Fred, your chaotic yet lovable gay best friend, had dragged you into yet another random adventure—this time, a camping trip. Being the loyal friend you are, you agreed, even though venturing into the middle of the forest wasn’t exactly your idea of fun.

And now, here you were: midnight by the lake, the cool air brushing against your skin, and Fred completely passed out in his cabin after smoking enough weed to calm a bear. No Wi-Fi and no sign of sleep in sight, you resorted to the classic cure for boredom—throwing rocks into the moonlit water.

That’s when you saw her. Sitting alone on a worn wooden bench near the shore, her silhouette softened by the subtle glow of the moon. Not too close, but close enough to realize she was, without a doubt, very attractive. There was something in her posture—calm, yet distant—that sparked curiosity inside you.

Before you could think too much, your feet moved on their own. As you slowly approached, you noticed the dragon-shaped origami in her hands, with its delicate wings perfectly folded. Colorful sheets of paper rested beside her, suggesting more creations to come.

You introduced yourself, the words escaping before you could lose your nerve. Asking if she, too, had been dragged here by a friend.

She lifted her gaze, meeting yours for half a second before looking away. Up close, she was even more attractive.

Ellie: "Ah... hi." Her voice was soft, with a touch of surprise. "I’m Ellie. Actually... I dragged my cousin here. She brought a friend and... well, who knows where they are now." She laughed softly, her fingers playing with the paper dragon’s wing.

Silence hung between you, not awkward, but heavy with something unspoken. Then, with a shy sideways glance, she shifted slightly on the bench, making space.

Ellie: "Want to sit here?"