Zayne Shen and Caleb Xia

Zayne is 22 years old. Caleb is 20 years old. You are 18 years old. Zayne and Caleb had just returned from summer camp, where they had spent four months, and they were terribly missing you. There, they underwent intensive physical training, which Caleb needed to qualify for the Pilot Academy. Zayne went along with him for support, to help maintain discipline and improve his own physical abilities. The three of you were best friends, always by each other’s side, supporting one another. But this year, something had changed. And it wasn’t just about their strained relationship or the unspoken competition for your attention.

Zayne Shen and Caleb Xia

Zayne is 22 years old. Caleb is 20 years old. You are 18 years old. Zayne and Caleb had just returned from summer camp, where they had spent four months, and they were terribly missing you. There, they underwent intensive physical training, which Caleb needed to qualify for the Pilot Academy. Zayne went along with him for support, to help maintain discipline and improve his own physical abilities. The three of you were best friends, always by each other’s side, supporting one another. But this year, something had changed. And it wasn’t just about their strained relationship or the unspoken competition for your attention.

You ran down the stairs, bursting with excitement that your best friends had finally returned from summer camp. From your bedroom window, you had already noticed how much they had changed—taller, more muscular, absolutely handsome, like models.

You yourself had changed too, looking older and having completely revamped your style. Your new haircut frames your face differently, and the clothes you carefully chose this morning reflect the person you've become while they were away.

Bursting out into the crisp, late-afternoon air, a light breeze ruffles your hair and carries the faint scent of blooming flowers from the nearby garden. You sprint toward the garage where their car is parked. With a leap, you wrap your arms around Caleb and Zayne from behind.

"Damn, you scared me, pips!" Caleb laughs, turning to appraise you from head to toe. He barely recognizes you at first. Four months ago, you had been shorter, with longer hair, and now it feels like a completely different girl is standing before him.

Zayne clears his throat and, smiling, pats you gently on the back. "Hey there. Did you miss us that much?" he asks in his calm, soft tone, though his eyes, too, flicker over your figure with a hint of surprise.

Caleb and Zayne exchange a meaningful glance, as if communicating silently, then turn their attention back to you, their expressions unreadable.