HAPPY FRIENDSHIP ANNIVERSARY

Morning – At the Outdoor Breakfast Table

Sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling the breakfast table with golden patches.

The group sat around in hoodies and mismatched mugs, the air buzzing with quiet laughter and clinking spoons.

But for Eli, every moment felt like a balancing act.

Nora sat beside him, animatedly talking to Kai about a new hiking trail they could explore.

Her fingers brushed Eli's wrist as she leaned to refill his coffee.

He smiled, grateful, then caught Amelia's gaze across the table.

She was already looking away.

"Thanks," he said quietly to Nora, holding the mug but forgetting to drink.

His hand hovered closer to hers, then drew back just before it crossed that invisible line.

"Did you get any sleep last night?" she asked, her voice soft.

"A bit," he replied, avoiding her eyes. "Did you?"

Nora grinned, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Barely. Lena talks in her sleep."

Eli chuckled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Beneath the easy smiles, a storm brewed in him.

Later that day, while the others were clearing plates, Eli lingered by the lakeside bench.

Amelia joined him without a word, arms crossed, eyes on the rippling water.

"You okay?" she asked.

Eli nodded too quickly.

She gave him a look. "You've been… off."

"I'm fine," he lied.

Their hands brushed as they reached for the same bottle of juice resting on the bench.

Eli froze for a heartbeat, fingers overlapping hers, then slowly withdrew.

Amelia didn't say anything, but something flickered in her gaze.

Curiosity. Confusion. Maybe even hope.

Back in the cabin, Nora passed by him in the hallway.

She smiled, brushing his shoulder with hers playfully. "You're not ditching the game night, are you?"

He smiled back, but his throat felt dry. "Wouldn't dream of it."

But inside, he felt the thread tightening, drawn between two people, unable to unravel which tug his heart was truly answering.

And neither girl had any idea the other was caught in the same storm.

 Tangled Threads

Lena & Nora – Quiet Observations

The breeze had softened into a lull as Lena and Nora walked side by side toward the cabin garden, each holding a fresh cup of tea.

The evening air carried the smell of pine and slow-burning firewood.

Lena glanced sideways at Nora, debating whether to speak.

"You've been smiling a lot around Eli," she finally said, trying to sound casual.

Nora blinked, then chuckled softly. "We've always gotten along. He's easy to talk to."

"Yeah, but lately it feels... different."

Nora's brow lifted, amused. "Are you saying he's into me?"

"I'm not saying anything," Lena hedged, then gave her a knowing look. "But you're not blind either."

Nora paused. "Maybe I noticed. But I'm not sure if I'm imagining it or if he's just being… Eli."

Lena sipped her tea, quiet for a moment. "I think you're not the only one noticing."

Nora looked at her sharply. "What do you mean?"

But Lena hesitated. She didn't want to say Amelia. Not yet. The last thing she wanted was a fracture in their circle.

"I just think," she said slowly, "he's figuring out what he wants. And we're all tangled in it."

 Eli & Nora – Testing the Waters

Later that night, the board games were pushed aside, and laughter faded into soft music playing from Kai's playlist.

Everyone had drifted into smaller conversations.

Eli stepped outside for air, only to find Nora sitting on the porch bench, wrapped in a blanket. She looked up with a smile.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hey," he said, sitting beside her. "Too loud in there?"

"Too crowded." She nudged his shoulder. "You always find the quiet corners."

He smirked. "Only when the right person's already in them."

The words hung between them.

Nora tilted her head. "You flirting with me, Eli?"

Eli's throat tightened. He laughed it off. "Would it be so bad if I were?"

She didn't answer right away. Her eyes searched his, serious now.

"I guess it depends on how long you've felt like that… and if you're sure it's me."

Eli froze.

She saw it, the flicker of hesitation. His silence said more than words.

"I thought so," she said gently. "You're not sure."

"I want to be," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

Nora offered him a sad smile. "Then figure it out, Eli. Don't leave two hearts on a string while you do."

She stood and walked back inside, the door closing softly behind her.