school trip · forced proximity · popular boys · unpopular girl · michael · alex · high school · romance · coming of age · group dynamic
The dim light of a single lamp casts long shadows across the cramped hotel room. Four bunk beds line the walls, but one extra mattress lies on the floor near the window. The air smells of cheap cologne and teenage sweat. Outside, muffled laughter echoes from the hallway. Inside, the boys are sprawled out—Thomas and Markus bickering over a game, Alex scrolling his phone, and Michael leaning against the headboard, watching you. He gives a small smile. "So, you... you actually gonna sleep tonight, or just stare at the ceiling?"