The scenery outside the window was mesmerizing. Kevin enjoyed it a lot at first, but as time passed, he lost interest. The feeling of the cold wind flowing past his face from the open window was pleasing, and the scent of the grasses and flowers was so soothing that he couldn't help but get lost in thought and drift off to sleep.
"Brother! Brother, look over there!" Lucious shouted right in his ear.
Kevin was suddenly jolted out of his sweet dream. At first, he was dazed, wondering what had happened. But when his eyes focused on Lucious's ridiculous hairstyle, his first thought was, 'Can't you be normal for just one day?'
"Brother, it looks so delicious just by looking at it! I'm sure it will taste just as good," Lucious exclaimed, pointing at a fruit stall they were passing.
Kevin was bewildered. "Isn't that the same fruit we have growing in our backyard?"
Lucious pouted. "Brother, try to understand! We have to feel what a real traveler would feel, right? Just let us enjoy that feeling."
Kevin stared at him as if he were a clown. A moment later, however, he seriously started to ponder how the local people would react to a foreigner.
"Bro, imagine buying the same trashy fruit which we eat daily," Kevin mused, a slow grin spreading across his face, "being hyped up by the salesman like it's the most precious thing in the world, just so they can make some money. Ha ha ha!" Now Kevin couldn't help but feel a little bit excited too.
This is why Kevin both loved and hated Lucious at the same time. He would bring such vibrant color to his life, while also being incredibly annoying. But in the end, he always enjoyed spending time with his brother.
Just then, the familiar naughtiness sparked in Lucious's eyes. He pulled out a pair of scissors and a makeup box and started altering Kevin's appearance.
"You came prepared, as if I was going to agree to this anyway," Kevin said flatly.
Lucious just laughed goofily, not stopping his work on Kevin's face. With a giggle from Lucious and slight grunts of protest from Kevin, they finally reached the point where the bus could go no further.
When Kevin and Lucious walked out of the bus, the scent of the forest and flowers became even more vibrant. The distant sound of a waterfall reached them, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Although they were practically natives of this place, it was still a wonderful feeling to be here, away from the hustle of their daily lives.
But Lucious, being Lucious, started his 'business' as soon as he stepped off the bus. After all, his hard work on Kevin's 'disguise' had to pay off. He immediately pulled his friend along to a vendor selling some local delicacies.
"Oh, this looks too beautiful! How much for one piece?" Lucious asked with his best tourist impression.
The shopkeeper's face lit up with glee. "Oh, sir! You have a good eye to identify the best," he boomed. "This is a very rare fruit, found only in this region! And even here, it is very scarce!"
He paused for dramatic effect before his expression changed, and he said cheekily, "But for you, it's free, you brat! What, did you think I wouldn't recognize you with that little bit of makeup? There are only a few people in our village anyway. Look at you, you even made our gracious teacher a fool like yourself!"
Lucious just smiled cheekily, not at all embarrassed about getting caught. A few of the girls who were on the bus with them giggled from the background. Putting on a sad face, Lucious slumped down on a stool near the stall.
Later, they all gathered to prepare for the hike up the slope. They had naturally formed a small group; after all, who comes to a place like this to enjoy it alone? And those who did come alone clearly didn't want company anyway.