I could feel the silence in the night and hear the insects singing. My best friends were grinning, already expecting this kind of reaction from them. Ember was the one to break their daze.
"Wow." Ember clapped her hands and the rest followed.
I smiled. "Thanks."
"Damn. I didn't know you could sing, Kyree. Your voice was just… wow. You sounded so amazing. You're really good with the guitar, too." I have always thought Gavin was the first one to comment with how I was playing and I was right. "I think I'll start to practice some Jason M songs. Whew." He joked.
Chris whistled. "You're fucking good, girl."
Remi suddenly hugged me from the side. "I know right? This girl's my best friend."
"And my best friend." Mila added proudly with an ear splitting grin.
"Why did you just show it now? Girl, you got some serious talent. Don't wait for another camping trip to show it." Jenny remarked.
I just laughed it off. "I don't think it matters. It's not going to be my career anyway." I answered simply with a shrug.
"Well, that's a waste." Ian commented with remorse. "If I could sing like that, I'm going to be a vocalist in a band." I stiffened at his statement. I unconsciously turned to Keelan.
Is he going to tell them... that I'm actually in a band?
Keelan didn't turn to me. He was staring at the fire instead, spacing out.
"Me too." Ember second the motion.
"Can you sing another song again?" Chris asked excitedly.
"Not another Jason Mraz please." Ian added. Jenny was glaring at him while the rest of us chuckled, amused at his taunt.
---
I stare at the night sky again. I don't know why I kept staring at it. Probably because it was rare for me to see nights like this that have millions of stars visible in the sky. It could hardly be seen when you’re in the city. I'll probably tell Dustin and the others that I thought of a song about the stars, moon and the night sky.
"You keep looking up at the sky. Is there something wrong with it?"
Keelan asked behind me. I didn't notice him coming. Everyone was already inside the tent and most likely now asleep.
"I'm admiring it." I said. He was now standing beside me. He was quiet for a while before speaking.
"I'm sorry."
"Oh so the devil knows how to apologize."
"Devil?"
"Yes." I finally looked at him. "Because I literally don't know what's inside that pretty head of yours. I don't know when you'll drop that bomb and blow everything up."
"You think I'll tell everyone your secret?" He asked with no hint of emotion.
"I don't know, Keelan. Will you? I don't even know what you want from me." I said exasperatedly.
"You say that but you were happy enough to sing for everyone."
I turned away, evading his emerald orbs. "I got carried away."
"I don't know why you're keeping it a secret but if you don't tell me, I'll ask your friends instead."
I glared at him. "Are you threatening me?" I stepped closer to him. "What exactly do you want, Keelan? Are you enjoying the fact that you got a hold on me?"
He looked down at me. I cursed myself for being short. Why does he have to be so damn tall?
"Maybe, maybe not." His eyes travelled down to my lips, then back to my eyes. "All you have to do is tell me, sweetheart, and I won't tell anyone."
I stepped back. "It's not that easy. You don't know how complicated my situation is."
He took a step forward. His height hovering me. "Maybe I'll understand if you just tell me."
I looked down not planning to tell him. He realized I wasn't going to budge so he let it go. I was relieved.
"Is it true then?"
I looked back up. His face was close to mine. I frowned perplexed at his question. He noticed I didn't know what he meant. "That you're not dating anyone?"
My frown deepened. "I'm not, Keelan. I don't know where you got that idea."
"You sure?" He made the distance impossibly closer.
"Yes!" I exclaimed. "I swear if you're gonna ask that stupid question again, I'm going to fucking hit you."
"Can I kiss you?"
I stare at him dumbfounded.
"Ah... yes." I looked away while blushing. Not a second longer, I looked at him again.
He was grinning like a boy.
---
"Why are you taking me to your tent?" I asked in panic. My voice was in a whisper fearing the others would hear our little crime.
My eyes widened when he unzipped the tent. "Hey, shouldn't you be with Ren? I don't think he'd appreciate me being a third wheel."
Keelan looked at me as if I was crazy. His head then nodded towards the inside of the tent. "Come on."
I just stare at him, not moving. He then grabbed my wrist and dragged me inside the tent. It was empty before us. He took off his jacket and lied down. When he noticed I wasn't moving, he tapped the spot next to him signaling me to lie down beside him. I hesitantly did.
"Shouldn't you be with Ren?"
"Why are you so fixated with that guy?" There was a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Stop acting like a jealous boyfriend. I was just asking. He seemed to be your best friend." I looked at him to see he was frowning. "Is he not?"
"He's not used to sleeping with someone. It bothers him." He answered instead.
"Are you the same?"
"A bit. My sister's the only one I acknowledge to sleep beside me."
"You two seemed close." My fingers were playing with the hem of the blankets.
"I've never mentioned my sister to you before."
I looked at him to see he was frowning again.
"Ren mentioned it."
His frown deepened, jaw clenched. He spoke with a gritted teeth "Well, you two seemed close.