Math Is Hard, But Hiding My Crush Is Harder

Chapter 7: Campfire Hearts

Friday morning, a thin mist lightly covered the schoolyard, and the chilly air made everyone put on extra layers.

Han walked into the classroom, her short hair neatly framing her face, her eyes bright yet slightly shy.

Her classmates turned to look, amazed:

“Han cut her hair short!”

Linh winked with a bright smile:

“It looks great on you!”

Khoa also appeared, a subtle scent of cologne surrounding him, which only Han noticed.

“Wow… Khoa looks different today!”

Han blushed slightly and glanced at Khoa mischievously:

“You… sprayed cologne? Trying to get someone’s attention?”

Khoa chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling:

“Just wanted you to notice.”

The class settled into their seats, and the homeroom teacher smiled brightly:

“Today, I have some good news! Because of your excellent academic results and teamwork, the whole class will have a weekend camping trip.”

The classroom buzzed with excitement more than usual. Linh and Nam winked at each other playfully:

“Exactly, today’s camping trip will probably have some cute Han–Khoa moments!”

The whole class arrived at the camping site near the forest.

While setting up tents and preparing the campfire, Han and Khoa exchanged secret glances, their hearts racing warmly.

Khoa handed Han a cup of hot chocolate, his voice gentle:

“Drink this, it’s cold tonight.”

Han smiled, her heart fluttering:

“You really know how to make me happy.”

Linh, standing nearby, teased:

“You two are so obvious!”

Nam chimed in:

“This camping trip will definitely be unforgettable!”

After everyone went into the tents to rest, Han and Linh sat by the campfire, listening to the rustling leaves under the faint moonlight.

Han was silent for a moment, then sighed:

“Linh… I don’t know how to say this… I like Khoa…”

Linh smiled, playful yet gentle:

“I know. It was obvious from how you were all day at school and during the trip.”

Han blushed, eyes slightly teary:

“But he… his cologne and his gaze today… made my heart race.”

Linh nodded encouragingly:

“That’s good! Take your time getting closer to him, let things happen naturally, don’t worry too much.”

Linh smiled, a little shy:

“I like Nam… he’s always caring, makes me laugh, and reliable when needed… I don’t even know when it started.”

“Really? You… you like Nam?” – Han exclaimed, both surprised and happy.

Han was surprised and blushed, while Linh chuckled playfully. The two girls laughed lightly under the moonlight and rustling leaves, warming the night’s atmosphere.

“Come on, matters of the heart… just say everything, you’ll feel relieved,” Linh said softly, her eyes sparkling.

Han nodded, heart racing but feeling lighter after confiding in Linh. They shared more little stories from the day, their laughter soft, gentle, and natural.

A while later, Nam and Khoa stepped out of the tent, gazing at the starry sky. Han and Linh looked on, their hearts still fluttering.

Khoa shrugged slightly, smiling gently:

“The sky is beautiful tonight, the stars are so bright…”

Nam nodded, standing next to Khoa, eyes fixed on the distant stars.

Han looked at Khoa, her heart racing, eyes sparkling with joy and a hint of shyness.

Linh stood nearby, playful yet gentle, giving Han and Khoa some quiet space.

The group gazed at the night sky in silence, with no tension—only warmth, closeness, and the subtle emotions between Han and Khoa, marking a memorable evening of the camping trip.