Th sun dipped behind the treeline, painting the sky shades of orange and pink as the final bell for the day's activities echoed across the camp. Students rushed toward the beach where the counselors had set up a large bonfire.Crackling flames.Warmth.Laughter.Music.Everything felt alive—except Naya.She walked slowly, her hands tucked into the sleeves of her hoodie, her steps careful. Even though days had passed, she still felt the weight of the water on her lungs, the panic, the darkness. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw it again. Felt it again.Nora noticed immediately and rushed to catch up with her, looping an arm around her shoulder.Nora: "Okay, today you're not allowed to be sad. Not at a bonfire. It's against the rules."Naya tried to smile. "I'm trying."But inside, her heart felt knotted.They found a spot near the outer edge of the circle. Naya sat down, pulling her knees up to her chest. The firelight danced in the reflection of her eyes. Around them, students roasted marshmallows, joked around, took pictures.And somewhere across the bonfire—Lucien arrived.The moment he stepped into the firelight, Naya felt it.That pull.That awareness.Like gravity adjusting whenever he was near.He looked around, scanning the gathering, and when his gaze found her—he froze.For a second, the entire world seemed to pause with him.Nora nudged Naya. "He's staring again."Naya quickly looked away. "He can stare at someone else."But her voice didn't match her pounding heartbeat.Lucien didn't move, didn't look away—just watched her like he was trying to read every emotion she was hiding. After a moment, he slowly started making his way around the gathering, not directly toward her, but close enough to be felt.He ended up sitting on a log not far from her, facing the fire.Naya could see him from the corner of her eye. The shadows played across his sharp features—his jaw tight, eyes reflecting the flames.Nora whispered, "You two need to talk."Naya shook her head. "I'm not ready."---Later that nightSomeone brought out a guitar. A few students started singing softly, their voices weaving into the crackling of the firewood. The sky was black velvet sprinkled with stars. The type of night that made everything feel more intense than it should.Naya got up to get some water. Her legs were still a bit shaky, but she didn't want anyone to notice.She walked toward the drink station near the beach volleyball court. The area was darker and much quieter. She filled a paper cup, but before she could take a sip—she sensed someone behind her.She didn't need to turn to know who it was.Lucien.He stepped closer, but not too close.Lucien: "You shouldn't walk around alone at night."Naya rolled her eyes. "I'm not helpless."Lucien: "…I didn't say you were."Silence.Only the ocean waves and the bonfire music in the distance.He exhaled softly.Lucien: "You've been avoiding me."She didn't deny it. "Maybe I have a reason."Lucien took another step, his voice low but steady.Lucien: "Naya… you almost died. And since then, I—""Stop."Naya's voice cracked before she could stop it."I don't want to talk about that night."Lucien's jaw clenched.Lucien: "I'm not talking about the water."Naya froze.Her heart thudded painfully.Lucien continued, his voice barely above a whisper.Lucien: "I'm talking about you. And me. And the way everything feels wrong now."Naya turned slowly to face him.The firelight behind him made him look unreal—soft, unreadable, almost vulnerable.Naya: "Nothing feels wrong to me."But her voice betrayed her.Lucien stepped closer, close enough that she could smell the smoke from the fire on his hoodie.Lucien: "Then look me in the eyes and say that again."Naya swallowed hard.She looked up.Met his gaze.Got caught in it.And couldn't say a word.Not even one.Lucien's voice softened.Lucien: "You're not the only one hurting, Naya."Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.Lucien dropped his gaze, rubbing the back of his neck.Lucien: "I pushed Jessica away. That kiss— I didn't want it. And I didn't know you were there."Naya felt something twist painfully inside her chest.Lucien raised his eyes again.Lucien: "But you leaving… that hurt worse."She blinked, stunned. Her breath hitched."I don't know what you want from me," she whispered.Lucien stared at her, the firelight catching the gold in his eyes.Lucien: "I don't know either. But I know I don't want to lose you."The moment stretched between them, warm and fragile and dangerous.Before either of them could say anything else, a loud voice called from the bonfire:"HEY! THEY'RE BRINGING OUT THE GLOW STICKS!"Students cheered.Nora's voice followed."NAYA! Come on!"Lucien stepped back, giving her space.Naya looked away quickly, her heart racing.Lucien whispered, "Please don't avoid me tomorrow."And then he walked back toward the fire.Naya stood frozen, breath uneven, cup shaking in her hand.She was drowning again—But this time, not in water.
In him.