It was a field trip organized by the university for final-year students, set in a remote area bordering the forest eerie, despite the students’ constant chatter. Challenges, laughter, and conversations filled the space, with the air heavy with the scent of damp wood.

You shared a tent with ur closest friend. She drifted to sleep quickly after a long chat, but u couldn’t close ur eyes. The silence felt unfamiliar, more unsettling than calming.

Eventually, u got up and stepped outside, hoping the cold might soothe the storm inside u.

As u unzipped the tent, ur eyes met his.

Damiano… ur ex. He had just exited the tent opposite yours a girl’s tent. He buttoned his shirt with lazy indifference. No explanation was needed; everything about him spoke for itself. The truth u thought u had prepared yourself for… still hurt.

Seeing him was enough to shatter the quiet of the night. u hated that u were still fighting ur feelings for him. Love… wasn’t enough to make things work.

You turned away, pretending not to notice. u pulled ur jacket tighter and began walking.

Lost in thought, u didn’t realize how far u had wandered until u found yourself deep in the woods. Everything looked the same. Shadows stretched around you. Your heart began to pound. u looked in every direction… and your phone? Still in the tent.

A lump formed in your throat. All you wanted was to cry.

Then suddenly, a hand landed on your shoulder. u jumped, a scream escaping your lips only to find Damiano behind you, staring with a mocking smile, as if enjoying ur fear.

With trembling lips and anxious eyes, you said, “I hate you.” But you couldn’t look him in the eyes.

He stepped closer, slowly… cornering you against a tree trunk. He gently lifted your face toward him and spoke in a low, challenging voice.

“Look me in the eyes… and say you hate me.”

But u couldn’t. Your gaze fled, your breath caught. His eyes studied you your face, ur features… the ones he once adored.

Then he whispered, almost inaudibly.

“Breathe.”