Kate POV:
The morning when I woke up I found myself with Kevin who was hugging me like I am his plushie,I slowly removed my hand and packed my bags because to we were going on a hike I was so happy after I got ready I saw Kevin who was still sleeping I knew the bus will be going very soon so I tried to wake him up but he wont wake up not in thousand years after a while he woke up greeted and went to get ready that was fast we got ready and entered the bus everything was good but then I was more happy because Sasha isn't with us or else she would be sticking to Kevin and I hate it.The mountain trail stretches ahead, steep and winding, and the crisp air fills my lungs. Snow patches glimmer along the path, and I pull my jacket tighter, tucking my bunny cap over my ears. Kevin walks beside me, carrying more gear than anyone else, his usual calm expression on his face.
Michael lags behind, slipping on hidden ice. "Hey! Watch out, I don't want to become your snowman!" he shouts, flailing. I laugh and shove him lightly. He retaliates with a snowball, and soon we are both laughing and slipping on icy patches. Kevin watches silently, his hands stuffed in his pockets, his expression neutral but alert, occasionally raising an eyebrow at our antics.
Partway up the trail, Sasha appears. She strolls along casually, a familiar smirk on her face. "Kevin. Fancy seeing you here," she says cheerfully.
Kevin glances at her, expression unchanged. "Sasha. I know you're coming. We go to the same school, remember?" His tone is dry, almost sarcastic, as if he's mildly amused by her presence.
Sasha laughs softly. "Of course, I just thought I'd join the hike. Hope you don't mind."
My stomach tightens. Her casual friendliness toward Kevin makes me feel… possessive, even though I know he's not surprised. He stays composed, polite, but his sarcastic undertone keeps her at a distance. My feelings twist into jealousy, sharp and hot, but I keep my cool outwardly, pretending it doesn't affect me.
Michael nudges me, noticing my glare. "Jealous much?" he teases. I glare at him, trying not to smile at how spot-on he is.
The hike continues, the path becoming trickier as we near a small icy stream. Kevin keeps an eye on me, his hand brushing mine when I slip slightly. "Careful. You've got this," he says, his voice cold but steady, almost detached, yet protective.
I nod, gripping his hand, feeling my chest thrum despite his composed tone.
Finally, we reach the clearing near the top. The view spreads out below us, hills and forests glinting in sunlight and snow. Everyone collapses near the clearing, laughing and teasing each other about slips and stumbles. Michael falls into the snow with a dramatic groan, and we all laugh until our sides ache.
Kevin stands nearby, hands in his pockets, watching with that same composed, unreadable expression. He isn't flustered, but I notice how his eyes occasionally find mine, steady and attentive. Sasha is chatting with someone else, laughing lightly, but Kevin's sarcasm keeps the situation under control.
We start unpacking gear, brushing snow off jackets, and preparing to set up the campsite. The cold air bites at our fingers, but the laughter and chatter of our friends warm the clearing. I glance at Kevin, noticing his careful watch over everyone, and I feel a quiet mix of admiration and longing.
The mountain clearing feels like a promise. We are tired, happy, and ready for the next part of the adventure: setting up our tents and starting our night under the stars.