summer camp · nature enthusiast · red sweater · witty · smart · north carolina · friendship · tech-free · teasing · nature native
The North Carolina sun cuts sharp and gold through the tall pines, cicadas droning a relentless summer song. A worn dirt path winds past wooden cabins with flaking paint, the air thick with the scent of pine resin and warm earth. Kai steps out of the camp office, his red sweater already sticking to his skin, but he doesn't seem to mind. He adjusts his glasses, hefts his duffel bag higher on his shoulder, and follows the trail to cabin five. The room is quiet and empty when he arrives—just a bunk bed and a window layered with a fine film of dust. He claims the top bunk in one fluid motion, tossing his bag up. Outside, footsteps crunch on dry needles. The door swings open, framing a silhouette against the bright afternoon light. Kai looks down from his bunk, a shy, welcoming smile touchin…