The unsettling noises that echoed through the forest left the group rattled. Though they never identified the source, Professor Alden insisted it was likely just animals. Still, as the night deepened, everyone remained on edge. Asher, Bella, and Ethan were more vigilant, instinctively protective over each other in this unfamiliar wilderness. They helped reassure their classmates and double-checked that everyone was safe before deciding to turn in for the night.
When it came time to sleep, however, they encountered a problem. One of the tents was found ripped at the seam, likely damaged during setup. The professor suggested doubling up in tents for safety and to keep warm, given the unexpected chill that had settled in. Bella was assigned to share with Ethan and Asher—a decision that left her heart racing with equal parts excitement and anxiety. She tried to brush it off, knowing she needed to stay in character as Ben, but the weight of the situation pressed on her mind.
With the group divided into makeshift arrangements, Bella joined Ethan and Asher in their tent, carrying her sleeping bag and trying to project a calm, collected demeanor. She knew she’d have to keep her composure; any hint of nervousness would only raise questions.
“Alright, Ben, you get the middle spot,” Ethan announced as they arranged their sleeping bags inside the tent. “Otherwise, Asher might just steal all the space.”
Asher raised an eyebrow. “I don’t hog space. If anything, you’re the one who’ll be thrashing around and keeping us up all night.”
Ethan laughed, unbothered. “Admit it, Asher. You’re secretly thrilled to share a tent with us.”
Bella smirked, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. “I’ll just make sure neither of you snores too loudly,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light. She settled between them, the warmth of their bodies radiating close, a reminder of just how small the space was.
They all lay down, adjusting their sleeping bags, the weight of the evening settling over them. Outside, the forest was alive with the nocturnal sounds of insects, the occasional rustle of leaves, and the distant hoot of an owl. Despite the close quarters, Bella found comfort in the natural symphony, its steady rhythm helping to soothe her nerves.
For a moment, the tent was silent, each of them lost in their thoughts. The closeness felt almost too intimate, Bella hyper-aware of the rise and fall of Asher’s breathing on one side, Ethan’s subtle movements on the other. She could feel her pulse quicken as she lay there, trying to calm herself.
Ethan, of course, broke the silence first. “So, Ben,” he began, his voice low and mischievous, “got any other scary stories to share? Something to keep us awake?”
Bella chuckled, rolling her eyes. “I think we’ve had enough excitement for one night, don’t you?”
“Agreed,” Asher chimed in, his voice calm and grounding. “Let’s try to actually sleep. We’ve got an early hike tomorrow.”
Ethan grumbled but finally settled down. For a moment, it seemed as though sleep might come, but Bella found her mind wandering as she lay between them. Memories of the evening—the laughter, the stories, the tension—whirled in her thoughts. It was impossible to ignore how different Asher and Ethan were, yet how they both made her feel seen and valued in distinct ways.
Just when she thought she might drift off, Ethan shifted closer, his arm brushing against hers. “It’s nice to have a little adventure, don’t you think?” he whispered, his voice carrying an edge of excitement even in the quiet.
Bella swallowed, nodding. “Yeah, it is. Even if it’s… unconventional.”
Asher, who was half-awake, murmured, “Adventure’s fine, as long as we all make it through in one piece.” He opened one eye, casting a teasing glance at Ethan. “No more midnight exploration ideas, alright?”
“Hey, I wasn’t planning anything… yet,” Ethan replied with a mischievous smile, his eyes glinting in the dim light. He turned his gaze back to Bella, his voice softer this time. “I don’t mind this whole camping thing, though. It’s nice to have people I trust around.”
Bella’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She felt a similar bond, one that had grown stronger despite the secrets she still kept from them. It felt rare to find people she could rely on, even as she juggled her hidden identity.
“I feel the same,” she admitted, keeping her tone steady. She didn’t dare look at either of them, afraid her eyes might betray too much.
A comfortable silence followed, the weight of unspoken words filling the space between them. Asher broke it this time, his voice a low murmur. “I’m glad we’re here together, too. It’s been… different, having you around, Ben.”
Bella’s breath caught in her chest. She knew Asher wasn’t one to voice such sentiments lightly, and his words carried a depth that surprised her.
“Different good or different bad?” she asked, attempting to keep her tone light.
He gave a faint smile, his gaze drifting to the ceiling of the tent. “Definitely good,” he said softly, his honesty catching her off guard.
In that moment, Bella felt the weight of her hidden identity more than ever. She wished she could be her true self, without the disguise of “Ben,” but she knew the timing wasn’t right. The stakes were high, and the fear of how they’d react kept her quiet.
The warmth of Ethan’s arm against hers, Asher’s steady presence on her other side—it was a comfort she hadn’t realized she craved. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to believe in the possibility that they might accept her, even if they knew the truth. But reality returned just as quickly, reminding her of the complications and consequences that could follow.
“Goodnight, guys,” Bella whispered, trying to settle her racing thoughts.
“Goodnight,” Asher replied, his voice soft and reassuring.
“Sweet dreams, Ben,” Ethan added, a playful lilt in his tone. “Try not to miss me too much if you wake up before I do.”
Bella let out a small laugh, closing her eyes and feeling a warmth that went beyond the shared tent. In the quiet darkness, surrounded by two people she cared for deeply, she allowed herself to relax.
