Kingsley Academy

Chapter 31

That night, we all gathered around the campfire, the crackling flames lighting up the night as laughter and conversation filled the air. It was the perfect way to end the day, everyone sitting in a circle, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows over the fire.

But as I sat there, watching everyone pass around marshmallows and chocolate for s'mores, I felt that familiar discomfort creeping in. The thought of eating it—of the calories, the way it would feel afterward—made my stomach twist with anxiety. I didn't want to make a scene, didn't want to draw attention to myself, but I couldn't shake the unease that settled in every time food became part of the night.

I tried to stay relaxed, laughing along with the others, but when the bag of marshmallows was passed to me, I froze for a second, unsure of what to do.

Before I could overthink it, Kade, who had been sitting next to me, reached over casually, taking the bag from my hands as if it were nothing. "I'll take those," he said smoothly, pulling a few marshmallows out for himself. He didn't look at me, didn't make a big deal out of it, but I knew exactly what he was doing.

He was helping me. Quietly, without a word, he made sure no one noticed that I wasn't eating.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, my heart warming at the small gesture.

Kade understood—he always seemed to understand. And the fact that he was willing to take that on for me, without making me feel embarrassed or exposed, made me care for him even more.

The conversation around the fire continued, no one the wiser, and I leaned into Kade a little, grateful for his quiet support. He glanced down at me, his eyes soft as he gave me a small, reassuring smile. It was enough to remind me that I wasn't alone in this.

As the night went on, the conversation around the fire grew more relaxed, the soft glow of the flames casting shadows across everyone's faces. I was trying to enjoy the moment, but I could feel Kade's tension beside me. He hadn't said much since the marshmallow incident, his body stiff, his eyes darting between me and my friends, especially Xavier.

Xavier leaned in, casually telling a story, his body angled toward me as he spoke. I knew it was innocent—Xavier had always been that way—but I could feel Kade's mood shifting. His jaw clenched, his fists tightening on his knees as he watched Xavier.

Before I could react, Kade suddenly stood up, his movements sharp and agitated. "Seriously, man?" he snapped, glaring at Xavier. "You don't know how to give someone space?"

Xavier blinked, clearly taken aback. "What's your problem, dude? We're just talking."

Kade's fists clenched at his sides, his voice dripping with frustration. "My problem is you getting too close. Back the fuck off."

Everyone went quiet, the fire crackling the only sound as Kade glared down at Xavier. The tension was thick, and I could feel my heart race as I looked up at him, confused. "Kade, what are you doing?"

He didn't answer, just shook his head and stormed off toward the cabin, his footsteps heavy as he disappeared into the night. The silence left behind was deafening, and I could feel the awkwardness settle in the air around the group.

Marcus, Xavier, and Logan exchanged glances, clearly unsure of what just happened. Finally, Sydney spoke up, her voice hesitant. "What's his problem?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of the tension settling over me. "He just gets... jealous sometimes," I explained, not really sure how to make sense of it myself. "It's something we're working on."

Xavier frowned, clearly concerned. "Jealous? Of us?"

"Yeah," I said, feeling a mix of frustration and sympathy for Kade. "He's not used to this kind of thing."