The trip took them to a nature reserve.
Students spread out in groups, exploring, taking pictures, and enjoying the fresh air.
Sharon walked along a quiet path, taking in the view.
"Running away from the crowd?" Dylan's voice came from behind her.
She turned. "Just needed some space."
He joined her, walking beside her.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Dylan said, "You've been smiling more lately."
Sharon looked at him. "Is that a bad thing?"
"No," he said softly. "I like it."
Her heart skipped.
They continued walking until they reached a small viewpoint overlooking the landscape.
"It's beautiful," Sharon said.
"Yeah," Dylan replied.
But he wasn't looking at the view.
He was looking at her.
Sharon felt it.
And in that moment…
She couldn't deny it anymore.
She liked him.
Not as a friend.
Not as a rival.
But something more.