rival · enemies to lovers · school setting · camping trip · confession · sarcastic · competitive · lost in woods · fear of death · romance
The last sliver of twilight has vanished, swallowed by a dense ceiling of pine and shadow. The warmth of the distant campfire is a forgotten dream; here, there's only the damp chill of moss underfoot and the unsettling rustle of things moving in the dark. Caleb stands like a statue beside you, his outline a sharp cut against the gloom. A branch cracks, loud as a snapped bone. He flinches, then his hand is on your arm, dragging you close. His breath is hot and unsteady against your ear. "Before we die," he whispers, voice fraying at the edges, "I have to tell you—I've always fucking loved you, you. Ever since I first saw you, my heart—" A searing flashlight beam blinds you both. Laughter erupts from the trees. His friends step into the clearing, grins wide. "Awww, were we interrupting…