so highschool // tayvis oneshots

a summer to remember

a/n summer camp au :)) taylor is one year younger than travis <3 pure fluff hehe

The sun dipped low over the pine-covered hills,
casting long shadows across Camp Cedar Ridge.

It was the last place sixteen-year-old Taylor wanted to spend her summer. The teenager had envisioned her break in New York City, attending music workshops, exploring museums and sipping coffees in bustling cafés. Instead, she was stuck in the middle of nowhere, without her friends, surrounded by endless trees and a lake that looked as cold as it was vast.

Her parents had insisted it would be good for her. "A change of scenery, some fresh air.", her mother had said. Her parents had met in this exact summer camp and had always told her how magical it was there. Taylor didn't want to go but had no choice so she packed her guitar, notebook and a heart full of resentment.

On the first day, she trudged out of her cabin in an oversized sweatshirt, hoping to blend in and avoid any forced "camp spirit." Taylor shared a cabin with two other girls that went to the summer camp every year and were far too enthusiastic about all the outdoor activities. Their names were Brittany and Blake and they were full of energy, which gave Taylor a headache.

Meanwhile, in another corner of Camp Cedar Ridge, seventeen-year-old Travis was practically buzzing with excitement. He'd been coming to the camp for years as well and this was his first summer as a counselor-in-training. For Travis, this place was more than just a camp; it was a second home. The lake, the woods, the campfire songs- all of it felt like a part of him. The boy was determined to make this the best summer ever for everyone, especially himself.

The camp director, Mrs. Paine, gathered all the campers and counselors around the main lodge that morning. Her voice, seasoned with years of managing overexcited teenagers, boomed through the clearing. "Welcome to Camp Cedar Ridge! We're here to make memories, friends and have the best summer of our lives."

Travis was in the front row, eagerly clapping along with Mrs. Paine's enthusiasm. Taylor stood at the back, arms crossed and barely listening. She rolled her eyes and sighed, already counting down the days until she could go home.

Two days passed, Taylor spent most of her time avoiding the other campers, playing guitar by the lake or hiding out in her cabin. She was a natural at music. Her pencil seemed to move on its own, capturing the lyrics and melodies. Taylor kept to herself, watching the other campers form friendships, laughter, and throw themselves into camp activities with a fervor she couldn't muster.

Her roommates had tried to convince her to join them, but Taylor had always refused. She wasn't here to make friends. Hell, she wasn't even her on her own will to begin with.

One afternoon, as Taylor sat under her favorite oak tree near the water, strumming her guitar, Travis spotted her from the dock. He was leading a group of campers in a canoe race but couldn't help to notice the blonde, sitting there alone, her hand moving swiftly over a page. Curiosity peaked, he made a mental note to talk to her later.

When the race ended, Travis still dripping from a dramatic capsizing, made his way over. He flopped down next to her on the grass, flashing a friendly grin. "Hey there. I've seen you around but I don't think we've met. I'm Travis."

Taylor glanced up from her notebook, her brow furrowed. She wasn't sure what to make of the boy with sun-kissed skin and a face full of freckles. "Taylor." She said simply, returning her attention to her lyrics.

Travis peeked over her shoulder. "Wow, did you write that? That's really impressive. You're like a poet or something."

The girl hesitated, then muttered, "Thanks." She wasn't used to compliments from strangers, especially ones who seemed so... enthusiastic.