The lodge was silent except for the eerie music coming from Ethan's laptop.
The horror movie flickered on the screen, casting long shadows across the small room. Lena's eyes were wide. Every jump scare made her flinch.
Ethan noticed.
"Are you scared?" he asked quietly, leaning back against the bed.
"A little," Lena admitted, trying to keep her voice steady.
He chuckled softly. "Come here. You'll be safer with me."
Before she could respond, he patted the floor beside him. Lena hesitated for a heartbeat.
She had never been this close to him. Not like this. Not when the room was empty, the others asleep, and his presence felt… magnetic.
Something in her said yes.
Slowly, she crossed the floor and sat beside him. Her shoulder brushed against his. The air between them felt electric.
"Better?" he asked, his voice low.
She nodded, but she didn't look at him.
Every time the movie jumped, she let out a small, startled squeak. Each time, Ethan instinctively shifted closer, his arm wrapping lightly around her shoulder, his hand brushing against her arm.
It was innocent. Comforting. But also… something more.
Her head found its way onto his chest without conscious thought. His heartbeat was steady, calming. She felt her nerves settle, but something inside her stirred—something she wasn't ready to name.
The movie went on. Shadows danced across the walls. A sudden scream from the screen made Lena jump against him.
Ethan's chuckle was warm against her hair. "You okay?"
"Yes…" she murmured.
He didn't say anything. He just pulled her a little closer.
Minutes passed. Then another jump scare. And another. Each time, Lena squeaked, and each time, Ethan's hand held her tighter, his presence grounding her.
Her mind spun.
This closeness—this warmth—was dangerous. She knew it.
But she couldn't resist the pull.
Finally, the movie faded into a quiet, suspenseful scene. Ethan tilted his head slightly, glancing down at her.
Her hair fell across his chest, soft and warm. His eyes lingered on her face, tracing the curve of her jaw, the curve of her lips.
Before she realized it, he leaned down.
Their lips met.
It was soft, uncertain, electric. Lena didn't resist. Her heart was pounding, her breath catching. The world outside—the lodge, the sleeping girls—disappeared.
They pulled back slightly, breathless.
Ethan's hand brushed against hers, hovering. Tentatively, he moved a little closer again, lips finding hers once more.
And again.
The moment was hot, intoxicating—but also carefully restrained. Lena pulled back gently when he tried to go further, shaking her head.
"No… not yet," she whispered, her cheeks burning.
Ethan nodded, his eyes soft. "Okay."
They stayed like that for a few moments, just holding each other in the quiet dark.
Neither of them spoke. The tension, the closeness, the unspoken desire—it was enough.
By the time the movie ended, Lena had realized something terrifying: she was falling for him.
And the worst part?
He still had a girlfriend.