Episode 4: "When Hearts Collide"
1005 Words
Part 1 of 3
The morning air buzzed with excitement as students gathered outside the North Haven High campus, bags in tow, chattering about the long-awaited senior field trip. For the first time in years, the school was hosting a three-day retreat at a mountain resort—part bonding, part educational, and full of opportunities for memories.
Aerin Dela Vega stood near the school gate, hugging her overnight bag to her chest. She wore a soft hoodie and black jeans, her hair in a lazy ponytail, lips pressed in anticipation and uncertainty.
She wasn’t sure what to expect.
The last few weeks with Raven Alcantara had been... confusing. Since becoming seatmates, something unspoken had started to bloom between them. Stolen glances. Unexpected smiles. Words that felt heavier than they should.
But lately, he had been distant.
Not cold. Not rude. Just… quieter.
And Aerin wasn’t the type to chase. Not when she didn’t know where she stood.
"Girl, stop looking like you're about to cry. We're going on a trip, not a funeral," teased Mika, her closest friend, slinging her bag over one shoulder as she approached.
Aerin snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile. “I’m just cold.”
“Cold, huh?” Mika wiggled her brows. “Or heartbroken?”
“Wha—?!” Aerin rolled her eyes. “Don’t start.”
“Too late. Raven hasn’t spoken to you for days. Spill. Did you two fight or... kiss?”
“I swear, Mika—”
A loud honk interrupted them. A white tour bus pulled into view, and students erupted in cheers. Aerin’s heart thudded at the same moment she spotted him—Raven—stepping out of a black car just a few meters away.
He wore a navy hoodie, bag slung across his shoulder, hair tousled like he just got out of bed. And of course, he looked like he belonged in a music video.
And of course, his eyes met hers.
But instead of walking over or even offering a smile, he looked away.
Just like that.
Something twisted in her chest.
The bus ride up the mountain was long, winding, and filled with energy. Music played from a portable speaker. Students laughed, exchanged snacks, and played games.
But Aerin couldn’t focus on anything.
Raven sat across the aisle, earphones in, head leaning against the window. He hadn’t said a word to her. Not even a glance.
Every time Aerin thought of confronting him, something in her stomach tightened. What if she was imagining everything from the start? What if it was all one-sided?
“He’s acting weird,” Mika whispered, handing her a gummy bear. “Maybe he’s just tired.”
“Maybe,” Aerin murmured, but she didn’t believe it.
The bus took a sharp turn, and the mountains came into view—tall trees, cool air, and fog curling around the path like a dream.
The resort was beautiful. Wooden cabins nestled among pine trees, a main lodge with a bonfire pit, and a view of the valley below.
Their teachers gathered them for announcements. Boys and girls would be staying in separate dorm cabins. Activities would
Part 2 of 3
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Their teachers gathered them for announcements. Boys and girls would be staying in separate dorm cabins. Activities would include hiking, a group challenge, bonfire sharing, and a campfire dance on the last night.
Aerin tried to focus, but her eyes kept drifting.
Raven stood with a group of boys—laughing. Smiling. Not once did he glance in her direction.
It stung more than she expected.
Wasn’t he the one who offered to walk her home a few weeks ago? The one who called her name like it meant something?
Now it was like she didn’t exist.
“Alright, everyone, let’s settle into your cabins!” one of the teachers called.
Aerin and Mika found their assigned room quickly. It had wooden bunk beds, clean sheets, and a small window overlooking the forest. Other girls filtered in, their laughter bouncing off the log walls.
Mika threw her bag on the top bunk and looked down at Aerin. “You need to breathe. You’ve been acting like a ghost all day.”
“I’m fine,” Aerin muttered, unpacking her toiletries.
“You’re not,” Mika said bluntly. “Look, either talk to him or move on. It’s killing your vibe.”
Aerin wanted to snap back, but she couldn’t. Because Mika was right. This silence, this distance—it was messing with her. She didn’t come on this trip to feel miserable.
But before she could even consider approaching Raven, fate beat her to it.
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After dinner, the class gathered at the clearing for the first activity: “Trust Challenge.”
Each student was blindfolded and paired with someone chosen at random. One would lead, the other would follow blindly. The goal? Navigate the trail without letting go of each other’s hand.
Aerin’s heart pounded as names were called.
“Dela Vega… Alcantara.”
Her stomach dropped.
Of all people.
Raven appeared next to her, just as surprised. For a second, their eyes met—finally.
But he looked away again. No smile. No spark.
A teacher handed her the blindfold. “Aerin, you lead. Raven, follow.”
Without a word, Raven placed his hand in hers.
Aerin’s fingers trembled as she tied the cloth over her eyes. The world turned black.
“Ready?” she asked, barely above a whisper.
“Yeah,” came Raven’s voice—low, unreadable.
She began to walk, guiding him along the trail marked by ropes and scattered stones. The air was cool, and the only sounds were the crunch of leaves and murmurs of other students ahead.
It should’ve been a moment. Something close. Intimate.
But instead, the silence between them stretched like an invisible wall.
Finally, Aerin couldn’t take it anymore.
“Did I do something wrong?”
Raven didn’t answer right away. She felt his grip on her hand tighten slightly.
- Writer
