𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫? - 𝐓𝐌𝐑 𝐀𝐔, 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐨

030 - okay... nevermind

Who convinced Braedyn to not go to art today? Me. Who was he going to hang out with? Newt. Who is he going to hang out with now, as Newt backed out? Me.

Yay.

My feet pound on the ground as I walk towards Braedyn's cabin. The rest of our friends are going to art. Well, maybe not Newt. I don't have a clue where he's going, but I don't care either.

When I reach the cabin, I bring my fist up to the door and pound on it three times.

"Who is it?" Braedyn's voice sounds from inside.

"It's me," I call back. "Can I come in?"

"One second!"

I wait around fifteen seconds before the door swings open.

"Hey," he greets me, his lips in a wide smile. "What's up?"

"Hi," I grab his wrist and take him outside. "Where do you want to go? We have to make sure we aren't seen."

He nods. "Right. We could hang out with Brenda?" He suggests. "As in, we could go meet her by her tent."

"Alright." I turn around in the direction of Brenda's tent. "Let's go."

Just as we said, we walk towards Brenda's tent, passing through branches and leaves.

On the way there, we stumble upon our lake.

I glance at Braedyn, and our eyes meet. I scan his expression and can easily tell he is thinking that same thing as me—let's stay here and talk.

I sit down at our usual spot, and naturally I begin kicking my feet in the cool water. I feel Braedyn's presence as he sits down next to me, though he doesn't feel the water.

"How've things been going with Newt?" I ask him.

Braedyn shrugs, his cheeks catching a colour. "Pretty good. I think he likes me."

"Well, no shit." I playfully nudge him. "You're literally dating, of course he likes you!"

"We aren't dating," Braedyn tells me, looking at me as if I'm crazy. "We never were."

"You guys have kissed multiple times, though," I remind him.

"So have you and Minho." Braedyn raises an eyebrow at me. "Are you trying to tell me you guys are dating?"

We would be, but I got death threats.

I shake my head, my smile less than before. "No, no, no. That's different..." We received notes from my stalker.

"Sure," Braedyn teases, grinning at me. I feel the need to force a smile in response.

A comfortable silence consumes us and I take in the feeling of nature around us. The feeling of water on my skin. The faint sound of trees rustles from the breeze, the songs from the birds. The smell of freedom. Everything mixed together relaxes me. And it's amazing.

"So," I start, breaking the silence. "Do you ever think about what you're going to do after this trip?"

It's just a school camp, what am I talking about?

He shrugs. "I guess. Probably just go back to the usual routine, you know? School, seeing my other friends again. Overall, just the usual."

I nod. "Yeah, same. It's not that exciting, but it's kind of nice to think about getting back to normal stuff."

It will never be normal again.

"Right," Braedyn agrees, nodding as his gaze travels over the lake, examining it as if he wants to stay here forever. "Like, I kinda miss being able to sleep in my own bed."

I laugh. "Exactly. As much as I love being out here, nothing beats a comfy bed."

I don't love being out here. I want to go home.

He grins. "And a real meal."

I smile back. "Oh, definitely. The second I get home, I'm raiding the fridge."

He chuckles, leaning back on his hands. "That's the plan. What's the first thing you're going to eat?"

"Pizza," I say immediately. "No question."

Braedyn laughs again. "You've really thought this through, huh?"

"Of course," I reply, glancing out at the water. "Speaking of food, I'm hungry," I complain. "Can we go steal some? Please."

"Alright." Braedyn stands up, holding his hand out for me.

I take it, pulling myself up. We walk through the forest, on our way to take food. The feeling of nature never disappears as we walk.

The feeling of Tyler watching me never disappears. Ever.

The birds chirp as we pass them. My hand runs over a tree beside me. I inhale the fresh air, glad for the break.

It's not a break. I'm not glad. I hate this.

When we reach camp, I take a step towards the staff kitchen, but Braedyn stops me.

"Wait," he says, taking my wrist softly. "I need to go get my phone. Can you come with me?"

I nod. "Yeah, sure."

I change the direction I'm going to walk in so I'm heading towards Braedyn's cabin. When we reach the door, I pull it open, assuming everyone else is at art. The door swings open to reveal two people. Newt, and Astrid.

"What?" Braedyn murmurs as soon as he sees them.

Astrid glances at us, and her expression changes. She reaches forward to grab Newt's collar, pulling him towards her so their lips connect.

Braedyn and I stare in horror as he kisses back.

Braedyn doesn't deserve this.

"Newt," he mutters from beside me.

At his voice, Newt lets go from Astrid, his gaze switching to Braedyn. "Oh, Braedyn! I—"

"Save it," Braedyn interrupts, his voice breaking with every word. I steal a glance towards him and watch as the tears that have already formed roll down his pale cheeks.

Poor guy.

"Let's go," I say, taking Braedyn's wrist.

"No." He stops me, taking a step towards Newt. Before I can process what's happening, he punches Newt.

I'm the best role model, aren't I?

"Fuck you!" Braedyn yells, running out of the cabin.

I glance back at the two, flipping them off as I run towards my best friend.

I already knew Astrid was horrible, but this is really far.

She'll get what she deserves.

One day. One day she will.

(A/N)
we love Newt, don't we?
Well, I do.

Oh! And I know Newt's gay, but in this he's bi. I hope that's okay! x

- Ivy