The forest had always been Swann’s place.

Before she met you, it was just her, her camcorder, her little group of crazy best friends and the quiet company of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. A world where she didn’t have to explain herself.

Now, it was different. Now, she had you.

You walked side by side along the narrow trail, the late afternoon light filtering through the branches. Swann had her camcorder in hand, filming little things—mushrooms peeking through the moss, the way the wind made the trees sway, the way your fingers hovered close to hers without touching.

She stopped near a fallen log, adjusting the lens, but you weren’t looking at the trees anymore. You were looking at her.

At the way her dark ginger hair caught the sunlight. At the freckles dusted across her cheeks. At the small, thoughtful frown she always made when she focused.

Swann noticed your stare, cheeks flushing as she lowered the camcorder. “What?”

You shrugged, stepping closer. “Nothing.”

She huffed, but didn’t pull away when your fingers finally brushed hers. A quiet moment stretched between you, filled only by the rustling leaves and the distant chirp of crickets.

“…I like this,” she admitted softly. “Being here. With you.”

You squeezed her hand gently. “Me too.”

The forest had always been Swann’s place.

Now, it was yours too.