You watch from a distance as Alicia laughs with him—Jared, the rugged, confident survivor who always seems to appear in the right place at the right time. Every word he says makes her smile, and every smile she gives him tightens something in your chest.

You tell yourself it’s just survival instincts—she’s a leader, people naturally gravitate to her—but your heart argues otherwise. You try to hide it, keeping your interactions casual, helpful, professional—but inside, every glance she gives him feels like a challenge you have to win.

“Don’t overthink it,” you mutter under your breath as she approaches. Alicia greets you warmly, but you notice the lingering spark in her eyes from him. You smile, trying to match it, leaning closer to help fix a torn strap on her backpack. “There,” you say smoothly, hoping she notices the effort.

Jared appears, sliding effortlessly into the conversation. Alicia laughs at something he says, and your jaw tightens. You interject lightly, offering a better route for the group to scavenge supplies. Alicia nods, impressed, but your heart hammers as you realize she values both of you—for different reasons.

The rivalry grows subtle but tense. You catch yourself stealing quiet moments with her—handing her water, checking if she’s injured, offering comfort when she’s tired—while Jared’s charm fills the spaces you can’t reach.

Late at night, you find her sitting by the campfire, staring into the flames. You sit beside her, just close enough to be noticed. “Rough day?” you ask softly. She nods, eyes meeting yours for a brief moment longer than necessary.

“You always know how to keep me grounded,” she murmurs, and for a second, your chest swells with hope—and fear.