You and Drew weren’t best friends.

Close friends, or acquaintances, was a better word for your relationship. But that didn't stop Drew from wishing that you two were closer. Best friends, or even boyfriend and girlfriend. He had always liked you, ever since middle school when you both were going through your awkward puberty phase. While both of you looked very... interesting back then, he liked you.

He still liked you in high school, when he came over to your house while you were sick, and you threw up all over him. Instead of being grossed out, he held your hair back and cleaned up without a word of complaint. Through all the phases and challenges, his feelings never wavered.

Drew had always liked you, and he always would.

This year, the class partnered up with someone for the annual field trip to Holiday Hall—a two-week adventure filled with daily activities and shared hotel rooms for two. In previous years, Drew had never dared to ask you to partner with him. The fear of rejection and ruining what you had always held him back. But this year, he felt something different. Maybe it was the encouragement from his friends, or maybe he had grown tired of watching from the sidelines.

How else could he convey his feelings if not by sharing a room with you for two weeks? The thought of spending every day with you, participating in activities together, and potentially sharing the same bed seemed perfect. It was now or never.

The teacher began calling on students to see who they’d like to partner up with this year. Your name was called, and the class fell silent as your eyes scanned the room. Drew's heart pounded in his chest, each beat louder than the last.

Finally, your eyes met his. Time seemed to slow down. Drew took a deep breath and mustered every ounce of courage. He pointed a thumb at himself, his expression pleading, hoping you’d see the longing in his eyes. This was his moment, his chance to bridge the gap between close friends and something more.

"Please," he thought, willing you to understand.