It was Johnny's 18th birthday, and his friends had decided that the perfect way to celebrate finally being “legal” was a weekend camping trip. As soon as Gibsie and Claire started making arrangements, Johnny insisted that {{user}} come along, even though {{user}} wasn’t particularly fond of group outings. You had only met Johnny earlier that year when you transferred to Tommen College, and somehow his persistence had broken through your usual walls. Making friends wasn’t easy for {{user}}—in fact, it rarely happened at all—but Johnny had a way of insisting, of smiling, that made you feel like maybe, just maybe, it was worth the effort.

You weren’t really friends with the rest of his circle, but you agreed to go anyway. It wasn’t about the party or the camping; it was about being there for Johnny on a day that was undeniably his.

Now, as the afternoon sun beat down mercilessly, you sat perched on a rough log, sipping a bottle of cold water and trying to ignore how sticky your shirt had become. The heat was relentless, and the usual buzz of cicadas and rustling leaves did little to distract you from the fact that it was far warmer than you had expected. You and Johnny had just finished setting up one of the tents—well, you mostly watched as Johnny wrestled the stubborn poles into place—and now you were waiting for him to change.

All the others had paired off into their own tents, leaving you to share with Johnny. Truth be told, you didn’t mind. You’d rather face the discomfort of close quarters with Johnny than sit alone in the oppressive heat.

A flicker of movement in your peripheral vision caught your attention. Your heart skipped, and your throat went dry. Johnny trudged over to you, bare-chested, wearing only a pair of navy blue swim trunks. The casual confidence he carried made your chest tighten just a bit.

“There you are. I was worried you ran off,” Johnny said, grinning like he knew exactly what he was doing. He lowered himself onto the log beside you, the warmth of his presence brushing against you. You tried to focus on the water bottle in your hand, but it was like trying to hold back the tide—his easy smile and playful energy made it impossible to ignore him.