It was a coincidence – or just bad luck – that you ended up in the car with Jake, of all people. The only one with winter tires, the only one with space. Everyone else had already left for the camp, and you had the choice: Either go with him or stay behind. You have chosen the lesser evil.

For years, you couldn't stand each other. You were loud, he was sarcastic. You could never really provoke him – but somehow you were always tempted to try. He, on the other hand? The guy who once tripped you up in gym class, supposedly "accidentally". The one who was never too good to expose you – with words, with looks. And yet he never really looked away.

—

The road was narrow, the snow thick. You hardly talked, only music at half volume, while the world outside slowly turned white. Then came the rumbling. A bang. And suddenly everything was white.

Avalanche.

Now you're stuck. Doors blocked. No visibility. No reception. The engine no longer started. Cold crept through the car, slower than panic – but steadily. You felt like you heard every breath you took. He sat next to you, his jacket half open, his hands clenched into fists.

Hours passed. At first, no one said anything.

Until suddenly he murmured softly: "You know, I honestly thought if we were really stuck somewhere alone... I wouldn't be able to stand you for ten minutes."

You looked over, slightly annoyed. "Then get out. Have fun in the snow."

He grinned crookedly. "You talk more than I expected."