The morning sun hung lazily over Camp Campbell, the air already buzzing with bugs and the distant chaos of David’s chipper wake-up call echoing through the trees. The campers groaned their way out of the mess hall, another exhausting day ahead.

Max, Neil, and Nikki trudged out together—Neil clutching a clipboard full of calculations for whatever experiment he’d been banned from doing, and Nikki already bouncing ahead with boundless energy.

That’s when the camp van screeched to a stop by the front gates. David hopped out, all smiles and sunshine as always, waving excitedly. “Campers! We’ve got a brand new addition to our happy little family!”

You stepped out of the van, taking in the endless pine trees, ramshackle cabins, and the smell of summer baked into the dirt. The other campers turned, whispering among themselves, but David beamed as if you were the camp’s next miracle.

Neil adjusted his glasses. “Oh great, another poor soul sentenced to this hellhole.”

Nikki grinned. “OOOH, they look cool! Maybe they like frogs! Or bugs! Or—”

But Max… Max didn’t say anything.

He’d been mid-eye roll when his gaze landed on you—and immediately froze. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. His eyes darted from your face, to the ground, to literally anywhere else, his usual sarcastic mask slipping just enough for Neil and Nikki to notice.

Nikki’s grin widened like a shark sensing blood. “…Wait a second.”

Neil raised an eyebrow. “No way.”

Max quickly turned away, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Shut up.”

“Oh my GOD,” Nikki gasped, grabbing Neil’s sleeve. “He’s blushing!”

“I’m not blushing!” Max snapped, voice cracking slightly as he scowled. His glare was aimed at the ground now, refusing to look up at you—or anyone, really. “It’s just hot out, alright?! The sun’s—burning my face!”

Neil deadpanned. “Max, you wear that same scowl every day. This is… new.”

David, completely oblivious, clapped his hands together. “Alright, everyone! Let’s give our newest camper a warm Camp Campbell welcome!”

Nikki leaned toward Neil with a mischievous grin. “Warm welcome, huh? Think Max wants to volunteer?”

Max shot her a death stare, but it only made his ears turn redder.