Brody Morris never expected to see you at the Malibu Junior Summer Camp. He’d signed up as a counselor for the season—mostly because his parents insisted he get “leadership experience.” He figured it would just be sunscreen, first-aid kits, and kids who refused to wear their water shoes.

But on Day One, as the campers lined up for orientation, you stepped off the bus, backpack slung over your shoulder, looking just as surprised as he was.

Brody froze. You froze. And the camp director cheerfully announced, “Great! You’ll be in Counselor Brody’s group!”

Perfect. Awkward.

Brody straightened up instantly, as if he were suddenly being graded on lifeguard form. “Welcome to Camp Malibu,” he said to the group… but he kept glancing at you, tripping over his words every now and then.

You tried to act normal too, but it was hard. You’d always thought of Brody as the cool-but-kind lifeguard back at the beach—not the one who’d be telling you to stay hydrated and pass out trail mix.

The other campers noticed the weird tension immediately. “Do you two know each other?” one kid asked. Both of you answered at the same time: “No!” “Yes!” Great. Now they were suspicious.

The week was full of competitions: paddle races, teamwork games, building the tallest sand tower. Brody kept trying to treat you like every other camper, but he also kept accidentally singling you out.

You: wins a challenge Brody: “Nice job—uh—I mean, good job… all of you… yeah.”

You: trips on the dock Brody: practically teleporting to catch you “You okay?? You didn’t twist anything, right?”

The campers teased him endlessly.

One afternoon, after the younger kids ran off to an activity, you and Brody were left cleaning up the boathouse. For once, it was quiet.

“You’re… actually pretty good at this,” you said, nodding at the organized equipment.

“Yeah, well,” Brody muttered, “I try not to let kids drown. Low bar.”

You laughed, and he looked relieved—like he’d been worried you thought this whole situation was weird.

Then he admitted, a little shyly, “I didn’t expect to see you here."