By the time the van slowed to a stop, the sun had climbed high above, pouring golden light through the canopy of trees. The forest greeted them immediately—fresh with the crisp scent of pine and damp earth, the air cooler and cleaner than anything the city could offer. For a moment, their chatter stilled as everyone piled out, eyes wide, necks craning to take in the towering trees swaying gently overhead.
"This place is perfect," someone whispered in awe before stretching their arms wide toward the sky.
The clearing they found wasn't far from a narrow stream, its water glittering like glass as it wove past mossy stones. The open space was wide enough for all their tents, edged by wild ferns and bushes that swayed in the breeze. Backpacks dropped onto the ground in uneven heaps, and within seconds, the stillness of the forest filled with chaos.
Ropes tangled. Instructions were shouted over each other. Stakes clattered onto rocks, and laughter bounced between the trees.
"Wait, no, no—you're supposed to tie it *this* way!" one friend yelled, holding up a rope like it was proof of a crime.
"Who even knows how to pitch a tent?" another groaned, already collapsing onto the grass. "We're doomed."
Eli crouched low, frowning at the stubborn rope in his hands. He tried threading it through the loop again, tugging harder this time, but the knot slipped loose as if mocking his effort. His brows furrowed, and he bit his lip, determined to get it right.
Then, a quiet chuckle came from beside him.
"You're doing it wrong," Kai's voice said, calm and steady.
Eli startled, looking up to find him crouched close—so close their shoulders brushed lightly. His heart gave a sudden jump. Kai's hands reached for the rope, fingers moving with practiced ease as he guided it through the loop.
"I—I know," Eli muttered quickly, turning his face away as heat rushed to his ears. His hands fumbled, hovering uselessly while Kai worked.
Kai only smirked faintly, not unkind, before pulling the rope tight with one smooth motion. The tent shifted, the fabric straightening until it stood sturdy and firm, sturdier than the others already half-collapsing nearby.
"There," Kai murmured, brushing dirt from his palms as he stood. "It'll hold now."
Before Eli could say anything else, their friends called out for help with another half-fallen tent. Without hesitation, Kai moved away, stepping into the mess of ropes and voices. Eli remained where he was, staring at the finished tent, his heart thudding far louder than the simple task should have caused.
By the time every tent finally stood, the clearing had transformed. What was once empty ground now looked like a tiny campsite pulled straight from a picture book—bright fabrics speckled across the grass, bags stacked in small piles, and shoes kicked off carelessly by the stream. The group collapsed onto the grass with loud groans, rubbing sore arms and stretching tired legs. Still, their laughter rang out, carried warmly on the wind.
Eli lowered himself onto the ground with them, brushing dirt off his hands. Yet his gaze kept drifting across the group, drawn without meaning to where Kai sat. Even surrounded by noise and restless movement, Kai remained steady—shoulders relaxed, expression calm, as though the forest belonged to him, and he belonged perfectly within it.
For a fleeting second, Eli thought of his dreams again—strange, hazy visions of another world that always felt too close, too familiar. A world where someone with silver eyes and a steady presence stood beside him.
He shook the thought away when a water bottle was shoved into his hand, jolting him back into reality. Laughter echoed again, louder this time, pulling him into the present.
This was real. This was just camping. Just friends. Nothing more.
At least, that's what he told himself as his heart refused to settle.