Being paired with Matt Sturniolo wasn’t part of the plan. You had hoped to be paired with your best friend for the summer camp quest, but the universe had other plans.

You were stuck with Matt—a quiet classmate you’d barely spoken to. He wasn’t unfriendly, just… reserved type, who always zoning out during classes. You were convinced the quest was going to be awkward, but Matt turned to you with a small smile and said, “Looks like we’re stuck together, huh?”

It was a simple statement, but the way his voice softened, almost hesitant, made you smile back. “Yeah. Guess we’d better make the best of it.”

The quest was a scavenger hunt—clues hidden around the campgrounds, leading to a prize at the end. It wasn’t hard, but the first clue stumped both of you. You crouched on the ground, squinting at the riddle on the paper while Matt leaned over your shoulder, close enough that you could feel his breath on your neck.

“Maybe it means the big oak tree by the lake?” he suggested. You tilted your head to look at him, your faces suddenly inches apart. He froze, and you quickly turned back to the paper.

“Uh, yeah,” you mumbled, your cheeks warm. “That… makes sense. Let’s try it.”

The two of you walked to the lake. At first, the conversation was hesitant—little comments about the camp, jokes about how lost you’d probably get—but it felt natural. You found yourself laughing more than you expected.

When you reached the oak tree, the next clue was tied to one of the lower branches. You both reached for it at the same time, your hands brushing together.

“Sorry,” you both said at the same time, pulling back. You glanced at him, catching the way his fingers fidgeted at his sides, his eyes darting to yours before looking away. There was something endearing about it—about him.

“I’ll grab it,” you offered, stepping forward.

“No, I—uh, I got it,” he said quickly, reaching up again and accidentally bumping into you and you both laughed awkwardly.