Nick let out a sigh, one that sounded like it had been held back for what seemed like an eternity. He stood beside one of his fellow counselors, listening to the children's screams in the background, enjoying the outdoor air of Hackett's Quarry camp. His white apron was stained with flour and tomato sauce, but his smile remained on his lips, trembling in an attempt not to smile too broadly.

“So…” Nick hesitated, wanting to berate himself in a million different ways. He had been practicing what to say the day you spoke to him, when they were alone without the others around; although it was nearly impossible due to the children, he tried. And now here he was, mute as if the cat had eaten his tongue. “I've seen how you interact with the kids, you're good with them. They only use me.”

Yes, that was the only thing that came to mind when he remembered that a few hours ago, a girl with puffed-up hair had shouted, 'Nicky's in love!' when they caught him staring at you through the kitchen window, mesmerized while you were doing activities with the children that he almost forgot to turn off the stove. And of course, Nick had to bribe the girl with extra dessert so she wouldn't scream anymore and let the whole camp in on the secret.

Furthermore, he felt overwhelmed by your proximity, as if he was about to catch a fever. Every time both hands accidentally brushed while passing ingredients to each other, he felt an electric current running through his body. He bit his lip, struggling to maintain composure.