Author's pov
The camp leaders split everyone into groups of four, sending them into different corners of the jungle for the next activity.
- Team 1: Jayjay, David, Felix, Cin
- Team 2: Keifer, Endrix, Rory, Kit
- Team 3: Yuri, Drew, Mayo, Blaster
- Team 4: Josh, Emaan, Eren, Denzel
Each team had to complete small challenges-collecting vines, marking trails, and building makeshift shelters-before evening.
David's POV
The jungle was cooling, shadows stretching long as fireflies flickered between the trees. Jayjay walked beside me, her steps lighter now than earlier. I kept sneaking glances at her-at the way her hair caught the last traces of sunlight, at the curve of her smile that hadn't been there before.
She looks so much better when she laughs. God, she's cute. Beautiful, even. I'd do anything to keep that smile alive.
I cleared my throat, trying to sound casual. "You know, if Keifer were here, he'd be complaining about how the jungle doesn't have Wi-Fi."
Jayjay smirked. "And Yuri would probably tell him to meditate instead."
I chuckled. "Meditate? He'd say, 'Keifer, disconnect from the internet, connect with the trees.'"
Her lips twitched, and I felt a surge of pride. Yes. Keep smiling, Jayjay.
Jayjay's POV
David was ridiculous, but in the best way. His jokes weren't even that funny, yet the way he delivered them made me want to laugh. He kept looking at me when he thought I wasn't noticing, and it made my chest feel warm.
I nudged him lightly. "You're not bad at this whole comforting thing."
He grinned. "Don't tell anyone. I've got a reputation to maintain as a sarcastic guy."
I rolled my eyes, but the smile stayed. He's more than sarcastic. He's steady. And maybe... he's exactly what I needed today.
David's POV
We walked in silence for a while, the jungle alive with crickets and distant calls. I wanted to say something more, something that would stay with her.
"You know," I said quietly, "I like seeing you laugh. It makes everything feel... lighter."
She glanced at me, surprised. Then she smiled again, softer this time.
Beautiful. She doesn't even know how much she changes the air around her.
Jayjay's POV
His words caught me off guard. I wasn't used to people noticing things like that. But the sincerity in his voice made me believe him.
"Then you better keep working on your jokes," I teased. "Because I'm not laughing at everything."
David smirked. "Challenge accepted. Tomorrow, I'll roast Keifer so hard he'll feel it in his sleep."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Poor Keifer. He doesn't even know he's our favorite target."
David's POV
Her laughter rang out again, and I felt energy rush through me. She's smiling from the heart. And I swear, it makes me feel stronger too.
I pulled out the food packet I'd promised. "Here. Half of mine later too. Promise."
She raised an eyebrow. "You're spoiling me."
I shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe I just like seeing you happy."
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and I knew I'd said the right thing.
Jayjay's POV
By the time we reached camp, the heaviness of the day had faded. I was tired, yes, but lighter. David's teasing, his comfort, his ridiculous roasts-they had all worked.
I glanced at him as we walked into the firelight. He's impossible. But maybe... he's exactly the kind of impossible I need.
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