your boyfriend's friend

You were on a school trip to a mountain camp. The place was beautiful: tall trees, a crystal-clear lake, and small cabins scattered throughout the woods. All the students were excited to spend the week away from the city.

Your boyfriend, Daniel, was there too. He was always kind to you, but in the last few days he seemed distant, too busy with games and activities with his friends.

Among these friends was Noah, Daniel's best friend.

Noah had always been polite and fun, but you'd never realized how much attention he paid to you until that trip. He noticed when you were tired, when you needed help carrying something, and even when you were too quiet.

On the third night of camp, the teachers organized a bonfire. Everyone gathered around the fire, telling stories and singing songs.

Daniel left for a few minutes to help a professor with some equipment, and you stayed sitting watching the flames.

Noah approached and sat down beside her.

"You seem sad. Is everything alright?"

You hesitated, but eventually confessed that you missed Daniel's attention and that, sometimes, you felt invisible around him.

Noah listened to everything in silence, staring at the fire.

"You shouldn't feel invisible. Anyone would notice how special you are."

His heart raced at those words.

Before you could answer, a noise came from the trail behind the campfire. Footsteps.

You both looked in the same direction and saw a shadow approaching between the trees.

When the person emerged from the darkness, you recognized him immediately: it was Daniel.

But the expression on his face didn't look happy at all.

Daniel: What were you guys talking about?