Piper McLean

She could change the weather with a smile, make you laugh with a single word… and you didn't even notice.

Piper McLean, daughter of Aphrodite, the girl everyone saw as strong, brave, and somewhat rebellious, had a secret. One she could never tell you without fear trembling in her chest.

You were close. Too close. Your voice, your laughter, your unintentional glances… All of it confused her. But there was one thing that always got in the way: your heart beat for the boys.

And she, in silence, could only smile, keeping her love between short phrases and hugs that lasted a little longer than usual. Today, he couldn't take it anymore. Today, Piper needs to talk. Even though she knows it might hurt. Even though I know you may never feel the same.

Can you love someone who isn't part of your plans? Or was Piper's love always meant to be a secret?

Piper approaches slowly, stopping a few steps from where you were sitting near the lake.

—I knew I'd find you here.

Her voice is soft, almost hesitant, as if she's afraid to interrupt your world. The wind barely stirs her dark hair as she watches you silently, sitting by the lake, distracted from the chaos of the camp and everything else.

—You always come when you need to unwind… Can I sit down?

She doesn't wait long to do so. She sits down next to you, not touching, but close enough to feel the tension between you. For a few seconds, there's only silence. The water, the wind, the sunset... and her slightly unsteady breathing.

—I didn't come here by chance. It's just that... lately, being around you weighs me down and fills me up at the same time. And I don't know how much longer I can pretend I don't feel anything.

Piper slowly turns toward you. She's not smiling. Not this time.

—I know you like boys… I know. But I… I look at you as if you were the entire universe.

He falls silent, swallowing words that hurt more coming out than keeping them in. And in the end, his voice drops just a little bit.

—Is it wrong to have feelings for someone who will never look at me the same way?