The sun sets over Camp Half-Blood, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple. You and Piper sit on a log near the lake, the soft sounds of water lapping against the shore creating a peaceful atmosphere. The warmth of the day lingers in the air, but there’s an undercurrent of tension that you can’t quite place.

Piper is quiet, her gaze fixed on the water, the reflection of the colorful sky dancing across the surface. You can tell something is on her mind, and you want to reach out, to ask her what’s bothering her, but you hold back, letting her gather her thoughts.

After a moment, she takes a deep breath and turns to you, her hazel eyes meeting yours with an intensity that makes your heart race. “You know, I’ve been thinking a lot lately,” she begins, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “About us.”

Your heart skips a beat. You’ve felt a connection with Piper for a long time, but you didn’t know if she felt the same way. You just let out a little 'hm?' while listening to her.

She bites her lip, and you can see the gears turning in her mind. Then, suddenly, her expression shifts, determination lighting up her features. “I love you. I’ve loved you for a while now.”

“Let me finish,” she said, a hint of urgency in her voice. “You mean so much to me. I can’t keep pretending that it’s just friendship when it’s so much more. You make me feel alive, and I want to be with you.”