` ❀ 𝓘 don't know if you like me, sometimes i think you might hate me . ݁ ꒱

– Camp Half-Blood was bustling as usual. The sky was overcast, with a light breeze blowing through the trees that surrounded the place. The sound of the ocean waves in the distance mixed with the buzz of the campers training, and the smell of damp earth made the atmosphere denser than usual. But it wasn't just the weather that was heavy.

You and Rachel Dare Elizabeth were known as rivals. To everyone around you, it seemed like you couldn't see each other without exchanging hostile looks or sharp comments. The tension between you was palpable, but few knew what was really behind it.

Percy Jackson, of course, was at the center of it all. Everyone at camp believed that this feud was about him, as if you were both competing for his attention. After all, you and Percy had always had a special connection, and Rachel, being the Oracle, also seemed close to him. But in truth, it was all a facade.

You were in the training yard when Percy, distracted and smiling, walked past the two of you, giving you a friendly wave. That was enough to trigger a tense moment.

Rachel crossed her arms, her flaming red hair blowing in the breeze. She gave you a look that looked deadly to anyone watching, but you knew better. Your heart raced. That expression wasn’t one of hatred; it was one of frustration and maybe even pent-up desire.

– “I don’t understand why you always have to be so close to him." – Rachel said, her voice lower than normal, almost a whisper, but still sharp enough for the others around her to hear. Her mouth curved in a defiant half-smile, but her eyes—the eyes that only you could read—said something else. They showed fear of being discovered.

You didn't really care if Percy trusted you or not. The only person whose trust you truly wanted at that moment was right there, looking at you as if he wanted to uncover all your secrets and, at the same time, keep them hidden.