The bus doors closed behind them, and the students step onto the gravel path, their voices mingling with the rustle of pine needles underfoot.
Charlotte adjusted her backpack and glanced around. The cabins were rustic but inviting, sunlight glinting off their wooden shingles. A breeze carried the scent of forest and wildflowers, sharp and refreshing.
Lucas fell into step beside her. "Follow me," he said with a faint grin, nodding toward the main campsite area.
Charlotte noticed how natural he looked, calm and in control, while other students jostled and laughed, grabbing bags or chasing friends.
"Where do we start?" she asked, her voice tinged with nervous excitement.
"Camp site setup," he replied, pointing to a cleared area near the lake. "We'll get your tent up first. Then the firewood. After that… breakfast. If you want to survive my cooking."
Charlotte's eyebrows shot up. "Oh no, I thought there would be snacks."
"Nature first, sugar later," he said with a mock-serious expression.
The tent proved trickier than she expected. Stakes slipped in the soft soil, and the canvas resisted their attempts.
Lucas lifted one corner expertly, his movements fluid. Charlotte tried to match him, but the tent sagged, wobbling in protest.
"Here, let me," he said, stepping forward.
But when he grabbed a corner and wrestled with a stubborn pole, it bent and almost snapped. Charlotte gasped, and a nearby group of classmates started laughing and teasing as they gathered to watch the struggle.
"Need a hand?" she offered, taking over with surprising skill. The tent finally stood upright, taut and proud, as she adjusted the entrance flap.
Lucas grinned, leaning back to admire the result. "Well… you're better at this than me. Good work."
Next came gathering firewood. Lucas grabbed large logs with ease, striding confidently to the stack.
Charlotte tried to lift a medium-sized one and immediately stumbled. Lucas caught it with one arm, then handed her a lighter bundle. "Don't strain yourself," he said, smirking. "You have to save your energy for cooking disasters."
Breakfast was an adventure. Lucas attempted pancakes first. Flour puffed into the air, smoke curled from the pan, and it refused to be cooked properly.
Charlotte winced as classmates peered over their shoulders, snickering.
"You're… you're supposed to flip it, not leave it on one side," she said, nudging him aside.
"Let me handle it before someone calls the fire department."
Lucas raised his hands in mock surrender.
"Fine, chef. Take the lead."
Charlotte whisked, flipped, and managed to produce golden pancakes that smelled heavenly.
Classmates lined up, praising her with smiles and laughter, while Lucas leaned against a post, watching, a small, rare smile touching his lips.
After breakfast, the teachers organized group activities. There were relay races, obstacle challenges, and collecting food.
Charlotte and Lucas paired up naturally. Their coordination was intuitive where he ran ahead to check a clue and she calculated the quickest route to catch up.
"Are you sure that's the fastest way?" she asked, pointing to a cluster of trees blocking their path.
Lucas shrugged. "Probably. Or maybe not. Let's find out."
They sprinted, ducking under branches, navigating through the forest. Charlotte's laughter echoed, light and melodic, blending with Lucas's occasional teasing.
Classmates cheered from the sidelines, some running, some clapping, and a few teasing Julia, who huffed in annoyance at being outpaced by the pair.
As night fell, the campers gathered around the fire pit. Shadows flickered across faces, flames casting a warm, dancing glow.
One by one, they told ghost stories. Lucas added dry, witty commentary, making Charlotte snort at unexpected punchlines.
The stories weren't particularly frightening with him there; his calm, amused tone diffused tension, leaving her giggling instead of shivering.
Eventually, the teachers directed everyone to the cabins. Charlotte and Lucas ended up in two bunks . Exhaustion settled over her, and she collapsed onto the thin mattress, still smiling.
Lucas settled on the next bunk bed , leaning back with arms crossed, and fall asleep.
During the night, Charlotte shifted in her sleep and with her being sleepwalking, she went to his bed, curling like an octopus clinging to a someone she trust the most.
Lucas felt her warmth, weight, and gentle rhythm, and a smile crept across his face. He stayed still, feigning sleep, enjoying the quiet intimacy.
Morning light filtered through the cabin windows. Lucas stirred, noticing Charlotte's grip and quiet breathing. Before he could adjust, she woke abruptly, tumbling forward and landing heavily on her hands.
"Ow!" she yelped, hopping upright.
Lucas jolted, catching her elbow instinctively. "Careful!" he said, his voice a mix of amusement and concern.
"I… haha, I tripped," she admitted, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Seeing this he broke in laughing, then smiled.
"You look beautiful when you smile," she said, before realizing the words slipped out naturally.
His eyes met hers, warm and sincere.
Charlotte laughed, shaking her head, her spirit bright. "Like this," she said, touching his hand gently, lifting her fingers to his. "A real smile. Not one of those fake ones you always do."
Lucas stared at her, letting the warmth of the moment settle over him. He tilted his head, meeting her eyes, and finally allowed himself to mirror her grin fully.
The corners of his lips lifted, his eyes sparkled, and for the first time since camp began, he laughed freely, genuinely.
Charlotte's laughter rang clear and joyous. She tilted her head, watching him, and then smiled. "Smile like this. A real smile, Lucas."
He held her gaze, feeling something shift, something light and comforting that had nothing to do with the stress of camp or the chatter of classmates. Just her, and the simplicity of that shared moment.
Outside, the morning sun highlighted the cabins, tents, and scattered students preparing for the day's activities. Charlotte glanced toward the open field where the rest of the campers had gathered, excitement and anticipation buzzing in the air.
Lucas nudged her lightly, still smiling. "Shall we go? There's more adventure waiting, and I promise not to burn breakfast this time."
Charlotte laughed again, grabbing her bag, and together they stepped from the cabin into the bright, promising morning.
Around them, classmates called out, grouped together for activities, and the campyard hummed with the beginning of a new day.
Her spirit was light. Lucas's smile was genuine. And for the first time, Charlotte felt like the forest, the cabins, and the laughter of friends had all aligned perfectly, just for her.