The moon hung low over the lake, casting silvery streaks across the rippling water. Tents dotted the clearing like sleeping creatures, their bright colors dulled by the dusk. The campfire had died down to embers, leaving only a soft orange glow in the center of the circle.
Most of the students had already turned in, lulled by full stomachs and the weariness of a long day filled with hiking, games, and awkward group bonding. The usual chatter had faded, replaced by the hum of insects and the occasional crack of twigs.
Kai sat on a flat rock by the firepit, legs stretched out, poking the glowing coals with a stick.
Leo joined him quietly, dropping onto the grass nearby.
Neither spoke for a while.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable. It rarely was.
Kai was the first to break it.
"Still think you could've faked a fever?"
Leo gave a small smile. "Might've been easier."
Kai glanced at him. "You're not really the 'easy way out' type, though."
Leo let the words sit for a moment before answering. "No. I'm not."
More silence.
Kai leaned back on his hands. "You've been quiet. Quieter than usual."
Leo didn't answer right away. His eyes followed the trail of smoke spiraling upward.
"I think I'm starting to realize… things don't just happen."
Kai looked at him, curious. "Go on."
Leo pulled his knees up and rested his arms on them.
"I thought if I stayed still long enough, everything would sort itself out. The girls, the rumors, the feelings... even school."
"And?"
Leo exhaled. "Life doesn't work like that."
Kai chuckled. "Nope. Life loves chaos."
Leo nodded, then hesitated. "I think I hurt Aira."
Kai didn't flinch. Just nodded. "Probably."
"I didn't mean to. She's... important to me. Just not in that way."
Kai was quiet for a moment, then said, "She knows."
Leo turned to look at him. "You talked to her?"
"Not really. But I watched. She's strong. Maybe stronger than all of us. But that kind of strength… it cracks if you keep pressing on it."
Leo looked back at the fire. "I don't want to keep hurting people by doing nothing."
Kai grinned faintly. "Then don't."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "It's not that simple."
"Sure it is. Complicated doesn't mean you can't move. It just means you have to step carefully."
Leo let that sink in.
"...And Yuki?" Kai added, voice gentler now.
Leo's jaw tightened slightly. "She's... amazing. Honest. But I don't want to grab her hand while I'm still looking backward."
Kai stared into the fire.
"You're more aware than most. That's a blessing and a curse."
Leo smiled ruefully. "Yeah."
Kai nudged him with his foot. "But at least you're not alone. You've got me. The wise, handsome sidekick."
Leo laughed, the tension finally cracking.
They sat there for a long time, words drifting like the embers into the night sky.
A few tents rustled.
One in particular—Yuki's—glowed softly from inside. Probably still awake. Maybe sketching in her notebook. Or listening to music. Or thinking.
Kai followed Leo's gaze.
"You'll figure it out," he said.
"I hope so."
"You will. Just don't overthink every step. Sometimes people just need to know you care."
Leo nodded.
The stars blinked above them.
The lake lapped gently at the shore.
And somewhere, not far off, a quiet story continued to unfold.