Shockwaves coursed through her body, sending shivers down her spine. With quick reflexes, she turned around to see Lucas, holding her hands with his eyes barely open. A sense of relief washed over her as she met his gaze, her own eyes brightening with a smile."He...eyy, you're here," Lucas said softly, his voice barely audible. Charlotte moved closer to him, taking a seat beside him on the bed."Are you awake? How are you feeling? Are you in any pain? Are you okay?" she fired off the questions hesitantly, her concern evident.Lucas chuckled, "Relax, Charlotte. I'm not dying," he said, still holding onto her hands."This is no time to joke, Lucas," she scolded, removing her hand from his and placing it on his forehead to check his temperature. It seemed to have returned to normal."I was worried—" Charlotte began to say, before catching herself and stopping mid-sentence, avoiding his gaze.Lucas smiled, "Really? You were worried? I had to get sick for you to show me you care?" he tease

"Hurry up, Charlotte!" Leah hissed, urging Charlotte as they rushed into the airport. The day had arrived for their retreat, and they were expected to meet the others at the airport before boarding their flight together.As they approached the rest of their group, they quickly joined them and boarded the plane when it arrived. Leah sat next to Charlotte, both of them bubbling with excitement for the trip. Who would have thought they would be traveling to California?As they settled into their seats, Charlotte couldn't help but gaze at the clouds outside the window. Her mind wandered back to Lucas and how their friendship had blossomed over the past three weeks. She was going to be away from him for a whole week, and the thought made her heart ache. She remembered their conversation from last night, where she had almost asked him to come along on the trip. But she hesitated, unsure if it was right to make such a request. After all, they were just friends, and he hadn't officially aske