The weekend was off to a magical start. The resort town nestled among pine-covered hills was the perfect getaway, far removed from the chaos of city life. Birds chirped, the breeze was crisp and cool, and the scent of pine and barbecue mingled in the air. For James, it wasn't just a vacation—it was a mission.
They all arrived mid-morning in two vans, their gym group buzzing with excitement. Mia looked effortlessly beautiful in her cozy hoodie and oversized shades, and James found himself stealing glances at her every chance he got.
They checked into their cabins, and by noon, were playing relay games on the lawn. Laughter echoed across the hills as they took on obstacle courses, tug-of-war matches, and an epic egg toss that ended with yolks in hair and joyful screams.
James played it cool, but made sure to partner with Mia whenever possible. Whether they were cheering for each other or high-fiving after a win, the physical closeness gave him the rush he had long dreamed of.
They had coaches who gave yoga, tai chi, and meditation sessions. In every activity, James sat closely to Mia. They were healing their minds and bodies. James thought that it's like having a weekend date and bonding session with Mia.
The next morning, the resort was filled with sleepy but happy chatter over breakfast. Mia arrived late, looking a bit pale but cheerful. James watched her closely. She sat at the opposite end of the table.
"Hey," he said, catching her eye.
"Hey," she said back, giving him a small smile.
They went on a short nature walk after breakfast, and during a scenic stop, Mia stood next to him, arms crossed against the breeze.
"This weekend's been nice," she said, eyes scanning the distant hills.
"Yeah. It's been amazing," James replied.
"We should do this more often, don't you think?" Mia said.
"I wish this weekend will never end." James said.
As they gazed at the beautiful scenery right in front of them, they was a stillness and peace they couldn't fully explain. James and Mia were just being themselves – away from the stress of the world and absorbing the rejuvenating energy of the nature surrounding them.
She looked up at him, a mix of curiosity and warmth in her gaze. "You're really different now, James. More confident."
He smiled. "You inspired that, you know."
She gave a soft laugh. "Well, I'm glad."
They walked back in comfortable silence. James felt like something had shifted between them. A door had opened. Whether she realized it or not, Mia had just taken one step closer toward him.
And James? He was more determined than ever to walk through that door.
On their last evening of the weekend trip, the group gathered around a crackling bonfire. Blankets were passed around as the temperature dipped, and someone broke out a guitar. Marshmallows were roasted, stories told, and secrets shared. The flames danced in everyone's eyes, and for a brief moment, it felt like time had stopped.
Mia, however, had clearly had a bit too much to drink. She giggled more loudly than usual, leaned on friends more often, and had a slightly glazed look in her eyes.
James watched her carefully, making sure she was okay. While the others laughed and drank, his eyes stayed on her, protective, even reverent. The way the firelight illuminated her face, the way she laughed without a care—it all pulled at his heartstrings.
Then the bottle was turned to James. Their coach asked if he had been harboring a secret crush to anyone so far in his life.
"Well, it's a secret, right? I couldn't just tell anyone. But this secret crush of mine has been happening for more than a decade now. I don't want to put it to waste." James said.
The group cheered him on, hoping for his successful connection with this certain secret crush. James looked at Mia, but Mia was just too drunk to listen to the commotion going on. He was not really trying to give a hint to Mia. He just knows that Mia is too preoccupied with other things that she could barely notice his feelings for her.
As the night grew darker and the embers of the fire began to die down, one by one, people retired to their rooms. Mia stumbled slightly as she got up.
"Whoa there," James said, stepping beside her. "You okay?"
"I think the marshmallows had wine in them," Mia slurred, giggling.
"Come on, I'll walk you to your room."
She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. James's heart raced. This was the closest he had ever been to her like this, and even though she was tipsy, he felt like the universe was giving him a moment.
They reached her room. James opened the door and helped her in, letting her plop down onto the bed with a soft sigh.
"You should rest," he said softly, pulling a blanket over her.
Mia blinked up at him, her lashes long and fluttery. "You're always so nice to me, James," she whispered.
His breath caught in his throat.
"You probably don't remember," he said, voice barely above a whisper, "but you saved me once. That post you wrote about depression... it changed me."
She gave him a lazy smile, her fingers brushing against his hand. "You're sweet."
James hesitated. Every fiber of his being told him this was the moment he had longed for. Slowly, he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered closed.
And then, as if drawn by a magnet, he kissed her cheek.
Her lips.
To his surprise, she kissed back. It was gentle at first—a hesitant meeting of lips, tasting of wine and marshmallows. But then her hand touched his face, and her lips moved with his. It was clumsy, intoxicated, but real.
James could barely believe what was happening. This was the girl he had pined for since high school. And now, she was in his arms.