the smiles on their faces, Raven snickered as Kory pulled away, stealing another quick peck.

“Kor-” she cut herself off as their windshield was suddenly alight with a truck’s highbeams, throwing herself flush against her seat.

Kory couldn’t help her laughter, especially at how Raven’s eyes looked as though they would bug out of her sockets. She turned away from the taller woman.

“It’s not funny! I was going to- You- Agh!”

She crossed her arms.

“Drive us back to campus.”

There were a few beats of silence before Kory finally turned the ignition.

“Raven.”

Another beat. She placed her hand on Raven’s shoulder, but she refused to turn back.