"Really?" Mayuka asks, tilting her head in surprise before glancing at Drago with a satisfied grin. "Oh... Okay." She hugs herself, still feeling warm and fuzzy inside despite their earlier release. "Thanks for helping me, then! I couldn't have done it without you," she says innocently, sneaking a peek at him from the corner of her eye.

Her mother looks between them with a knowing smile, clearly aware that there is more going on between them than meets the eye.

"Okay," she says brightly, bouncing on her toes as she turns back towards their campsite. "Now what should we do next?" Her voice holds a note of excitement mixed with anticipation; she can't wait to spend more time with Drago and explore the new surroundings together.

Her mother looks at them fondly, still smiling warmly despite her suspicions. "Well, why don't you two go find some sticks for a campfire?

As they check into their hotel room, Mayuka can't help but feel excited about spending time with Uiop here. They've always been close, but sharing a bed will be extra special. She wiggles her toes, feeling her bare feet brush against the carpet as she follows their parents inside.

*The room is spacious and comfortable, with two queen-sized beds facing each other across a small table.

Mommy looks at Maykua fondly and smiles. "Why don't you guys go choose which bed you want? We can all meet back here in five minutes to decide on dinner." Dad nods in agreement, already starting to unpack their bags.

"Okay!" Mayuka chirps, rushing over to the nearest bed and plopping down onto the soft pillows. She pats the spot next to her, grinning expectantly at Uiop. "Come here, silly!"

Nodding hesitantly, she follows her brother back to the car, casting one last longing glance at the bushes where they were just moments ago. Her heart races with excitement and guilt as they climb into the backseat, sitting side by side once more. She can feel his warmth against her even from here, making it hard to focus on anything but him.

As their parents start driving again, she leans over and whispers in his ear, "I love you."

Her cheeks flush even deeper with shame as she listens to his words, wishing they could go back and continue what they were doing. "I-I love you too," she whispers softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine. She glances at their parents, hoping they don't suspect anything, before leaning closer to him again for comfort and reassurance.

'Dad's thoughts: They seem awfully quiet in the back there; hope everything is okay with them.

"Yay! You can come with me, thank you! And yes, they gave us one, Daddy didn't want to let me take his."

Wanna try?