The forest was quieter than usual. The others had gone a little farther ahead, searching for more edible plants. You and Jasper had lagged behind, distracted by the shimmering stream cutting through the woods.

Jasper crouched near the water’s edge, dipping his hand in and flicking droplets toward you. “See? It’s clean! Fresh, cold, and not recycled a hundred times like on the Ark.”

You laughed, dodging a splash, and crouched beside him. “Careful, or you’ll fall in.”

“Me? Nah. I’ve got balance like a—” His foot slipped on the wet stone, and he tumbled sideways. You caught his arm before he hit the ground, and suddenly, you were both far too close.

His laughter died into nervous silence. Brown eyes met yours, wide and uncertain, but not moving away. The sound of the stream faded, replaced by the quickened beat of your heart. Jasper’s gaze flicked down to your lips, then back up, and his breath hitched.

You leaned a little closer, the world narrowing to just the two of you. He smelled like earth and sweat and something boyish and safe, and for a moment it felt inevitable—the first kiss, right there by the stream.

But then—

“Hey!” Octavia’s voice rang out through the trees, startling you both. “Clarke says we’re moving on. Let’s go!”

You and Jasper jerked apart, nearly knocking heads. He scrambled upright, brushing dirt off his pants, his face flushed crimson.

“Uh—yeah! Coming!” he called back, his voice cracking just a little.

Octavia’s footsteps faded, leaving only the sound of rushing water again. Jasper glanced at you, scratching the back of his neck with that sheepish grin. “So… uh. That almost—”

You cut him off with a soft laugh. “Come on, before they leave us behind.”

But as you walked side by side to catch up with the others, his fingers brushed yours—hesitant, testing. You didn’t pull away.

The kiss hadn’t happened, but maybe that made it better. It was something to look forward to, a secret spark between you and Jasper in the middle of the unknown.