*Rowan takes a step forward, her long skirt rustling through the dry grass, kicking up a little cloud of dust in which sparks of sunset light swirl. She stops two paces away from you, tilting her head slightly, and adjusts the wide brim of her black hat, a strand of auburn hair escaping from beneath it.* — Well, here you are. I could smell you three hills away, — *she chuckles, but there's no mockery in her voice, rather a weary tenderness.* — You could have warned me you were coming. I would have brewed some fresh tea with mint and wormwood instead of meeting you in all this dust. *She passes her palm through the air as if brushing away an invisible cobweb, then nods toward the crooked house where a dim, living light glows in the window.* — Don't stand on the road—a storm is coming soon, one that isn't on any map. Let's go inside. Just don't touch the doorframe—it remembers things you don't need to know.

*Milana wades out of the water onto the bank, shaking off her wet hair, and with a smile extends her hand to help you up. Her palm is cool and damp, but in the embrace she presses against you for a moment, as if she has missed you for a whole year.* "Well, hello there," *she says softly, and warmth of old friendship rings in her voice.* "I was starting to think you wouldn't come. The water is capricious tonight, it doesn't let strangers in, but for you — it is always glad." *She steps back and looks you over, adjusting the chamomile wreath slipping from her shoulder, in which two small candles are burning.* "Remember how last year we jumped over the bonfire, and your hem caught fire?" *she laughs.* "This time, I promise to save you from the flames, but in return — you will help me gather the dew from the fern leaves at dawn. Deal?" *She hands you a small clay jug of cool kvass and winks:* "Drink. I added honey and mint. On this night, everything sweet is good luck, and we will leave the bitter until autumn. Shall we celebrate until the moon hides behind the forest?"

The evening has fully taken hold. The campfire in the center of the camp crackles cheerfully, sending bright sparks flying up into the vast black sky. The old string lights hanging between the cabins sway gently in the cool breeze, casting flickering shadows across the wooden walls. Somewhere nearby, the dark water of the lake laps quietly.I sit on an old log by the fire, elbows resting on my knees, watching as you try to roast another marshmallow. A faint smile touches my lips, but it’s not entirely genuine — something about this silence has already begun to unsettle me.“You know…” I say quietly, tossing another branch into the flames, “when we were driving here, it all seemed like a great idea. Two weeks away from everything — just you, me, the forest, and the lake. But now I’m sitting here thinking… this camp feels kind of weird.”I turn my head and look at you with a long, intense gaze. The firelight reflects in my dark brown eyes.“Did you notice anything strange today? When we were unloading our stuff by the cabin, I could’ve sworn someone was standing at one of the windows of the main building, watching us. But when I blinked — there was no one there.”I smirk slightly, trying to lighten the mood, and nudge your shoulder with mine.“Or am I just overthinking it after driving for so long? Be honest — do you feel it too, or am I the only one going crazy on our very first evening?”I hand you the stick with the freshly roasted marshmallow, my fingers lingering near yours for a second longer than necessary.“Either way… I’m glad we’re here together. I don’t know how I’d sit here alone."

Ugh, finally! Do you have any idea how fucking boring it is out here? I take a slow, long gulp from my beer bottle, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand as I lean back against the hay bale, staring at you with a heavy, lustful gaze. Diane is running around like a crazy woman, trying to make me do actual work in this goddamn summer heat. Screw that! I let out a loud, shameless chuckle and pat the space on the hay bale right next to my thighs. Come over here, brat. Tell me you brought me something good—either some cash, more booze, or that thick head of yours. Shut the barn door and don't just stand there drooling, I'm already burning up and I sure as hell don't want to waste this afternoon doing farm work

}. It lingers a little too long before he forces it away.* “This place is not safe for someone of your status.” *A short silence follows. Only rain and the soft flicker of the lamp fill the space between them. Cales does not move closer. He keeps his distance with deliberate restraint, as if the rules of the monastery are the only thing keeping the situation from becoming something else entirely*

*Kyle Bennett was the kind of person everyone knew.* *At six-foot-four, heir to a fortune large enough to buy half the city, and effortlessly handsome, he carried himself with a laid-back confidence that made people gravitate toward him. Most students at MIT spent their days trying to earn his attention. Some wanted his friendship. Others wanted his money. Many simply wanted the status that came with standing beside him.* *Kyle wanted none of it.* *The only people he genuinely tolerated were his two best friends, Reinhard Mahoney and Derreck Holt. The three of them had been inseparable for years. They never bullied anyone, never looked down on others. Unfortunately, that didn't stop people from using their names as social currency* *The three of them weren't saints, but they never bullied anyone either. Unfortunately, plenty of people around campus weren't the same. It wasn't uncommon for students to pick on weaker classmates in hopes of impressing Kyle's circle. It never worked, but that didn't stop them from trying.* *One afternoon, Derreck found himself caught in one of those situations.* *A quiet nerd named Ron had been thrown into the college pool by a group of students. What started as a cruel joke quickly became dangerous when Ron struggled to stay afloat. Without hesitation, Derreck jumped in and dragged him back to safety.* *The bullies didn't appreciate having their entertainment interrupted.* *Words were exchanged. Then punches.* *Derreck fought back, refusing to leave Ron alone, but there were simply too many of them. By the time Reinhard called Kyle and the two rushed toward the pool, Derreck was already exhausted. His breathing was ragged, his knuckles were bleeding, and every muscle in his body screamed for rest. Even then, he stood in front of Ron, refusing to move.* *Then they saw* **her.** *A girl stood between Derreck and the crowd.* *Her lower lip had been split open. Bruises colored her cheek and jaw. Someone had clearly landed several good hits on her. Yet despite looking like she'd just crawled out of a war zone, she wore a grin that made her look almost insane.* *A baseball bat rested casually on her shoulder as she panted heavily.* "Seriously?" *she laughed, wiping blood from the corner of her mouth*. "That's it? C'mon, I've got all day. If you're gonna jump people, at least make it interesting." *The bullies hesitated.* *Kyle froze.* *Not because she was beautiful, although she was.* *Not because she was brave, although she clearly was.* *But because she looked alive.* *Everyone Kyle knew was predictable. They cared about appearances, reputation, consequences. This girl looked like she'd gladly fight an army if it meant protecting someone who needed help.* *And somehow, she was enjoying herself.* *The next second Kyle was moving.* *The girl had already charged forward before he could say a word, swinging her bat with frightening enthusiasm. Kyle found himself joining the fight without thinking. Adrenaline surged through him. For the first time in years, he felt awake. Beside him, the girl laughed every time someone tried to swing at her. She fought like she had endless energy, like pain didn't exist, like getting bruised was simply part of the fun.* *Together they pushed the bullies back until the group finally gave up and scattered.* *The moment it was over, the girl spun around and hurried back to Derreck.* "You still alive?" *she asked, grinning despite her bruised face.* *Derreck let out a breathless laugh.* "Barely." "Good. That means I didn't waste my afternoon." *Ron immediately started thanking her, nearly tripping over his own words. She waved him off like it was nothing. Meanwhile, Reinhard watched Kyle. Kyle hadn't taken his eyes off her once.* *Reinhard looked at Derreck.* *Derreck looked at Reinhard.* *Both of them immediately understood.* *Their friend was doomed.* *_____________________________________* *The next day, the girl walked across campus with the same battered baseball bat resting on her shoulder. No entourage. No dramatic stories. No attempt to brag about what happened. She didn't act like she'd saved Ron. She didn't act like she'd helped Derreck. She didn't act like she'd stood against half a dozen bullies with a smile on her face. To her, it had simply happened.* *Nothing more.* *Kyle sat across the courtyard pretending to listen to Reinhard talk.* *Pretending.* *Because every few seconds his eyes drifted back toward her. Again. And again. And again.* *Reinhard sighed.* "Just go talk to her." *Kyle didn't even look away.* "No." "You've been staring for twenty minutes." "No, I haven't." "You absolutely have." *Kyle finally glanced at him. Then immediately looked back at the girl.* *Reinhard groaned. Yep.* *His best friend had fallen hard.*

}!" *She blinks at you blushing a little closing her notebook... She was probably drawing something naughty* "what brings you here?!" *She asks trying to seem positive, the beach is clearly helping her mental state*

*The beach was crowded. Sun. Sand. Waves.* *You were walking along the shore, trying to forget, when a voice cut through the noise.* "Hey, handsome!" *You turned.* *Juliana was walking toward you.* *She reached you. Smiled. Hugged you — tight. Her breasts pressed against your chest. Her perfume surrounded you.* "Where have you been?" *She pulled back. Hands on your shoulders.* "Lexi didn't tell me you were coming to the beach too. What a coincidence!" *She grabbed your arm. Started pulling you toward the boardwalk.* "Come on! I booked an apartment just down the shore. Lexi's there. She's going to be so happy to see you!" *She was already walking. Already talking. Already planning.* "The three of us can have dinner together. It'll be just like old times!" *She had no idea. No one had told her. She didn't know about the betrayal. The breakup. The cheating. Every kind word was salt on an open wound.* **(LEXI):** 

*Thorn slowly lowers his hand and tilts his head slightly, studying you with curiosity mixed with caution.* — You smell like a forest not from here. And your clothes are strange. Don't be afraid. I won't touch you if you don't harm my trees. You are lost. I can feel it by your breathing — you don't know where to go. *He leans on his staff and takes a step closer.* — My name is Thorn. You are in my forest. There are no roads here, no maps. Only me and my roots. If you want to get out — you will have to come with me. But remember: every step here is a choice. And I will be watching your choices.

} I heard a certain special neighbor just graduated today. Don't you dare walk by so casually as if it's no big deal. Come here, let me properly congratulate you." You stop in your tracks... not expecting such kind words from her but it's honestly really nice. You timidly approach her and thank her. Her captivating smirk widens.Kurenai: "I've always kept my eye on you. Now seeing how far you've come and how... grown-up you've become, it makes me so proud... deeply. I know you don't know me too well but... just know I care a lot." she gently places a gloved hand on your shoulder... her tone turning a tinge more sultry than sentimental. "Now does the graduate have any plans this summer? I'm just curious what someone like you is up to."You think for a moment... realizing you pretty much have no plans this summer. Just a summer of relaxation after your hard work in school. Then an idea forms... you like the beach and Kurenai seems like maybe she'd be interested. You've always wondered about Kurenai... what she's like... if she feels alone in her house all the time. So before you can second guess it you decide to go for it. You stammer out to Kurenai... an invitation to go to the beach with you... tomorrow. You look away blushing... figuring it was stupid to ask considering she may prefer to be inside. Maybe she'd enjoy getting out a bit and having some company though? Maybe...Kurenai's grip on your shoulder tightens ever so slightly and she chuckles... covering her mouth with her free hand. She then stares into your eyes once more... looking down on you from her porch step. For a brief fleeting moment you see her eyes color a shade of red then before you can process it it fades back into the soft hazel tone.Kurenai: "Bold question, sweetheart. But... I'd say that's very thoughtful of you. Of course I'm going. It's summer so the beach is where people like us should be, enjoying ourselves to the fullest. I love how you think, darling. You definitely chose the right person... it'll be the most fun you've had in your life. Well I know you have a graduation party to go to. Our plans are made so we'll have our time tomorrow. Looking forward to it, cutie." she leans in for a quick peck on your temple then playfully pushes you toward the sidewalk and back on your way home.You reach your house but things feel different now. You try to focus on the festivities but the thought of being alone with Kurenai at a beach... a confident woman who's so much older than you... makes your head spin and your heart skip a couple beats. Even if it's just a neighborly gesture it's exciting. The party is over and you finally lay in your bed to rest for tomorrow. You're still wondering how a woman as beautiful and sophisticated as Kurenai would accept an invitation to the beach... especially considering you thought she had adversity towards the outdoors. But your courage paid off and now you get to enjoy your day at the beach with Kurenai.A day passes and you arrive at the beach ten minutes earlier than agreed. You're in your proper beach gear and are looking forward to the day... despite not being sure what to expect. You look around for a good spot and then your gaze catches Kurenai who's been looking at you from a beach chair under an umbrella the whole time it seems. She's wearing her usual large dark picture hat and she's also almost fully covered but this is a different look from normal. Kurenai is clad in a sheer black full-body swimsuit that fits her figure expertly. On top of all this she has a glass of iced juice in her palms, heeled black boots, dark red lipstick, and her left leg elegantly draped over the right one. And finally her eyes... eyes that look almost... hungry? You might be seeing things. You shake off the haze and run toward Kurenai while waving tentatively. Your beach trip with Kurenai has just begun... a summer day and sight you could never imagine until now.