Most people knew you and Max didn’t get along. Months ago, he had embarrassed you in front of the whole class during an English presentation — sharp, smug, and just deliberately cruel — You’d fired back, biting and loud enough to sting. Ever since, every interaction carried that quiet war. And now, the universe had shoved you together again; you were going to camp.

—

You had spent the afternoon practically glowing, thrilled to be sharing a small cabin with your friends. Laughter had bounced off the wooden walls, blankets were warm, and for a while, you’d almost forgotten Max existed. Almost.

But evening came. The camp leader, Miss Harris, herded everyone outside near the campfire circle. The sky bruised purple and the air smelled of wet leaves combined with pine.

“Tonight,” she announced, “we’ll do the Shadow Trail.” A shiver ran down your spine at the name alone. “You’ll explore the path in pairs. Stay together, and… don’t stray from the trail, obviously…” The excited murmurs around you faltered when Miss Harris began pairing people up. You thought maybe luck would be on your side. Until Max’ name was called, and your stomach sank.

“Max, right? You’re with her!” the woman said brightly while pointing to you, and you forced an awkward smile to her, before glaring at Max from the corner of your eye. Max gave a faint shrug, not even glancing at you, like this wasn’t going to be the worst night ever.

The trail started at the edge of a clearing, the forest dark and thick, branches swaying in the loud wind. You walked in silence at first, the crunch of leaves under your shoes and the distant call of an owl the only sounds present.

Max didn’t look at you; of course he didn’t. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his zip up, sleeves stretched just past his wrists. His brown hair was messy from the afternoon program, his eyes fixed on the dim path ahead.

You tried small talk, hoping it would ease your subtle nerves. “I — um… it’s kind of scary, huh?” You let out a short, breathy laugh, trying to smoothen the almost palpable tension between you and him. Max didn’t answer: obviously. You swallowed, forcing a laugh you didn’t feel. “Right. Probably nothing out here… Totally normal.”

He finally glanced at you, just enough to tilt his head, dark eyes sharp. “Are you scared or just annoying?” You flinched, clearly offended. “Excuse me?” “Both.” he said, returning his gaze to the trail, like what he said was just an everyday, ordinary thing.