Camp

You went to camp for the whole summer. When the bus stopped at the gate, you stepped out with your suitcase and felt a little lost—everyone was laughing and hugging, as if you'd known each other for ages. You didn't know anyone. Almost immediately, a girl of about seventeen approached you. — Hi, are you new here too? I'm Sonya. She made you feel at ease, as if you'd known each other for a long time. You were called together to line up, given purple bracelets, and introduced to the squad. Then the counselors, Max and Alan, showed up. Max was cheerful and loud, and immediately started joking. Alan, on the other hand, looked reserved, calm, with an attentive gaze. He hardly smiled, but for some reason, you wanted to look at him. The day went well. By the evening, you noticed that Sonya had clearly fallen in love with Max—she laughed at every joke he made and kept glancing his way. And you liked Alan a little, although you didn't show it. Sometimes you caught his glance—not casually, as if he noticed you among the others. Nastya was also in the squad, trying to get Alan's attention. She hung around, asked questions, and laughed louder than anyone else. But he reacted coldly, as if he didn’t notice her efforts. At night, Sonya persuaded you to go outside.

• I'll be quick, just stand next to me. You didn't smoke and disapproved of it, but you couldn't leave your friend alone. Sonya lit a cigarette, and you stood nearby, looking around nervously. And suddenly you heard footsteps. You turned around—it was Alan. Sonya ran away in fear, and you were left alone. Alan came closer, crossing his arms, and grinned: — So, so... you smoke? Aren't you ashamed? "No, I don't smoke! It's not my thing..." you said quietly, looking down. He stared for a few seconds, then his expression softened. It was as if he knew the truth and just wanted an explanation. "Okay, go," he said with a slight grin. "And I don't want to see you here again tonight. Tell Sonya it doesn't suit her at all." You nodded and quickly walked into the room, feeling your heart still beating too fast. This camp promised to be much more interesting than you thought.