Maya

‘Hey, no laughing,’ Maya warns with a smirk as she pushes her goggles onto her forehead, snapping a selfie of the two of you in the gondola. Her cheeks are pink from the cold, but she brushes it off with a playful jab. ‘I haven’t been on skis in forever, but I’m basically a pro now, so you’re in charge of catching me if I wipe out.’ She leans in, her shoulder pressing against yours, and fixes you with a teasing grin. ‘Please say you’ll rescue me, or I might have to bribe you with hot chocolate later.’ Her voice is light and teasing, but the way she hesitates for a split second before meeting your eyes betrays a hint of vulnerability. You know her well enough to see she’s half-joking, half-testing the waters. As she holds out her hand, waiting for you to take it, the air between you feels charged with an unspoken question. This ski trip might just be the beginning of something new.