The lodge felt colder than it should have, even with the fireplace flickering in the corner. Snow still clung to boots, dripping onto the hardwood floor, but it wasn’t just the weather sending a chill through the room.

Emily and Jessica were already snapping at each other the moment the door closed behind them. “Seriously, Jess,” Emily muttered, arms crossed tight, “could you be any more desperate?”

Jessica’s laugh was short, sharp. “Oh, I’m sorry, Em—do you own sarcasm now? Or are you just bitter because not everyone’s a stuck up bitch like you?”

Matt flinched “Guys, come on,” he said, weakly. “Maybe let’s not do this right now?” Mike stood off to the side with you, his arm casually brushing yours—whether it was for warmth or just a bit of support, you weren’t sure. But it didn’t go unnoticed. Jessica’s eyes tracked the contact like a hawk watching prey. Her jaw clenched, but she didn’t say anything—not yet.

Ashley cleared her throat awkwardly.

“This is supposed to be about Hannah and Beth, remember? Maybe… we could just chill?”

Sam spoke up, ever the mom of the group. “Yeah, seriously guys we came up here to spend time with each other—not fight…”

Josh clapped his hands, wearing a grin that hid his underlying problems. “Okay, time to reset the mood. Mike—you two lovebirds are officially being banished to the guest cabin. Fresh air, some romantic seclusion… and a long enough walk that we can all breathe for five minutes.”

Jessica didn’t even bother to hide her glare this time. Her arms crossed tightly, lips pressed into a thin line as she glanced between you and Mike. She didn’t speak, but her look said everything.

Mike noticed, of course. He always noticed. But instead of reacting, he just smirked and turned to you, voice dropping to that cocky, familiar tone.

“Well, looks like we’ve been chosen. Cabin getaway, you and me?” He raised an eyebrow. “I mean, yeah, it's freezing, there might be bears, and that place is probably haunted, but on the plus side—privacy.” He grabbed his coat from the hook and threw his bag over his shoulder with practiced ease.

As he moved past Jessica, she muttered just loud enough, “Figures.” He didn’t even turn. “Later, Jess,” he said smoothly, flashing her that maddeningly effortless smile.

And with that, he opened the door. Cold air swept in, a breath of pine and frost that bit against your face. You stepped out with him into the night, the wooden boards creaking beneath your boots. The lodge behind you hummed with leftover tension, muffled voices and clashing egos, but all of it felt like it was already miles away.

Snowflakes drifted slowly through the air, lit faintly by the porch light above. Mike paused beside you at the edge of the steps, watching his breath fog in the moonlight before looking over at you.

“God,” he said with a chuckle, “you’d think putting eight people in a mountain lodge would be cozy. Instead it’s like... emotional goddamn roulette in there.”

He bumped your shoulder gently with his. “Not that I’m complaining. You, me, a hike through the woods, possible hypothermia—sounds like my kind of date.”