"It's like there never was a misunderstanding, huh?" I murmured. We both sat quietly on the logs, as (y/n) and Ray continued their really adorable interactions. They had Ray's scarf wrapped around each other, connecting them.

"It's crazy how they're both so dense sometimes?" Norman said back under his breath. It's true. As much as (y/n) is proud of her wit and well-informed mind, she can be the most clueless when it comes to romance.

Same for Ray as well. He's more comprehensive about love and stuff, but about emotions? His smart-ass self doesn't know a single thing. I watched as (y/n) went to her tent and retrieved her blue scarf so that she and he can be matching, which is literal goals.

"Exactly," I replied. We watched as (y/n) laughed at him, her scarf falling off and how Ray adjusted it back again for her. "It's like we're watching some sort of documentary."

"We watch two humans in their natural habitat, trying to converse good-naturedly," Norman said, making me giggle. "But it seems their obvious feelings for each other makes it very difficult."

All of us separated and (y/n) came with me to my tent. "Did you finally finish your book report?" she asked, stretching her arms.

"Yep, you wanna read it?" I asked her. She nodded and I opened my laptop. "Here."

I watched her eyes scan the text quickly, "Mentos...Respectful...Party animal...The taste?!" she said as she finished my essay. "What the hell did you read?!"

"I told you, a fanfiction," I said as she shook her head. "I didn't want to elaborate on *those* details, so I used fancy high school words instead!"

"(f/n), you could get in some serious trouble!" she whisper-screamed. "What is Mr. Leslie figures out that it's not even an official book?"

"Trust me, he won't," I assured her. Her lips went in a thin line. "Besides, I already turned it in, it's not like I can do anything at this point."

Her eyes widened. "Okay, but if you get detention, don't look at me."

She laid on my duffel bag, looking at the forest green color of my tent. It was already sunset, so Quadrantids is supposed to start soon. I thought about texting Norman the plan but decided to tell (y/n) first.

"So, what do we do about Norman?" I prompted her. She turned around in my direction. "Any classy moves we got? I was thinking we do some sort of flower-throwing, light-shining, cottage-core thing."

"It's not a wedding, he's just planning on confessing to her," she clarified. I nodded. "So let's tone it down a bit."

"You're right, but how?" I wondered. I put my fingers on my chin, trying to think. "We can try to make the two of them meet secretly."

"Ooh, I know!" she answered. She crossed her legs and clasped her hands in her lap. "Why don't we set up the lock-in-a-shed trope?"

My eyes lit up. This is perfect! The epitome of romance manga. "Yes! We can convince the two of them to meet in a shed for whatever reason, and boom! Sparks have flown!"

She agreed excitedly. Woah, this is actually happening. We decided on not telling Norman because we're planning on surprising him, but we chose to let Ray in on our little plan.

I texted him and he met us outside the tent. We all went behind some rocks to create a system in secret. "So? What do you need me for?" he asked.

"We're gonna allow Norman to admit his feelings to Emma tonight," (y/n) explained. "And you're gonna help us?"

"Wait, really?" he said. "Tonight? On the meteor shower?"

"Obviously!" I said back. "It produces a certain mood."

(y/n) and I swiftly summarized what exactly we were planning so we don't screw anything up. He nodded intently, asking a few questions.

He sighed. "Alright, I'm in. But if we get on Norman's bad side, don't blame me," he said, and we cheered.

"Oh, it's fine," (y/n) replied. "Norman already knows that we're gonna help him. Just not how."

I can't believe just one day ago I was alone by myself, inadequate to decipher my feelings. , Norman helped me understand what I was going through, even if I hardly perceive anything yet. However, he did say I may discover the answer sooner or later. Whatever that means, of course.

Lily was feeling extra tired today, maybe because she stayed way past her bedtime last night. As a result, she crashed around 6:30 and I don't expect her to wake up till the next day.

"Ray, it's all set right?" I said to him, as we looked behind the bushes toward Norman and Emma. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I could see a little color on Norman's cheeks. This plan better succeed.

"Yeah," he whispered. "Also what happens if this fails?"

"Then we move countries and change our names," I said. "No way am I dealing with them after that. They're terrifying."

He agreed, shuddering. "By the way, what did you do the past day? With Norman?"

"We hiked and talked about stuff," I answered, looking past the trees. (f/n) should give us the signal soon. It was already becoming dark, and I don't know how much longer I can stay crouched in this position. "What? Jealous?"

He shook his head and scoffed. His face turned slightly red. "No, why would you think that?"

I shrugged. "I guess it's an instinct to think like that. So what did you do with Emma?"

"The two of us walked around and she helped me journal some plants," he replied, looking at his watch. "It's been ten minutes, you think (f/n) would've given us the sign for action?"

I nodded. "Yeah, what's she waiting for?" I muttered, craning my neck. They were sitting on the log. Norman relit the fire which died out twenty minutes ago.

"Um, (y/n), can I ask you a question?" Ray asked. From the peripheral of my eye, I could notice him glancing at me. I turned to him.

"Sure, what do you need?" I said. Please don't bring up the car drive, please don't bring up the car drive, please don't bring up the car drive, I kept thinking.

"Are you sure you're not upset?" he asked courteously. Oh. He's worried. "I apologize if I hurt your feeling you seemed like you were ignoring me."

Does he not know what happened? I honestly thought he would have figured it out by now. Unless he's playing dumb. "I'm fine, thanks for asking," I said looking from the bush. "Why?"

"It's because, well (f/n) said that what you said yesterday was a lie," he explained, not maintaining eye contact. "She said that your first kiss wasn't in eighth grade."

(f/n). Provide the signal, please. I don't want to talk about this any further. Ray continued. "(f/n) said that I was your first kiss."

Tell me this isn't real and all just a bad dream.

"Oh, that," I said. He was now looking directly at me. I turned the opposite way. "I don't even know why I said that."

I looked straight forward. Norman and Emma were laughing again. I could see the corner of his mouth perk up mischievously. But I refuse to give him the reaction he wants. I took a deep breath, calming my nerves.

"Was it because you were prideful and didn't want to reveal that small detail?" he murmured. I could feel his presence close to mine. "Or was it because you yourself felt envious?"

"No," I said firmly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Hm, didn't expect you to be that simple to read," Ray answered softly. "You're so cute when you blush."

His right cheek is a really amazing target for my hand.

I turned my face to him and instantly regret it. We were a mere inch away from each other, and his gaze was like a magnet. I couldn't even look away, not with the situation I was in. I could feel my face warm up even more at the closeness. He moved a little bit toward me, which made me lose all my senses. It's like my body wholeheartedly disregarded its ability to move!

It's like Ray's eyes have a special power to captivate anyone who stares into them. The deeper you look into them, the more they seem to be slowly swirling around a pitch-black pupil. Like a placid lake at midnight. Sometimes you'll even find a little sparkle that twinkles around his irises.

The worst part was how easy his eyes were to get lost into. Just one little glimpse and it's all over for me.

He leaned in a little more when suddenly, (f/n) said the signal.

"Hey Norman, do you think you can go get some screws and nails from the shed?" she asked, coming from her watch post. "I need to fasten my tent some more since the wind is getting out of hand."

"Oh, I know where it's located, let's go together," Emma said, taking his hand. Phase 1 has started.

But it was at the expense of what just happened. Ray and I separated an entire three feet away. Way more than our previous distance. Please let me die.

Did we seriously almost kiss?! I thought as my face went back to its normal tone. I looked at Ray and he seemed as serious as ever. Does he not even realize the severity of what he tried attempting? And to think that I almost let him!

I heard (f/n) jog behind us. "Sorry, some dude took really long in the shed. Hope it wasn't a long wait!"

"I-It was fine," I said, smiling graciously. I still can't believe myself. I cleared my mind, trying to breathe. "So this starts Phase 2?"

"Yeah, so here we go," (f/n) said gesturing us to follow her into the forest. "A day's work led up to this moment."

We quietly walked behind her, keeping our distance. I still can't and will probably never forget this. We were even talking about first kisses too! What, did he want to be my second kiss now since he figured out he was my first?!

The most embarrassing part was that I didn't even think of the consequences during that incident. My mind just went blank. All my memories were wiped off like a clean slate right there, but I quickly regained them soon after. As a result, I have a new dilemma to deal with! I hid my face in my hands.

"So, what's your favorite color?" Ray asked out of the blue. Oh no. Not the awkward conversation all over again. "Mine's navy blue."

"Oh uh, cool," I said, as my perception heightened. I can clearly feel the polyester wool touch my chin. "My favorite color is probably (f/c)."

He nodded slowly. "Interesting."

We all walked in silence after that until we reached the area. It was completely dark, save for a few lamps here and there. There was a rickety bench near us and two portable toilets next to it. Why does it feel like someone died here?

I felt uneasy being here by a shed, with barely any internet connection or light. I mean, isn't this how most horror movies start? By a group of teens exploring an abandoned shed or something?

I tightly wrapped myself with my scarf. "Over here," (f/n) said, bringing us to the side of the small building. There was a small crack between the wooden planks and we could definitely see Norman and Emma in there.

"Crap, the door's locked," we heard Norman mutter. "Damnit, we can't leave."

"Oh no, should we alert the others?" Emma asked concerned. "I think I have my cellphone with me."

"No use, there's not a single bar of service," he replied, already checking his phone. "Looks like we're stuck here."

Good. Now onto Phase 3. "Well, what should we do?"Emma asked. The darkness marred our eyesight a bit so we had to squint our eyes to see what was happening.

"The best thing is to wait here until help arrives," he answered. "(f/n) should know something's up if we're gone too long."

Emma concurred and the two sat there on the ground, as they leaned on the wall. Ray, (f/n), and I anticipated something to happen. Then suddenly, Norman gently put his arms around her shoulder. Yes Norman, I said, silently cheering for him.

"Hey, Emma?" he said, catching her attention. She briefly looked up to him.

"Yes?" she said, urging him to speak. "Can I help you?"

"Emma, I don't quite understand how to say this but," Norman started. "I'm in love with you. I've been for a long time, since middle school. And I don't know how you're going to take this and you probably think I'm a weirdo but I thought I should just tell you that before I, forget. God, this was cringe."

Emma smiled kindly. She proceeded to gently kiss Norman's cheek. "Then can we uh, can we take things slow for now?"

"So is that a yes?" he said standing up. Emma stood as well. She nodded happily. Norman then picked her up and hugged her while spinning around. "Oh, and by the way, you missed last time."

(f/n) clamped her hand over her mouth. The three of us had a mini celebration when suddenly, the peak of Quadrantids started. Norman and Emma looked through the window above them, while we three stared at the sight above us, past the treetops. All of us were in awe.

I made a silent wish, closing my eyes after seeing the first shooting star, zipping past the night sky disappearing as quickly as it appeared. I blinked a bit to recover my vision. I glanced at the others.

2 minutes passed and everyone was focused on watching the meteors go by one by one. I hope they were pretty, because I'm sorry. For the entire time we gazed at the sky, I couldn't take my eyes off Ray.

"Hey, guys!"(f/n) exclaimed, busting the door open with a dramatic swing. "Sorry, we're late!"

We peeked behind her. I closed my eyes quickly and Ray turned the other way, his back facing us. (f/n) just stood by the door, unable to process the information.

Crap, this escalated really fast.

I think we barged into something private. Norman and Emma instantly turned around, surprised. We all immediately shielded our eyes as (f/n) slammed the door shut.

"We didn't see anything, by the way," I added behind the closed door. "We're just going to leave.

"You two, feel free to keep doing what you're doing!" (f/n) said as we ran out and dashed through the forest.

"I know we seriously did not just witness that," Ray stated as we reached the campsite in record time.

"I'm just gonna pretend I didn't witness that," I replied, equally shook. The three of us said our goodbyes and went to our tents, even though we all knew no one was planning on sleeping after that.