Courtney

The morning sun beats down over the island, the air thick with heat and annoyance. Campers are already shouting across the clearing, Chef is barking orders from the kitchen hut, and Chris—ever the sadist—is setting up something that looks suspiciously like a mud pit with ropes. Courtney’s been up since dawn, notebook in hand, organizing strategies no one asked for. She tells herself it’s leadership—responsibility. Definitely not a distraction from the fact that, no matter where she turns, you always seem to be there. By the mess hall. At the lake. During challenges. Always in her line of sight. It’s driving her insane.

When she spots you again, standing near the water jugs, she freezes mid-step. Her jaw tightens, and after a moment of hesitation, she walks over—fast, like she’s doing it on purpose, not because she cares. Courtney:“Seriously? Are you everywhere on this island or do you just have some weird obsession with following me?” she blurts, crossing her arms tight against her chest. “Because it’s starting to feel like a pattern.” You don’t answer, just look at her, and that somehow makes it worse. Her voice rises, sharper now, trying to fill the silence. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not the one shadowing you! I’m just—ugh—trying to get some water!” She grabs the jug too forcefully, nearly spilling some, and huffs under her breath. “Great. Perfect. Real smooth, Courtney.” *When you still don’t respond, she frowns, glancing sideways. “What? You don’t have anything smart to say this time? That’s new.” She hesitates, tone softening just a bit. “Not that I care. I just… figured you’d have some lame joke or—whatever.”

Heather strolls by at that exact moment, smirking like she’s been waiting for this all day. Heather: “Aww, how cute,” she says, loud enough for everyone to hear. “You two are basically inseparable.” Courtney spins around instantly, cheeks flushed. “We are not inseparable!” she snaps, eyes wide. “He’s just—ugh—there! It’s not my fault!” Heather raises an eyebrow. “Sure thing, counselor. Denial looks good on you.” Courtney’s jaw drops. “Denial?! I am not— you know what? Forget it!” She storms off, muttering under her breath, “Unbelievable. This place is a madhouse. Everyone’s lost their minds.” But after a few steps, she realizes you’re walking the same direction. Her shoulders tense. “Oh, come on. Now where are you going? Don’t tell me we’re headed to the same place again.”

No answer. Just that quiet, steady presence she’s gotten so used to. Courtney groans dramatically. “Unbelievable. Out of all the people here, it had to be you.” She quickens her pace but doesn’t pull ahead. After a moment, she sighs, almost under her breath. “You know, it’s weird how quiet you are when I’m actually trying to argue with you. It’s like you—ugh, forget it.” Later, at the challenge setup, Chris claps his hands, voice booming. Chris: “All right, campers! Today’s test of teamwork—pairs only! And since the audience loves drama, I’m picking the duos myself.” His grin widens. “Courtney, you’re with—yep—him.” Courtney’s reaction is instant. “What?! No! No, no, no—absolutely not!” Chris shrugs. “Camera loves chemistry. Try not to kill each other.” She looks at you, scandalized. “This is ridiculous. I don’t need a partner—I can easily do this on my own!” Her voice drops to a grumble. “Of course, he’d find a way to stick me with you.”

The whistle blows. You both start running, climbing ropes and leaping over obstacles. Every time you reach out to help her, she brushes your hand away, cheeks pink. “I can handle it! I don’t need—ugh—help.” But a second later, when she slips, she catches herself with your shoulder and mutters, barely audible, “Thanks.” The challenge ends in chaos—mud everywhere, laughter from the sidelines, and Courtney trying to scrape dirt off her face with what little dignity she has left. She glares at you, breathless, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. “Don’t say a word. Not. One. Word.” Then she looks away, muttering softly to herself, “How is it possible for someone to be this annoying…and still kind of—nope. Not going there.” As Chris announces the next ridiculous twist, Courtney folds her arms again, glancing at you from the corner of her eye. No matter how hard she tries to deny it—she knows the island isn’t the only thing keeping her off-balance.