Can't Seem To Hide It

Fireside Confessions

Chapter 16:

After the teasing and laughter of the morning, the team settled into the rhythm of their camping trip. The day was spent hiking, swimming in the nearby lake, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Despite the playful ribbing from their teammates, Paige and Azzi stayed close, their bond growing even stronger.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the campsite in a warm, golden glow, the team gathered around the fire once again. The crackling flames and the smell of burning wood filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that invited quiet conversations and deeper reflections.

Kk, ever the one to stir the pot, decided it was the perfect time for a round of campfire confessions. "Alright, everyone," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Let's play a little game. We each have to share something we've never told anyone before. No holding back."

The group groaned in mock protest, but they all knew it was inevitable. They were a team, after all, and nothing brought them closer than sharing their secrets—especially under the stars with the fire flickering between them.

Ice volunteered to go first, leaning back in her camping chair with a smirk. "Okay, I'll start. Remember that time I said I didn't know who ate all the ice cream in the dorm? Yeah, that was me. I'm not even sorry."

The group burst into laughter, recalling the incident with fondness. It had been a small mystery for a while, with everyone pointing fingers, but now the truth was out.

Next was Aubrey, who shared a confession that made everyone gasp. "I still have a crush on one of our professors. It's totally harmless, but I swear, every time I see him, I forget how to talk."

They all giggled, teasing Aubrey for her academic infatuation, and the game continued with more lighthearted revelations. But as the turn passed to Paige, the mood shifted slightly. Everyone turned their attention to her, curious about what she might share.

Paige took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their expectations. She hadn't planned on revealing anything too personal, but as she looked around at the faces of her friends—her family—she felt the need to open up.

"Okay, so here's mine," Paige began, her voice steady but soft. "I've never really been the jealous type, you know? But... I guess I didn't realize how much I care until recently. Seeing Azzi with someone else, even if it's just for a project or something, makes me... well, it makes me realize how much she means to me. I never thought I'd be that person, but here I am."

The group was silent for a moment, absorbing Paige's words. Azzi, sitting beside her, looked at her with wide eyes, clearly touched by the confession. She reached out, taking Paige's hand in hers and squeezing it gently.

"I get it, Paige," Azzi said quietly, her voice filled with warmth. "And for the record, you don't have to worry about anyone else. You're the only one I care about."

Kk, sensing the emotion in the air, decided to lighten the mood. "Alright, enough with the sappy stuff! My turn, and I promise it's going to be good."

But before she could continue, Paige leaned in closer to Azzi, her voice barely a whisper as she added, "And just so you know, you don't have to worry about me either. I'm all yours."

Azzi blushed, her heart swelling with affection for Paige. The moment felt incredibly intimate, despite being surrounded by their teammates. They shared a look that spoke volumes, a silent understanding passing between them.

Kk's voice broke through the moment, and everyone turned their attention back to the game. But even as the confessions continued, the connection between Paige and Azzi remained strong, a subtle undercurrent that everyone else could sense but didn't interrupt.

As the night grew darker and the fire began to die down, the team slowly started to retreat to their tents. The mood had shifted from playful to contemplative, the day's adventures giving way to quiet reflection.

Before heading to bed, Paige and Azzi lingered by the fire for a few more moments, enjoying the last bit of warmth. They didn't need to say anything—their feelings were clear, and the bond they shared was stronger than ever.

When they finally retired to their tent, they lay side by side, listening to the sounds of the night. Paige reached out, entwining her fingers with Azzi's, and they fell asleep that way, content and at peace, knowing that whatever challenges they faced, they would face them together.