Bunkmates to Soulmates (summer camp romance)

A Sensual Encounter

Chapter 1

Ivan’s flight arrived in Milan at 14:20pm. He scanned through the airport with his hazelnut orbs, in search of the camp crew that was meant to pick him up. Ivan had worked at a few summer camps in the past, but never one as big as this one. You see, this year, Ivan would be working as a camp counsellor in the Italian city of Milan. It wouldn’t be a problem, if it weren’t for one fact. Milan was, no, is, the city where dreams come true. Ivan had never been the type to fall in love so easily, and he was certain that no woman, or man, would ever change that. In fact, he had closed himself off to the harsh realities of this world after discovering its true cruelty in his past relationship. In fact, the relationship had taken a toll on the both of them. His psycho ex-girlfriend left him numb and empty.

Ivan continued to roam the airport’s long, distant hallways as he searched for his team for the next few weeks, which now seemed like an eternity. He was anxious to discover who his roommate would be, as he hadn’t shared a room with someone in a long time. Not since, you know. As he walked on, his eyes met with those of another young man. For a minute, time seemed to stop. Ivan brushed his ebony black hair behind his ear and just stared for a good minute. The man had a lanky, slim figure and dark eyes that made his knees feel weak. The young man turned away, but Ivan kept staring. All of a sudden, common sense overcame him and he looked away, embarrassed.
“What was I thinking…?” He thought to himself in shame. He eventually found his fellow counsellors. It seemed that all was well, until Ivan saw the tall, beautiful man from earlier approaching.

“Got a little lost” he said. “I’m Claudio, it’s great to meet you.”
Ivan could feel goosebumps appearing on his skin and he looked down at his feet, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Claudio reached out his hand to greet him. Shaking slightly, Ivan shook his hand, gripping Claudio’s long, elegant and slender fingers.
“With hands like that.. he should try the piano..” Ivan thought to himself, resisting the urge to hold Claudio’s hand tight.
“No.. I mustn’t think like that..”
“So, are you new here?” Claudio asked.
“Yes..” Ivan replied nervously.
“Yes?”
“Yes”, confirmed Ivan. “Actually.. it’s my first time in Italy”
“First time?” Claudio chuckled. “Oh, you're gonna love it here. Lots of places to visit, and the camp ain’t even that bad”
“I- I sure hope so..”
Ivan looked at the handsome, dark haired man.
“Wow.. I can’t believe I'll be in the same room as this man for the next four weeks.. “
“So, should we get going?” He asked.
Ivan replied “W-well.. if it’s okay with you..”
“Then that’s perfect. There’s a car waiting for us outside”
Ivan nodded. The mere thought of sitting in the same car as this man was already enough to make his palms sweat. He walked alongside Claudio until they reached a white vehicle with the school logo. The pair got inside the car, and Ivan sat there, waiting nervously. Claudio didn’t seem to feel anything. He just looked relaxed, staring out the window as the cars passed by. Ivan watched in admiration. All he could ever have wanted was to live like this. Like a brave, dominant man. One without a worry in the world.
Suddenly, Claudio turned to look at Ivan.
“Were you staring?”, chuckled Claudio.
Ivan immediately looked away. “N-No of course not. I was just wondering.. I- I was just- forget it.. nevermind…”
Claudio looked away once more and Ivan sighed in embarrassment. He couldn’t believe that he had been so foolish, especially in front of such a powerful man.
Suddenly, they arrived at the school. Claudio stood up and left the car, waiting for Ivan to follow.