Days turned into weeks, with Finn and I constantly tiptoeing around an unspoken tension.

After finishing my lectures for the day, I sat alone in the campus courtyard, absentmindedly twirling a fallen leaf between my fingers.

Deep in thought, I was startled by my phone buzzing with a message from Finn.

'Butterfingers, are you on campus today?' - Finn

His message sent a flutter of excitement through me, but I hesitated before responding.

After a moment of deliberation, I finally typed out my response.

'Yeah, why what's up? xX'

Instead of a response, my phone started buzzing, and it was Finn calling.

I picked up, and he started, "Want to meet me at the field? We're done with training and would like some company."

My heart quickened at Finn's invitation. "Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.

As I made my way to the field, my mind raced with anticipation. What would we talk about?

When I arrived, I spotted Finn, "Finn" I yelled, trying to get his attention.

He turns around and a smile lit up his face.

Finn sprinted across the soccer field towards me, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead, catching the sunlight in a dazzling display. His chest rose and fell with each breath, his soccer jersey clinging to his sculpted physique.

"Hey, Butterfingers," he greeted, his voice carrying a playful lilt that made my heart flutter. His sun-kissed hair tousled just enough to give him a rugged charm, and his piercing blue eyes captivated me every time.

"Hey," I replied, returning his smile as my heart skipped a beat. "What's up?" I asked.

"Can't I see my favourite person without being quizzed?" he pouted.

I laughed, "Yes, you can."

He picked up his bag from the bench beside where I stood, and we started walking towards the main campus.

Finn leaned in closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know," he began, his voice low and husky, "I've been thinking..."

My heart raced as I waited for him to continue. "I was thinking," Finn continued, his voice slightly hesitant now, "that it might be fun to go on a trip together. You know, like a group thing. Maybe we could invite Jennie, Kam, and Shawn?"

My smile faltered for a second, but I quickly recovered. I wasn't sure what I was expecting—maybe for him to say he liked me—but that's hypocritical since I haven't confessed my feelings to him either. 

At this point, we're both playing chicken.

"Yeah, that sounds cool," I smiled. "Oh, we could invite my friend Nate; he did say a while back I should let him know if we're doing anything."

Finn's expression shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Nate's name, but he quickly recovered, offering me a tight-lipped smile. "Sure, yeah, Nate could come too," he replied, his voice strained.

We arrived at the main campus. "Alright, I've gotta head back to my room," I said.

"But we didn't even spend time together," he pouted again, this man would be the death of me; he's so adorable.

"The walk was long enough," I smiled, walking away from him.

"Alright, see you later," he slumped his shoulders in pretend disappointment.

"Bye," I laughed, waving at him before turning my heels to my room.

As I reached my room and settled in, I couldn't shake off the odd tension I felt with Finn earlier. It was unlike him to react that way to Nate's name. I decided to push it to the back of my mind for now.

Pulling out my phone  I text the group chat about the plans and before long, my phone lit up with responses from Kam and Jennie.

'Count me in! Can't wait for some adventure!' - Kam

'Sounds like a blast! Where are we thinking of going?' - Jennie

I paused for a moment, considering Finn's suggestion before typing back,

'Let's discuss it when we're all together later. We'll come up with something awesome!'

Later that evening, Kam, Jennie, and I gathered in my and Jennie's room, buzzing with excitement about the upcoming trip. Snacks and drinks were scattered across the coffee table as we discussed potential destinations.

"So, any ideas on where we should go?" Kam asked, leaning back on the couch with a bag of chips in hand.

Jennie chimed in, "I heard there's a cool hiking trail up in the mountains about a couple of hours away. We could rent a cabin and spend the weekend there."

"That sounds awesome!" I exclaimed, picturing myself surrounded by nature with my friends. "What do you think, Kam?"

Kam nodded eagerly, "I'm down for some outdoor adventure! Plus, it'll be a great opportunity for some epic photos."

As we finalized our plans, Kam reached for her phone with a grin. "I better call Shawn and let him know about our plans!"

We watched as Kam dialled Shawn's number, her face lighting up as he answered. "Hey, baby!" she greeted him cheerfully.

"Hey, sweetheart! What's up?" Shawn's voice came through the phone.

Kam leaned back, a playful smile on her lips. "Guess what? We're planning a trip this weekend! Finn mentioned it to you, right?"

"Yeah, he did! I'd go wherever my baby is," Shawn replied sweetly, his affection evident even through the phone.

Jennie and I exchanged amused glances, stifling fake barfs, earning a playful glare from Kam.

Kam giggled before responding, "You're such a sap, but I love it! Talk later, bye babe."

Meanwhile, I took out my phone and messaged Nate, "Hey, we're planning a trip this Friday! Would you like to join us?"

Almost immediately, Nate replied, "Sounds awesome! I'm in!"

*****

Two days later, we found ourselves gathered in our room, packing our bags.

"I can't believe we're finally going on this trip," Jennie exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement as she folded a pile of T-shirts.

Kam nodded enthusiastically, her hands busy organizing toiletries into a travel-sized bag. "I know, right?"

Kam spent the night because we knew she would be very late if we let her have her way.

I grinned while packing my swimsuits.

Just then, Kam's phone rang, interrupting our conversation. She glanced at the caller ID and smiled before answering. "Babe, what's up?"

As Kam spoke with Shawn, her expression shifted, and she exchanged a quick look with Jennie and me before ending the call with a nod. "Alright, we'll be right down."

"What's going on?" Jennie asked, curiosity piqued.

Kam's smile widened as she turned to us. "Shawn's downstairs. He's rented a car for the trip, and he's here to pick us up!"

I shared a quick glance with Jennie before we both sprang into action, gathering our belongings and rushing out the door.

As we descended the stairs, Jennie turned to me with a knowing smile. "What about Finn? Eager to see him."

Heat rose to my cheeks at the mention of Finn. "Yeah, well, we'll see what the trip brings," I said, trying to play it cool, though my heart raced at the thought of spending more time with him.

As we reached the entrance of the dorm building, we found Shawn waiting for us, a wide grin splitting his face from ear to ear, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Hey, ladies!" he greeted us, his voice filled with an infectious enthusiasm that mirrored the anticipation coursing through our veins.

"Are you ready to hit the road?"

We nodded eagerly, exchanging glances filled with excitement and anticipation. Shawn's enthusiasm was contagious, fuelling our own excitement for the adventure ahead.

Shawn gestured towards the sleek car parked nearby, its polished exterior gleaming under the soft glow of the evening lights.

"Well then, let's not waste any time," he exclaimed, his tone brimming with anticipation. "Our chariot awaits!"

As we approached the car, I caught sight of Finn emerging from the driver's side, a warm smile gracing his lips as he stepped forward to greet us.

"Shall I help you with your stuff?" he offered, his voice gentle and reassuring, his eyes filled with a warmth that sent a shiver down my spine.

I blushed, feeling a rush of warmth flood through me at Finn's gesture of kindness.

"Thanks," I murmured, my heart fluttering at the thought of Finn's closeness, the promise of spending the next few days with him sending a thrill of excitement coursing through my veins.

Nate, waiting inside the car, smiled warmly as he caught my eye. I returned the smile, grateful for his presence amidst the bubbling excitement and anticipation.

Before anyone could move, Kam let out a delighted squeal of excitement, her laughter ringing out like music in the air as she leapt into Shawn's waiting arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she planted a playful kiss on his lips, their laughter mingling in the warm evening air as they shared a brief but affectionate moment.

As Kam released Shawn, Finn chimed in with a chuckle, his voice laced with humour and warmth.

"As much as I hate to interrupt this lovely scene," he teased, a playful glint in his eye, "we really should get going."

With a laugh, Kam released Shawn and winked at him before turning to join us by the car. Shawn grinned in response, as he made his way to the driver's side.