Cercis

Years ago

The last night of camp came way too fast. Three days of managing a bunch of loud, chaotic students from all year levels, and somehow, I didn’t lose my mind. Miraculous, honestly. I wasn’t exactly the “cheerleader” type of leader, but I guess being the calm, no-nonsense one worked. We ended up winning more than a few challenges, which if you ask me, was less about “team spirit” and more about me forcing everyone to get their act together.

I’d been catching up with Jerry whenever I could, even though we were in different groups. Not enough time to actually hang out, but enough to make me remember why I liked him in the first place. And now that we’re official, yeah, things are definitely looking up

After dinner, I got stuck with dish duty. Not that I minded; it was oddly peaceful, especially compared to the constant yelling during games. Most of the girls assigned with me were too busy giggling over some guy, so it was just me and a mountain of dishes.

I was halfway through rinsing when I heard that familiar voice behind me.

“Need any help?” Jerry. Smooth as always.

Without turning around, I smirked. “You offering, or just pretending to?”

He chuckled, leaning against the counter beside me. “I mean, I’d help if you want me to. You look good doing it though, very in charge.”

I gave him a sideways glance. “Yeah, nothing says ‘leader’ like scrubbing someone else’s leftover rice.”

He grinned, those stupid dimples of his showing. “Still, you did great this camp. My group couldn’t stop talking about how your team crushed it.”

I shrugged. “They were fine. I just told them what to do and prayed no one cried.”

Jerry laughed. “You really don’t take compliments, do you?”

“Not when they’re exaggerated,” I said, drying my hands.

But before I could say more, I caught a group of girls a few feet away, whispering like they were auditioning for a gossip show.

“Oh my God, he’s so handsome,” one of them not-so-quietly said. “Is he single?”

Another giggled. “No way, look at him! That smile? Those dimples? Ugh.”

Then came the third one, the brave one. “Please. I hope he’s not with Cercis. They don’t even look good together.”

That one made my eye twitch.

I kept my back to them, pretending I didn’t hear, but when the next comment hit, I almost dropped a plate.

“If it weren’t for her weird white hair, no one would even notice her.”

Alright, that’s it.

Before I could overthink it, I turned, grabbed Jerry by the collar, and kissed him, quick, firm, and absolutely on purpose.

When I pulled back, his eyes were wide, then his lips curved into a grin. “Wow,” he said, voice low. “Not that I’m complaining, but… what was that for?”

I gave him a smug little smirk. “Just reminding a few people you’re taken.”

He followed my gaze toward the gossip trio, who are now frozen, jaws practically on the floor, and then chuckled softly. “Jealous, huh?”

“Maybe. So what?” I said with a shrug. “They were annoying me.”

He leaned closer, still smiling. “Well, for what it’s worth… I like jealous Cercis. It’s kinda hot.”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t push it, Sandoval.”

“Noted,” he said with a wink.

I turned back to the sink. “Now, unless you plan on helping, stop distracting me before I throw this sponge at you.”

Instead of backing off, he gently took my hand. “Come on, leave the dishes. Let’s walk for a bit. You deserve a break.”

“I also deserve to not get yelled at by the camp coordinators,” I pointed out, but he was already pulling me toward the door.

“Live a little,” he said, grinning like a troublemaker.

The night air was cool against my skin as we stepped outside. Laughter and music floated through the campgrounds, everyone enjoying the last night like it was their final day on earth.

We wandered past the crowd until Jerry led me somewhere quieter, away from the noise. The bathroom area, of all places. I raised an eyebrow. “Really? Out of everywhere you could’ve taken me, you pick this?”

He smirked. “Relax, I just wanted somewhere private.”

Before I could make another sarcastic comment, he leaned in and kissed me again, this time slower, deeper.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about you after that stunt earlier,” he murmured against my lips. “You drive me crazy, Cercis.”

I chuckled softly. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Oh, it’s definitely not.” His hands rested on my waist. “You know, when you get all possessive like that, it’s—”

“Dangerous territory,” I interrupted, grinning. “Watch what you say next, Sandoval.”

I feel a smile tugging at my lips as I kiss him back, my hands sliding up to cup his face. 

“Mhm,” he hums, his hands resting on my waist, pulling me even closer. 

I can’t help but laugh softly, breaking the kiss just enough to look at him. “You like it that much, huh?”

“Absolutely,” he teases, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I mean, you started it, Cercis. What else was I supposed to do?”

I roll my eyes playfully but lean in for another kiss, this time slower, savoring the moment. My fingers gently trace the lines of his jaw before I brush them over his cheeks, feeling the slight stubble there. It’s these little details that make my heart race every time I’m near him.

Jerry deepens the kiss, his hands sliding up my back, and I can feel the heat between us building. My heart is racing, the heat between Jerry and me almost tangible as our lips meet again and again. The world outside this bathroom has vanished, leaving just us, lost in each other. Jerry’s hands move to the small of my back, pulling me closer as I thread my fingers through his hair. It’s like nothing else exists, and for a moment, I forget everything, where we are, what we’re doing, until the sound of the door creaking open snaps me back to reality. 

We both froze.

And there, standing in the doorway, was Sean Ortiz, eyes wide like he’d just walked into a crime scene.

My stomach dropped. “Oh, fantastic,” I muttered under my breath.

Jerry turned instantly defensive. “What the hell are you doing here?!”

Sean blinked, looking completely lost. “Uh… this is the boys’ bathroom.”

Cue awkward silence.

I stepped back, adjusting my shirt and pretending my dignity wasn’t in flames. “Yeah, okay, that’s my cue to leave.”

I slipped past Jerry, keeping my head down. But before I left, I caught Sean’s gaze. He didn’t look judgmental, just… concerned. Which somehow made it worse.

I turned away quickly, muttering, “This night just keeps getting better,” and walked out, my pulse still hammering in my ears.