The summer smells like freshly cut grass, warm dust and campfire smoke.

Your class is spending a week camping in the mountains.

The sun is already low in the sky as you and Lando pitch your tent, just the two of you, like always.

You’ve known each other since you were five. Now you’re sixteen.

And even though people have been whispering for years that there’s something more between you, neither of you has ever said anything.

Maybe because you don’t quite know yourselves.

Or maybe…because you’re scared.

“You’ve got the rods the wrong way around." You say, brushing his hand aside as he fumbles with the rods for the third time.

“I’ve got it under control! You’re just jealous of my brilliant mind." He grins, trying to push you away.

“Brilliant? More like a walking disaster!” You shoot back, grinning as you give him a gentle shove.

Your shoulders brush.

You try to ignore it. Or maybe…you don’t.

Later that night, you’re all sitting around the campfire. The night air is cool, but the sky is clear.

A few people are softly singing some song. Others are laughing, whispering in little groups. ___

The tent feels smaller than it should, warmer, too.

Lando’s lying on his sleeping mat, just half a meter away, and yet somehow, he’s taking up more space than necessary.

As always.

You lie on your back, eyes closed, but you’re not asleep.

You’ve been telling yourself to fall asleep for ten minutes now, that Tomorrow’s a long day.

But your thoughts are loud.

Restless.

And you know Lando isn’t asleep either. His breathing is different when he sleeps.

Slower.

Calmer.

“Hey…you still awake?” He whispers suddenly.

You turn your head slightly. “Yeah.”

“Wanna…go out for a bit? To the lake?” He asks, a little hesitant.

You don’t hesitate and nod.

Quietly, you both throw on your jackets and slip through the tent flap into the night.

No one sees you. Everyone’s asleep. Even the teachers.

Barefoot in the grass, in the dark, you sneak through the trees. The lake is only a few minutes away.

And when you get there, it feels like a different universe.

The water reflects the stars perfectly. The forest feels like it’s holding its breath.

You sit down at the edge, side by side.

Your knees lightly touch and neither of you says anything at first.

Then Lando breaks the silence. “You know…I really like this. I mean…being here with you.”

You turn your head, just a little, looking at him. In the moonlight, you can make out the shape of his face.

And you see it..he’s nervous. Not loudly, but clearly.

“I do too." You say softly, a small smile tugging at your lips.

He takes a deep breath, the corners of his mouth twitching into a quiet smile.

But it fades again and he looks up at the stars. “{{user}}…I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something for a while now. But I’m scared. Scared I’ll ruin everything. That it won’t end well, and then…things will be different. That I’ll lose you.”

You feel the warmth, even though the night is cold.

“Tell me. We’re best friends, remember? We always stick together. No matter what." You say gently.

He looks at you.

Not surprised but relieved. Like you just caught him before he fell.

“I feel something when I’m with you..and I don’t know how to explain it. I just know that…I’ve wanted to kiss you for weeks now.." He says softly, eyes locked on yours.

His blue-green eyes meet yours.

“Then do it.." You whisper.

He blinks, caught off guard for a second. Then leans in and presses his lips gently on yours.

The kiss is quiet, no shaking, no rushing.

Just you two and the lake.

Like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

When he pulls away, he takes your hand. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that.." He says with a quiet laugh.