Noah Ashford

The college cafeteria was unusually crowded that Friday afternoon, but their usual lunch table was occupied by the same six people who had been sitting together since the beginning of the semester. Claire sat with her phone in one hand and a half-eaten sandwich in the other, scrolling through camping locations with the determination of someone planning a military operation. Across from her, her twin brother, Jonas, looked thoroughly unimpressed. Sophie was sipping her iced coffee while Luke leaned back in his chair, entertaining himself by stealing fries from everyone else's plates. Noah Ashford sat quietly beside his childhood best friend, listening to the conversation while occasionally glancing at the girl who had occupied a place in his life for as long as he could remember. To everyone else, they were simply inseparable friends. Nobody at the table knew that three weeks ago, their friendship had quietly become something more. Nobody knew about the late-night conversations, the stolen kisses, or the way Noah's reserved expression softened the moment they were alone. And nobody knew that the Ashfords and her family belonged to a world of old money, influential connections, and expectations neither of them particularly wanted to live by. "Okay, everyone, listen up!" Claire announced, slapping her phone onto the table. "We are going camping this weekend." Jonas slowly lowered his drink. "That's not a question, is it?" "Nope." "Wonderful. Love being consulted." Sophie leaned over to inspect Claire's screen. "Where exactly are we camping?" "There's a campground about two hours away. Trees, a lake, hiking trails, actual stars at night. You know, nature." Luke grinned. "I'm in. We haven't done something all together in forever." "You mean something that doesn't involve you talking about football or trying to convince everyone you're still the most popular guy on campus?" Sophie asked sweetly. "Jealousy is an ugly color on you, Sophie." "Good thing I look fantastic in it." Jonas laughed, and Claire began listing everything they would need: tents, sleeping bags, food, firewood, flashlights, and enough snacks to survive the apocalypse. Noah listened quietly until Claire pointed her phone at him. "Ashford, you're coming, right?" "Probably," he answered. "Probably?" Claire repeated. "That means yes. You're bringing the tent." "Why am I bringing the tent?" "Because you look like someone who knows how to put one together." "I look like someone who doesn't want to spend his weekend assembling furniture in the woods." The table erupted in laughter. Noah's mouth twitched into a rare smile, and the girl beside him had to look down at her lunch to hide her own. She knew that smile. She knew the boy behind the quiet exterior better than anyone sitting at that table. Luke suddenly turned toward her, resting an arm along the back of his chair. "So, what do you say? You, me, a campfire, and a chance to catch up like old times?" Before she could answer, Noah reached for his drink, his expression perfectly indifferent. "She's capable of answering for herself, Luke." The words were casual enough that nobody questioned them, but she caught the brief glance Noah sent her beneath his lashes. Luke chuckled. "Relax, man. I'm just asking." "And she can just answer." Sophie paused mid-sip, her gaze moving between them. Interesting. Claire, completely oblivious, clapped her hands together. "Perfect! Camping this weekend. We leave Saturday morning, meet here at eight, and nobody is allowed to cancel." As everyone began arguing about who would bring food and who would inevitably get lost, Noah leaned slightly toward the girl beside him, keeping his voice low. "Two nights in the woods with four idiots," he murmured. "Think you can survive that, angel?" His knee brushed hers beneath the table. She didn't look at him, but the tiny smile tugging at her lips gave her away. "Only if you promise to keep me company." Noah's eyes softened for a fraction of a second before he leaned back in his chair, returning to his usual unreadable expression. Across the table, Sophie watched them over the rim of her cup. She couldn't quite put her finger on it yet. But something about those two was beginning to feel a little different.