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Chapter 1: New Beginnings

A @campwillowpeakvn fanfiction 💚 'Camp WillowPeak' is a Murder Mystery Visual Novel that is in development for adults 18+, created by @papaziggy-devblog. Minors do not interact. Thank you to @queenlilithprime for their amazing artwork with my OC's counselor application 💜

Ebony shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the bus jostled its way up the winding mountain road to Camp WillowPeak. She let out a slight groan, trying to find a more comfortable position. “God, my ass fucking hurts. Could these seats be any more uncomfortable?” she thought, rolling her eyes. Glancing out the window, she watched the rugged landscape pass by, with towering peaks and dense forests stretching endlessly into the horizon.

She shook her head, scoffing slightly. “I could be sitting on the most plush cushions in the world, and my ass would still be hurting,” she mused, a faint smile tugging at her lips. The decision to sign up for this camp counselor gig was impulsive, a last-ditch effort to break free from the monotony that had gripped her life. Lately, everything felt like it was on a loop—each day blending into the next with mind-numbing predictability.

Meeting new people had become a challenge. It seemed like every time she met someone interesting, they either vanished after one meeting or started avoiding her like the plague. Even her existing friends seemed distant, caught up in their own lives, or ghosting her altogether. Ebony sighed, her gaze shifting from the window to the clipboard in her lap.

“Hopefully, I can meet some new people who won’t just up and vanish. Maybe make some new friends,” she thought, her eyes scanning the last bit of paperwork she needed to turn in once they arrived. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear—her vibrant red hair a striking contrast against her sun-kissed skin—and traced the edges of the pages absentmindedly.

The bus hit another bump, and Ebony winced, muttering a soft "Mierda," under her breath as she gripped the clipboard a bit tighter. The chatter of other counselors filled the bus, snippets of conversation and laughter creating a background hum. Glancing around, she noticed their faces showing both excitement and nervousness. The trip was a new beginning for all of them—a chance to escape their routines and discover something new.

Ebony glanced back down at the clipboard, her vibrant green eyes skimming over the list of questions she needed to fill out. The first line read: What is your name? She raised an eyebrow, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Didn't I fill this out already when I first signed up? When I filled out the counselor application a while back," she thought to herself, flipping through the pages. Sure enough, there it was—her original application, complete with all her information: name, age, height, likes and dislikes, and even her picture.

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Gotta love the redundancy," she mused, her sarcasm bringing a small sense of amusement amidst the monotony of paperwork. Returning to the first page, she filled in her name again—Ebony Ramírez—feeling a bit like a broken record. "Maybe they just want to make sure I'm still me," she thought with a smirk, amused by the absurdity of it all.

The next lines asked for her sex and gender identity. Ebony wrote 'Female' for both, her pen gliding smoothly over the paper. When she reached the line asking for pronouns, she filled in 'She/Her' without hesitation. "Straightforward enough," she thought, appreciating the camp's effort to be inclusive and respectful.

As she continued filling out the questions, Ebony's thoughts began to wander. She wondered what kind of people she’d meet here, what stories they might have to tell. She hoped that this experience would be more than just a job—an opportunity to truly connect with others.

"Maybe this time, things will be different," Ebony thought, a hint of optimism creeping into her mind. As the bus began to slow down before coming to a full stop, she glanced out the window. "Oh, looks like we're here!" she thought as she stood up, adjusting her shorts. As she did, the tattoo on her upper leg became visible—a beautifully detailed jaguar intertwined with lush tropical flowers like hibiscus and orchids.

With her clipboard in hand, Ebony made her way to the front of the bus and exited, stepping down onto the gravel. She walked over to the side of the bus where the luggage compartments were located, the ones typically used for storing passengers' belongings. After the bus driver opened the compartment, Ebony retrieved her duffel bag and then carefully pulled out her acoustic guitar in its case, handling it with a gentle touch.

Standing beside the bus, Ebony took a moment to take in her surroundings. Camp WillowPeak was nestled deep within the forest, surrounded by towering trees that stretched endlessly into the sky and dense foliage that created a thick, green canopy overhead. The air was fresh and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth, the kind of air that made you feel like you were miles away from civilization. It was peaceful—almost too peaceful, considering how remote the location was.

"Man, do they even have plumbing here?" she mused, a wry smile tugging at her lips. The thought of roughing it without modern conveniences wasn't exactly thrilling, but she couldn't help but find some humor in the situation. "Guess it's time to channel my inner wilderness goddess," she joked to herself, knowing full well she was more used to city life. But Ebony was no stranger to making the best of things, and this camp would be no different.

As she looked around, she noticed the other counselors beginning to gather their belongings. Some were chatting excitedly with nervous energy in their voices, while others appeared apprehensive, looking uncertainly at the unfamiliar surroundings. Ebony observed them quietly, taking mental notes of the group dynamics.

Two women approached the group, immediately catching Ebony's attention. The first stood tall at around 5'11", with striking red hair pulled into a neat bun. The vibrant color of her hair contrasted sharply with her sun-kissed complexion, and her deep brown eyes were sharp and focused, giving her an air of authority. She wore the camp's uniform—a green polo shirt with the Camp WillowPeak logo, paired with neatly pressed shorts. Despite her commanding presence, her expression was warm and welcoming, a friendly smile softening her otherwise professional demeanor as she surveyed the group.

Beside her was a shorter woman, standing at about 5'3". She had a warm, inviting presence, with rich, deep brown skin that seemed to glow in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Her large, expressive amber eyes radiated kindness, and her dark brown braids were styled neatly into two buns on either side of her head. She, too, wore the camp uniform, though her relaxed posture and easy grace made her appear more approachable, like someone you could immediately trust.

"Welcome to Camp WillowPeak," the taller woman announced, her voice clear and confident, effortlessly drawing the group’s attention. "Everyone, hand your paperwork to Cammi here, and we can get started!" She gestured to the shorter woman beside her.

Cammi smiled brightly, her energy contagious as she waved to the group. "Hey! Just hand it over, and I'll get it sorted for you," she said, her cheerful tone putting everyone at ease. The counselors, including Ebony, handed over their paperwork as Cammi quickly organized the forms, placing them neatly on her clipboard with practiced efficiency.

"Thanks! For now, while we get this sorted, why don't you all get settled and pick out your cabins?" Cammi suggested, gesturing to the row of cabins nestled among the trees. "We'll have two counselors per cabin, so it'll be good for you to get to know one another before deciding."

Ebony watched as the two women turned and headed toward the main office, their confident strides setting a clear tone for the camp. "Hm, I guess those two must be in charge. Or at least, the red-haired one. Maybe the younger one is her assistant? She looks younger than me," Ebony thought, observing their dynamic with curiosity.

Taking a deep breath, Ebony glanced around at the other counselors. "Well, I guess I better start introducing myself," she thought, steeling herself for the inevitable socializing. Just as she turned around, she suddenly found herself bumping into someone. Or rather, bumping into what felt like an absolute wall of a man.

Ebony's eyes traveled upward, taking in a pair of vivid blue eyes set in a face framed by black hair streaked with distinct white highlights. She noticed the small red stud earrings on the flat, upper parts of his ears, adding a subtle touch of personality to his imposing appearance. His cheeks brightened slightly, perhaps realizing just how close he had gotten. Considering his massive size, Ebony wouldn’t have been surprised if he hadn’t seen her at all.

The height difference was immediately noticeable, with Ebony's gaze barely reaching below his shoulders. She took a step back and let out a small laugh, her voice carrying a smooth, slightly musical lilt. "Wow, I thought I’d be the tallest one here, but it looks like I’ve been outdone," she joked, flashing a friendly grin. Her words were colored with a unique and captivating accent, blending the softer tones of Arabic with the vibrant inflections of Caribbean Spanish. "It's not every day I have to look up at someone."

The man smiled down at her, his broad shoulders relaxing slightly as he realized he hadn’t knocked her over. "Ah! S-sorry! I didn't see you there, that's my bad," he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. His voice had a nervous edge to it, but there was genuine warmth behind it. "I’m Harper, and you?"

Ebony grinned, thinking, "I figured he didn’t see me. Thankfully, he seems pretty friendly, even if he’s a bit absent-minded." She chuckled, finding his bashful demeanor endearing. "No worries, Harper. I’m Ebony," she replied, extending her hand in a friendly gesture.

As Harper reached out to shake her hand, Ebony noticed how his large hand nearly enveloped hers. The touch was surprisingly gentle, though she couldn’t help but notice the faint burn scars on his skin, a reminder of some past injury. She squinted slightly, a puzzled expression crossing her face as something tugged at the back of her mind. "Wait... you look oddly familiar..." she mused aloud, her brow furrowing in thought. There was something about him that sparked a distant memory. "Say, do I know you? I feel like I remember you from somewhere..."

Harper’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, and he quickly averted his gaze, nervously scratching his fingertips with his thumb. "N-nope! I definitely don’t think so! Can’t say I’ve ever seen you around before," he replied, his voice a bit higher than usual. The nervousness in his laugh only made Ebony more certain that she had seen him before.

Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in Ebony’s mind, and her eyes widened with realization. "No, I think I do remember!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement. She snapped her fingers, a wide grin spreading across her face. "God, it was months ago! At the grocery store!"

She placed a hand on her hip, shaking her head in disbelief as the memory flooded back. "Man, how could I ever forget that! You tripped and made a mess of the entire aisle!" Ebony laughed, the memory of the chaotic scene playing vividly in her mind. "I remember helping you up and trying to salvage what was still intact from your groceries while a worker came to clean up."

Harper’s face flushed a deeper shade of red as he continued to nervously scratch his fingertips with his thumb, clearly embarrassed by the memory. Ebony’s expression softened, and she tilted her head slightly. "Were you okay, though? I remember how bad that fall looked. It seemed like it hurt," she asked, her tone filled with genuine concern, her earlier amusement giving way to empathy.

Harper’s eyes widened briefly in surprise before he chuckled, trying to play it cool. "O-oh! You were worried about me? Nah, it didn’t really hurt... I’m pretty sturdy," he said with a laugh, a hint of amusement lacing his voice.

Ebony chuckled, shaking her head as she gave him a once-over, taking in his towering frame and solid build. "Makes sense. You look like someone who could take a hit or two," she teased, her green eyes gleaming with good humor.

Harper’s smile widened, and he seemed to relax even more as any lingering nervousness melted away. "Well, that, and I’m kind of used to it by now. I can be a bit scattered sometimes," he admitted, his tone light as he chuckled softly. His large hands, which had been fidgeting nervously a moment ago, stilled as he began to feel more comfortable.

After a brief pause, he glanced at her, his blue eyes curious. "So, have you decided who you want to be your cabin buddy yet?" he asked, his voice tinged with hopeful interest.

Ebony chuckled again, her tone teasing. "Well, I haven’t had the chance to talk to anyone else yet, but you seem pretty cool," she replied, flashing him a grin. "Besides, who needs to socialize with everyone? I could use a break from trying to impress people," she added with a light-hearted laugh, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm that only made Harper smile more.

As her words sank in, Harper’s smile slowly faded into something softer, more genuine. His playful demeanor gave way to something more tender as he looked at her, a blush creeping across his cheeks. "R-really? Just like that?" he stammered, clearly touched by her sincerity, his blue eyes filled with an almost lovesick earnestness.

Ebony nodded, her smile reassuring. "Sure, why not? You seem alright to me," she said with a smile, her tone genuine. There was something in the way Harper looked at her that made her feel at ease, like they had known each other longer than just a few minutes.

Harper’s blush deepened, and he gave a shy smile, his sharp canines peeking out as he tried to contain his excitement. "I mean, I’m not going to complain. Pretty sure I just scored the best roomie of the bunch~," he said, his voice tinged with enthusiasm that he could barely keep in check.

Ebony smirked, leaning in a little closer, her eyes sparkling with a touch of mischief. "Best roomie, huh? I guess that makes you pretty lucky," she teased, her tone light but genuine. "Hope you’re ready to put up with me," she added with a wink.

Harper chuckled, the sound warm and full of genuine affection. "I think I can handle it. In fact, I’m looking forward to it," he said, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement and a touch of something deeper.

Ebony laughed, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "Have you even talked to anyone else?" she teased, raising an eyebrow, her voice dripping with playful skepticism.

Harper grinned, the blush still coloring his cheeks, as he met her gaze with a look of pure contentment. "Nope~," he admitted cheerfully, clearly pleased with how things were turning out. His expression softened as he looked at her, the contented smile on his face making it clear that, in his eyes, he had already won the lottery.

A moment of comfortable silence passed between them as Harper shifted slightly, glancing toward the row of cabins nestled among the trees. Seizing the opportunity to keep the conversation flowing, he spoke up, his voice light with excitement. "So, I think the cabins are first come, first serve," he suggested, his tone filled with anticipation. "Wanna head on over before all the good ones are gone?"

Ebony followed his gaze, glancing at the row of cabins, tilting her head slightly. "Don't they all look the same?" she questioned, a hint of skepticism in her voice as she tried to discern what made one better than the others.

Harper smiled, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes. "Well, yeah, but it looks like there's one with a view of the lake. Thought it would be nice to snag that one before anyone else~."

Her eyes brightened at the idea, and a grin spread across her face. "Oh yeah, that does sound nice. Let's head over!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm matching his. Without hesitation, they both began walking toward the cabins, eager to claim the one with the best view.

Chapter 2: Settling In

A @campwillowpeakvn fanfiction 💚 'Camp WillowPeak' is a Murder Mystery Visual Novel that is in development for adults 18+, created by @papaziggy-devblog. Minors do not interact.

They arrived at the cabin and stepped inside, finding a small hallway that split off into two separate rooms on either side. The space was cozy, with warm wooden floors and simple, rustic furnishings. The faint scent of pine lingered in the air, adding to the cabin’s welcoming atmosphere.

Harper glanced down at Ebony, his tall frame almost filling the hallway. "So, do you want the lake view room?" he asked, his tone casual, though there was a hint of hopefulness in his voice.

Ebony looked up at him, a puzzled expression crossing her face. "Wait, didn’t you want the cabin because of the view in the first place?" she asked, her eyebrows raising in surprise as she studied his face.

Harper shifted slightly, looking off to the side as he scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Well, I, er... it’s a nice view, so I... honestly thought you might like it. That’s why I wanted this cabin," he confessed, his voice sincere and tinged with shyness.

Ebony felt a warm sensation spread through her chest, touched by his thoughtfulness. She hadn’t expected this gesture, and it caught her off guard in the best way possible. She smiled at him, her expression softening as she looked into his blue eyes. "That’s incredibly sweet of you, Harper. Thank you," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Harper’s cheeks glowed pink as he smiled down at her, his eyes softening affectionately. "No problem at all, Cara Mia," he replied, his voice gentle and affectionate, the endearment slipping naturally from his lips.

Ebony looked at Harper, puzzled, as she tried to translate ‘Cara Mia’ in her head. The words didn’t seem to fit the context as she understood them in Spanish. Her brows furrowed, confusion evident on her face. "My face?" she questioned, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Harper blinked, momentarily taken aback by her response. He tilted his head slightly, curiosity and amusement playing across his features. "What?" he responded, his tone a blend of confusion and intrigue, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to piece together what she was saying.

Ebony, still baffled, gestured with her hands to emphasize her point. "In Spanish, 'cara mia' means 'my face'. Is that what you meant?" She looked up at him expectantly, her curiosity piqued by the apparent misunderstanding.

For a moment, Harper stared at her, and then he burst into laughter, the sound rich and genuine, echoing through the small cabin. He shook his head, clearly entertained by the unexpected translation. "No, no, that’s not what I meant," he chuckled, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. The laughter in his voice was infectious, and a wide grin spread across his face.

Ebony raised an eyebrow, her curiosity deepening. She crossed her arms and leaned slightly forward, refusing to let the subject drop. "Well, then, what does 'Cara Mia' mean?" she pressed, her eyes narrowing playfully as she waited for his explanation, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Harper tried to brush it off with a casual wave of his hand. "Ah, nothing really. Just a nickname! Don't worry about it too much," he said, attempting to sound nonchalant. But despite his effort to appear calm, there was a slight tremor in his voice that betrayed his nerves.

Ebony wasn’t satisfied as she leaned in closer, her expression shifting to exaggerated pleading. With a mischievous glint in her green eyes, she put on her best puppy dog face, her lips forming a pout. "Aw, come on! What does it mean?" she pleaded, her voice adopting a teasing, singsong quality that was hard to resist.

Harper’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink, the color spreading across his face like wildfire. He quickly looked away, clearly flustered by her persistent questioning. A sheepish smile played on his lips as he nervously scratched his fingertips with his thumb. "R-really, it’s nothing! Just a little nickname for my new roomie. I-" he began, but his voice trailed off as he struggled to maintain his composure under her relentless teasing. He found himself at a loss for words, captivated by the way she effortlessly drew him in with her charm.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a firm knock on the door. Both Ebony and Harper turned toward the sound, their amusing exchange momentarily paused.

The woman from earlier—the one who had been with Cammi—spoke from the other side of the door. "Hurry up and get settled in, you two. Once everyone is ready, I want everyone to meet by the firepit for orientation." Her tone was a blend of authority and warmth, making it clear she expected them to follow instructions promptly. After delivering her message, her footsteps faded as she walked away, leaving Harper and Ebony alone once more.

Harper turned back to Ebony, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, I guess we should go ahead and get settled in..." he said, his tone carrying a hint of reluctance at ending their conversation. "I shouldn’t take too long, so... do you want to head over together when we’re done?" he suggested, his voice hopeful, almost eager.

Ebony met his gaze, returning his smile with one of her own. "Sure, sounds good! I’ll just be a few minutes," she replied, her voice warm and friendly. There was an easygoing assurance in her tone, as if she was already comfortable with the idea of spending more time with him.

Harper's smile widened, his cheeks flushing a soft pink. "G-great!" he stammered, quickly realizing his nervousness was showing. He coughed awkwardly, glancing away as he tried to regain his composure. "I mean, yeah. Cool, sure..." He let out a nervous laugh, his hand instinctively moving to scratch the tips of his fingers. "I'll be out here when you're done," he added, his voice a bit more controlled.

Ebony couldn’t help but find his nervousness endearing, and she offered him a reassuring smile. "Alright, I won’t take long." With a final exchange of smiles, they both headed into their respective rooms to get settled in.

A modest yet cozy room greeted Ebony as she stepped inside. Warm, rustic wood paneled the walls, giving the room a cabin-like feel. On one wall, a simple bed was positioned with crisp white linens and a green pillow, while on the opposite wall was a dresser and a window with green curtains. A decorative tapestry with a dragonfly added a touch of color to the room, while a clock ticked softly in the background.

It didn't take long for Ebony to set up. She hadn't brought much, just a few essentials and personal items to make the space feel more like home. She placed her duffel bag on the bed and began unpacking. First, she pulled out her clothes, neatly folding them and placing them in the dresser drawers. She then carefully set her acoustic guitar in its case against the wall near the bed, a comforting presence that she knew would help her relax in her downtime.

Ebony pulled out a small, well-worn stuffed animal—a plush cat she'd had since childhood—and placed it on the bed. It was a simple touch, but it brought a sense of familiarity and comfort. She also set a framed photo of her family on the nightstand, a reminder of the loved ones she had back home.

Lastly, she unfurled a vibrant tapestry she had brought along, depicting a scene of ancient Egypt, complete with pyramids and a glowing sunset over the Nile. She pinned it to the wall above the bed, adding a splash of color and a deeper connection to her heritage, making the room feel more personal.

With everything unpacked, Ebony took a final look around, satisfied with the cozy, welcoming atmosphere she had created. The room was small, but it was now filled with touches of her personality. She knew she wouldn't be spending much time here once the campers arrived, but for now, it was a perfect little retreat.

"This should do it," Ebony murmured as she stretched her arms above her head, feeling the slight pull in her muscles as she let out a contented sigh. "It would be nice to chill for a bit, but I guess that's gonna have to wait for later."

As she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she paused to adjust her shirt. The reflection highlighted her tattoo—a Quetzalcoatl bird, intricately detailed with a blend of feathers and scales. The bird’s wings spread gracefully across her left shoulder and upper arm, the vibrant colors standing out against her warm complexion. She traced the lines of the tattoo briefly with her fingers, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Alright, I guess I should head out then. Don’t want to keep everyone waiting," she murmured, giving herself a final once-over in the mirror. Satisfied with her appearance, she gave a determined nod before stepping out of the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

Harper was already there, leaning casually against the wall with a relaxed smile on his face, his tall frame almost dwarfing the narrow hallway. Ebony raised an eyebrow in surprise, her lips curving into a smirk. "Wow, that was fast. Did you just toss all your stuff on the floor or something?" she quipped, her tone teasing.

Harper grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Nah... tossed it all on the bed," he shot back, sticking his tongue out cheekily, revealing silver tongue piercings that gleamed in the light. He winked at her with a playful air. "I do have some standards, you know."

Ebony couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head at his antics. "Standards, huh? I bet it looks like a tornado hit your room," she teased, her tone light and comical as she imagined the chaos he must have created.

Harper chuckled, shaking his head. "Hey, it’s organized chaos," he defended with a grin, clearly not too bothered by her ribbing. He straightened up, his posture becoming more animated as he gestured towards the door. "So, ready to head on over?"

"Yeah! Let's get going," Ebony replied, her enthusiasm evident in the brightness of her green eyes. Together, they made their way out of the cabin, their footsteps in sync as they headed out to join the rest of the group.

Chapter 3: The Start of Something New

A @campwillowpeakvn fanfiction 💚 'Camp WillowPeak' is a Murder Mystery Visual Novel that is in development for adults 18+, created by @papaziggy-devblog. Minors do not interact.

Chatting with Harper along the way, Ebony found him to be an alright guy. Despite his intimidating appearance—likely due to his towering height—he had a goofy, laid-back demeanor that put her at ease. His easygoing nature was a stark contrast to his imposing figure, and she found herself relaxing in his company. As they walked, she glanced up at him, her curiosity piqued.

"So, what made you want to sign up to be a counselor? No offense, but I don’t really get much of an outdoorsy vibe from you," she teased, her tone light and playful, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

Harper stuck out his tongue and winked at her, laughing. "Yeah, you’re kinda right. I have my reasons, though," he replied, trying to sound mysterious, though the twinkle in his blue eyes gave him away.

Ebony raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his vague response. "Oh yeah? And what might those be?" she pressed, leaning in slightly as if expecting some grand revelation.

Harper stuttered momentarily, trying to find the right words. As if buying time to come up with a plausible answer, he scratched the back of his neck. "Err... New experiences? Meeting new people? I, uh... was bored?" he finally admitted, though his tone lacked the conviction to make it entirely believable.

Ebony couldn’t help but laugh, nudging him with her elbow. "Not gonna lie, it sounds like you’re pulling all that out of your ass," she teased, her green eyes twinkling with amusement.

Harper joined in her laughter, shaking his head in mock defeat. "Aw, come on! I thought they were good reasons!" he shot back, grinning widely. "What’s your reason, then, if it’s so much better?" he added, cheekily challenging her.

Ebony grimaced playfully, realizing she might have set herself up for that. "Honestly? Meeting new people is actually one of my reasons," she admitted, a sheepish smile spreading across her face.

Harper laughed, his tone light and teasing. "Your reason is just as lame as mine!" he joked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ebony laughed along with him, but her laughter gradually faded as she tried to defend herself. "Okay, but I'm serious! Lately, it feels like everyone’s been distancing themselves from me," she confessed, her voice softening. The weight of her words seemed to settle between them, and as she looked away, a flicker of sadness briefly dimmed the usual brightness in her green eyes. "And I don’t really know why," she added, her shoulders sagging slightly under the unspoken burden.

Harper’s expression softened, his eyes reflecting empathy as he listened. "So, I thought maybe here I could, I don’t know... make some new friends who won’t just up and poof on me," Ebony confessed, her voice tinged with vulnerability that she rarely let surface.

Harper, still focused on her, paused thoughtfully, letting the silence stretch for a moment before softly saying, "Oh..." A gentle smile began to spread across his face, the kind that lit up his eyes and revealed the sharp canines that added a unique charm to his expression. "I mean... can’t say I plan on going anywhere," he reassured her. "Unlike them, you can count on me to stick around~."

Ebony looked up at him in disbelief, her eyes searching his face for sincerity. Harper’s smile remained kind and genuine, his expression open and honest. He seemed almost earnest in his promise, as if the idea of leaving her side was unimaginable. "Really?" she asked, still somewhat skeptical. "How can you say that when we just met?"

Harper shrugged with a casualness that belied the intensity of his feelings. His smile never wavered, his eyes shining with a quiet determination. "Gut feeling. Come on, does this look like a face that would lie to you?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as he put on his most innocent expression, his features softening into a look of pure sincerity.

Ebony couldn’t resist teasing him, the corners of her mouth lifting into a mischievous grin. "Honestly? A little bit," she replied, her tone light, the earlier heaviness momentarily forgotten. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And you look like you’d be a little shit about it too."

Harper gasped theatrically, placing a hand over his chest as if he were truly wounded. "Mean!" he exclaimed, pouting in exaggerated disappointment. "Wow, I didn’t know my new roomie would be such a bully!"

Ebony struggled to keep a straight face as Harper paused, giving her a look of mock hurt that quickly dissolved into a sly smile. He stuck his tongue out, revealing the glint of his tongue piercing. "My Nonna raised me to be a man of my word. Guess I’ll just have to endure and stick around~."

That was it—Ebony couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer. "You’re such a dork," she said, shaking her head, clearly entertained by his antics.

Harper’s grin only grew wider as he leaned in slightly, his voice taking on a teasing lilt. "A dork, aaaaaaand your new buddy, yeah?" He fluttered his eyelashes dramatically, adding to the over-the-top charm.

Ebony’s laughter slowly subsided as she looked up at him, her green eyes still dancing with amusement. "Oh, but of course," she replied, her tone just as playful, fully embracing the lighthearted banter.

Harper’s smile brightened even more, satisfaction written all over his face. "Perfect~. I knew we’d get on great~," he said, his voice full of cheer, clearly thrilled with how their connection was shaping up.

As they reached the firepit, Ebony noticed that everyone was already there, busy setting things up and chatting among themselves. A circle of rustic wooden benches surrounded the firepit, and the air was filled with the crackling sound of wood and the murmur of voices. Glancing up at Harper, Ebony noticed a subtle shift in his demeanor. His typically cheerful expression faltered, and a shadow of displeasure crossed his face as he observed the gathered group.

Sensing something was off, Ebony instinctively stepped closer to him, her eyes searching his face with quiet concern. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, her voice gentle and reassuring.

Harper blinked, snapping out of his thoughts as he quickly looked away. "Ah, yeah... Won't lie, I'm not really that social of a person," he admitted, his tone subdued. Ebony tilted her head slightly, her concern deepening. "Oh? You seemed pretty comfortable earlier," she observed, her voice soft, genuinely trying to understand.

Harper looked down at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "Guess I'm just comfy with you," he said, his voice warm and sincere. As Harper said this, Ebony felt a slight flutter in her chest. She thought to herself, “Comfy with me, huh?” She couldn't help but feel a bit flattered and surprised by his words. 

Just then, two people approached Harper and Ebony, the displeased look returning to Harper's face as he stood protectively behind her. The guy leading the way had striking blue hair and a confident grin plastered on his face. He stood at about 5'10" and wore the camp's green polo shirt with cargo shorts and sandals, giving off a laid-back vibe. The girl beside him, significantly shorter at 4'8", had lush red hair cascading in soft waves and vibrant green eyes. She wore the same camp uniform, with knee-high white socks and black flats, adding a touch of contrast to her outfit.

The blue-haired guy greeted them with enthusiasm, "Heeey there, you two! We've all been waitin' on ya!" His voice carried a light-hearted tone as he pointed at each of them in turn. "You must be Ebony aaand Harper, yeah?"

Ebony smiled, nodding at the energetic greeting. "Yeah, that's us," she replied, her tone friendly but casual. She glanced at Harper, then back at the guy with blue hair, curious about who they were. "And you guys are?" she asked, prompting introductions.

The blue-haired guy continued with a smirk, "I'm Gavin, and this little cutie here is Sophie," he said, gesturing to the girl beside him. He then turned his attention back to Ebony, giving her an appraising look. "Though, gotta say, you're pretty cute yourself~," he added, his tone flirtatious.

Ebony felt a wave of annoyance wash over her. “Ugh, is this guy serious?” she thought, barely managing to keep her smile from turning into a frown. Meanwhile, Harper's expression darkened behind her, his eyes narrowing and jaw tightening, clearly not pleased with Gavin's boldness.

Sophie, noticing Gavin's flirtation, looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. "Are you really going to flirt with everyone you meet here?" she asked, her tone dripping with exasperation.

Gavin shrugged, seemingly unfazed by her comment. "Hey, can't score if I don't shoot my shots," he replied with a nonchalant grin, clearly enjoying himself.

Annoyed by Gavin's behavior, Sophie reached up and grabbed him by the ear, pulling hard enough to make him bend down in pain. "Ow! Ow! Ow!" Gavin yelped, grimacing.

"Down, boy," Sophie commanded, her voice firm as she shot him a disapproving look. Ebony smirked to herself, amused by the scene. “Looks like someone’s got him on a short leash. Not that he doesn’t deserve it,” she thought, finding it hard not to laugh at Gavin's predicament.

Sophie, still gripping Gavin's ear, turned her attention back to Ebony and Harper. "It's nice to meet you! Everyone else is busy finishing setting up, but I'm sure they're all excited to meet you!" she said, her tone polite but firm. She gestured to the firepit behind her with her free hand. "We were actually just about to grab a bit more wood for the fire. If you want, you can head over to the s’mores station and start setting up?"

Ebony nodded, smiling. "Sure, sounds good!" she replied, grateful for the distraction from Gavin's antics. She glanced at Harper, who seemed relieved to move away from the encounter, and together they headed towards the s’mores station, leaving Sophie to deal with Gavin.

As Ebony and Harper headed over to the firepit, they spotted a foldable table set up with boxes of graham crackers, bags of generic brand chocolate, and marshmallows. Ebony couldn't resist making a quip. "Wow, they really went all out with the store-brand goodies. Guess we’re not getting the gourmet s’mores experience," she joked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Harper chuckled, picking up a piece of paper from the table. "Looks like there's even a little to-do list... Pretty much just skewering marshmallows and portioning out chocolate and crackers," he said, reading through the instructions.

"Sounds easy enough," Ebony replied with a shrug.

They got to work, methodically skewering marshmallows and setting out portions of chocolate and graham crackers. As they worked, Harper seemed to lighten up, his mood noticeably more cheerful.

Ebony observed him out of the corner of her eye, noticing how genuinely happy he seemed when it was just the two of them. “It’s like he’s a completely different person when we’re alone,” she thought. “He’s all smiles and laughs with me, but he looked almost irritated when Gavin and Sophie showed up.” She couldn’t help but wonder why Harper seemed so comfortable around her yet so visibly displeased with others. It was both flattering and a little puzzling, and it made her curious about the reasons behind his demeanor.

As they continued setting up, Ebony decided to strike up a conversation. "So, do you have any friends back home?" she asked casually, glancing over at Harper.

Harper looked up from the marshmallows, slightly caught off guard by the question. "Huh? Oh, yeah! I’ve got a nice little friend group back home. They’re pretty great," he replied with a smile.

Ebony nodded, her hands busy arranging the chocolate bars. “It’s good to know he has a support system back home,” she thought to herself. She felt a bit reassured, seeing that Harper had a life outside of this camp. It made her feel less worried about his earlier reactions and more curious about who he was beneath the surface.

As they continued working, skewering marshmallows and setting up the rest of the s'mores ingredients, Ebony decided to delve a little deeper. "What about a partner? Are you in a relationship?" she asked, trying to sound casual, though her curiosity was genuine.

Harper choked a bit on the marshmallow he was trying to sneakily eat, his eyes widening in surprise. Ebony couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Easy there, big guy. Didn’t mean to surprise you," she teased, patting him on the back.

Harper managed to swallow the marshmallow, coughing as his cheeks turned a deep shade of pink. "A-a partner? R-relationship? Erm, no, definitely not..." He looked down at Ebony, who had moved her hand away from his back, his eyes searching hers for a moment. "I, uh... Why... Why do you ask?" he stammered, clearly flustered.

Ebony smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Just curious~," she replied, drawing out the last word teasingly.

Harper raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her tone. "Oh, ooh, curious? And why would that be?~" he pressed, leaning in slightly, his interest piqued.

Ebony resumed skewering marshmallows, nudging him with her hips as she did. "Stick around like you promised and maybe you’ll find out~," she teased, giving him a sidelong glance.

Harper smirked, chuckling softly. "I guess I really don’t have a choice then~," he said, his voice light but sincere. He looked at her with a soft, almost tender expression. "Not like you’d be able to get rid of me anyway, Cara Mia."

Just then, the woman’s voice from earlier cut through the moment, calling out to the group. "Alright, everyone! Come on over and introduce yourselves!"

Harper’s expression turned annoyed, and he let out a sigh as he stood upright. "Damn, guess we gotta head on over..." he muttered, clearly reluctant to leave their conversation. Ebony gave him a knowing smile as they headed towards the firepit, ready to join the rest of the group.

--

When there are more updates to the game, I will continue writing this fanfiction. I would like to thank all those who have read this. I am grateful for your kindness. 🧡