Between Us

The Trip to Lone Rock

The school bus rumbled down the highway, filled with chatter, laughter, and the occasional annoyed sigh from the teachers attempting to maintain order. Spring break had finally arrived, and the entire senior class was on their way to Lone Rock Retreat in Colorado—a weeklong escape into nature and a much-needed break from school.

Julio sat in the window seat, legs crossed, his phone in hand as he scrolled aimlessly. Zander was sprawled beside him, his long legs taking up more space than necessary, earning an occasional glare from Julio.

"You're so tense," Zander said, leaning closer and resting his chin on Julio's shoulder. "It's just a little trip. Relax."

Julio shot him a look. "I'll relax when we get there and I know who's sharing our cabin. If I'm stuck with annoying people, I'm blaming you."

Across the aisle, Konner and Jayden sat side by side, deep in conversation. Jayden had a notebook open, already scribbling plans for the week, while Konner leaned against the window, occasionally glancing over with a small smile.

"You know this is supposed to be relaxing, right?" Konner teased, watching Jayden's pen move furiously across the page.

Jayden looked up, smirking. "Relaxing doesn't mean disorganized. I'm making a list of things we can do when we're there."

Konner leaned over, reading the notes upside down. "Hiking, kayaking, stargazing... oh, and a scavenger hunt? You really don't stop, do you?"

"I like to be prepared," Jayden replied with a shrug. "Plus, if we don't have a plan, we'll just end up sitting around doing nothing."

Konner chuckled. "I'm okay with sitting around doing nothing if it's with you."

Jayden rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the faint blush creeping up his cheeks.

From the back of the bus, Juni's voice carried over the noise. "Alright, listen up, losers! I'm hosting a game night in my cabin tonight, and everyone's invited. Bring snacks or don't come!"

"Game night with you?" Nikko called back. "I'd rather wrestle a bear."

The bus erupted into laughter, and Juni flipped him off with a grin.

---

Arriving at Lone Rock Retreat

Forty-six minutes later, the bus pulled into the retreat. Towering pine trees surrounded a cluster of rustic cabins, and in the distance, a sparkling lake reflected the sunlight. Everyone piled off the bus, grabbing their bags and looking around in awe.

"Damn, this place is nice," Zander said, slinging his duffel bag over his shoulder. "Could get used to this."

Julio shielded his eyes from the sun as he surveyed the cabins. "I hope they're as nice on the inside. I'm not about to sleep somewhere with spiders."

Zander snorted. "You'll be fine, princess. If a spider shows up, I'll protect you."

Julio rolled his eyes but looped his arm through Zander's anyway.

The teachers began handing out cabin assignments, and soon, Julio and Zander found themselves paired with Konner and Jayden.

"Looks like we're roommates," Zander said, clapping Konner on the back.

Jayden raised an eyebrow at Julio. "You okay with this?"

"As long as Zander doesn't hog the bathroom, we'll survive," Julio replied, though the playful tone in his voice betrayed his excitement.

The four of them made their way to their cabin, which was nestled at the edge of the retreat, offering a bit of privacy. The log cabin was cozy, with two bedrooms, a small common area, and a porch that overlooked the forest.

"This is cute," Julio admitted as they stepped inside, setting his bag down in the living room.

Zander wrapped an arm around his waist. "Told you it'd be fine, baby."

Jayden and Konner took the second bedroom, and soon the group was unpacking and settling in.

"Okay," Jayden said, clapping his hands together after finishing. "What's the plan for the rest of the day?"

"Nap," Konner said, flopping onto the couch.

"Hiking," Zander countered, leaning against the doorframe.

"Unpacking and finding where the snacks are," Julio said, rummaging through his bag.

Jayden sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You guys are impossible."

"You love us," Konner teased, earning a playful shove from Jayden.

As the sun began to go down below the horizon, the four of them stepped out onto the porch, looking out at the forest. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine, and the promise of a week full of adventure stretched out before them.

"Here's to surviving the week without killing each other," Zander said, holding up an imaginary toast.

Julio smirked, leaning against him. "I'm not making any promises."

The group laughed, the tension of the school year melting away as they stood together, ready to take on whatever the retreat had in store.