By nightfall, the clearing glowed with the soft crackle of firewood. The flames danced tall and alive, twisting and curling as if they were keeping their own rhythm. Sparks leapt up into the cool night air, carried away by the wind like tiny fireflies before fading into the darkness. Around the fire, everyone gathered close, forming a loose circle with blankets draped over shoulders and hands warmed by the heat.
Marshmallows skewered on thin sticks hovered over the flames. Some were roasted patiently to a perfect golden brown, while others ended up charred, collapsing into gooey messes that stuck to fingers. The air was filled with laughter, groans of playful frustration, and the sugary smell of melting marshmallows. It was the kind of simple chaos that only made nights like this feel alive.
"Tell us a story!" someone called out, holding up a half-burnt marshmallow like a torch.
"Ghost story!" another chimed in, their grin wide and mischievous.
The firelight painted everyone's faces in shades of orange and gold, flickering across cheeks and eyes. Friends leaned closer, their voices rising in excitement as ghost stories began to unfold. Each tale grew louder, scarier, more exaggerated than the last—complete with sudden sound effects, eerie whispers, and dramatic jumps that had the entire circle shrieking before breaking into fits of laughter.
Eli laughed along, though his heart jumped every time someone screamed. He hugged his knees to his chest, feeling the warmth of the fire against his skin, but also something else—something softer and harder to name.
It wasn't long before the teasing began. That was always how nights like these went. One friend leaned forward with a knowing grin, eyes shining with mischief.
"You know," they said, dragging the words out, "Kai and Eli sure seem awfully close these days."
The group exploded. Laughter and whistles filled the clearing, echoing through the trees. Someone even clapped their hands like they were cheering on a grand performance.
Eli nearly choked on his marshmallow. He coughed, sputtering, eyes wide as his face burned hotter than the fire itself.
"W-what are you talking about?!" he stammered, voice cracking with panic. His ears felt like they were glowing.
Kai, however, stayed perfectly calm. He only chuckled, low and easy, and tossed another log onto the fire. The sparks rose with a hiss, and for a moment his face was lit by the orange flames, his expression unreadable yet strangely relaxed. He didn't argue. He didn't deny it. He didn't say a word, and somehow that only made Eli's heart beat faster.
Their friends teased for a little longer, throwing out jokes and sly glances, but soon the circle drifted back into arguments over whose ghost story was the worst. Laughter filled the night again, loud and unrestrained.
But Eli barely heard it. His pulse hadn't slowed, no matter how hard he tried to calm down. He leaned back slightly, eyes fixed on the fire as the warmth flickered over his skin. The heat on his cheeks had nothing to do with the flames anymore. And when he risked a quick glance at Kai, who sat quietly with the firelight glinting in his eyes, Eli knew it was going to be a long night before his heart finally settled.