The mountain clearing is alive with laughter. Snow blankets the ground, sparkling in the pale sunlight, and the air is sharp and cold. I pull my jacket tighter, adjusting my bunny cap over my ears, and grin at Michael as he charges at me with a snowball. I dodge just in time and retaliate, laughing as he slips on a patch of ice and falls into a soft mound of snow.
Kevin watches quietly from nearby, arms folded, his calm, unreadable expression fixed on us. But I notice the faint twitch of his lips when Michael gets too close to me. A sudden jolt of realization hits me Kevin is jealous. I freeze mid-laugh for a moment, my chest tightening. The idea shocks me. Kevin, always composed, actually has feelings for me.
I glance at him again. His sharp eyes are on me, steady and unwavering. He isn't flustered, only alert and protective. My stomach twists in disbelief, excitement bubbling up before I can control it.
Michael notices and nudges me with a teasing grin. "Uh oh, looks like someone's jealous," he says. I glare at him but can't stop a small laugh, feeling my cheeks warm.
We continue hiking through the snowy patches, slipping and sliding, building small snowmen along the way. Kevin keeps an eye on me, occasionally brushing his hand against mine when I stumble. "Careful. You've got this," he says, his voice calm but firm, almost detached, yet protective. I nod, gripping his hand, my heart thudding with the realization of how much he cares.
When we finally reach the clearing for our campsite, everyone collapses near the snow, laughing and teasing each other about who slid the worst. Michael falls dramatically into a pile of snow, and I can't stop laughing. Kevin stands nearby, composed and observant, watching me with those steady eyes that feel like they see everything.
We start unpacking the gear, brushing snow off jackets, and setting up tents. Kevin works beside me, offering small, helpful hints. His hand brushes mine now and then, deliberately or not, and each time it makes me shiver. There's a subtle playfulness in his expression when he smirks at my struggles with a tent pole.
Once the tents are up, we build a bonfire. Flames crackle and throw dancing shadows over the snow and our flushed faces. We roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate from metal mugs, the warmth of the drink spreading through me. Kevin leans close while passing me food, his fingers brushing mine. His calm, dry sarcasm makes me laugh quietly, and each small interaction makes my heart race.
As night deepens, most of the friends retreat to their tents. Kevin stays close, leaning against a log beside me. I wrap a blanket around my shoulders, shivering slightly, and we talk quietly about everything and nothing. I notice how his eyes soften when he looks at me, how every gesture seems intentional. My chest tightens, and I realize fully that he cares for me in a way I never expected.
Hours pass, and the world around us is silent except for the distant whisper of wind and the crackling fire. I step a little away to watch the stars, the snow glowing faintly under the light. Kevin follows, quiet, standing just close enough that I feel his warmth without him crowding me.
"You shouldn't wander alone," he says, his voice low, steady, and slightly sarcastic.
"I just wanted to see the stars," I reply, trying to sound casual, though my voice trembles slightly.
The sky begins to lighten as the first hints of sunrise peek over the horizon. I laugh, spinning in joy as the golden light spills across the snow. Before I even realize what's happening, Kevin's hand finds mine, curling around it gently to steady me. And then, unexpectedly, his lips are on mine.
Shock seizes me. I freeze completely, my body stiff, my mind scrambling. The world seems to pause. His lips are warm and firm, but gentle, and my heart races in disbelief. I had sensed his feelings, yes, but I never imagined this, not now, not like this.
I pull back slightly, my eyes wide, cheeks burning. Kevin smiles softly, as calm and attentive as ever, but there's something different in his eyes now — something tender and unspoken. I realize, with awe and a little disbelief, that he feels the same way I do.
The sun rises fully, spilling golden light over the snowy hills. I laugh softly, breathless, still holding his hand. Kevin's presence beside me is grounding and warm. For the first time in a long while, I feel completely seen, cherished, and shocked in the most wonderful way.
The mountain is quiet now, friends asleep in their tents, the fire reduced to glowing embers. For a little while, everything feels perfect, simple, and full of promise. Kevin's gestures, his subtle teasing, his protective glances, and now this unexpected kiss tell me that something between us has changed forever.