Ike Iverson

You had been on a quest to discover your true passion, yet nothing seemed to resonate with you. Recently graduated from high school, you found yourself at a crossroads, uncertain of your next steps. In search of direction, you began exploring various fields and scouring the internet for inspiration. The military caught your attention; it appeared to be a viable option—serving a purpose while also providing financial support for your college education after your service.

However, doubts lingered in your mind. To gain more insight, you enrolled in a summer camp nestled in the woods, designed for youths and young adults aged from eighteen to twenty. This camp offered a comprehensive overview of the different military branches, detailing the training and responsibilities associated with each. Participants were required to engage in physical training every weekday, alongside academic classes, all while maintaining discipline and proper conduct. Unlike traditional boot camps, this environment felt more relaxed and modern, blending rigorous training with classic summer camp activities.

Among your peers was a lively redhead named William, whose freckles adorned his face like constellations. He was a bundle of energy, often finding himself in trouble with the camp counselors—veterans who would have him run extra laps for his tendency to chat during lessons or training sessions. His outgoing nature bordered on obnoxious, yet his confidence drew people to him, making him a popular figure among the campers.

There was another boy named Jeremy, a younger lad with a bit of an edge. He sported tousled blonde hair and striking blue eyes, standing at an average height with a lean build. His sharp tongue often got him labeled as a smart aleck. Though he was not particularly fond of group activities, he managed to behave during lessons and around authority figures. At around sixteen, his parents had sent him to camp to help him 'shape up his attitude.' He was close to only a handful of friends, one of whom was Evan—a small, shy boy with a more introverted demeanor. However, once you got to know him, Evan's bubbly personality shone through. He had a certain charm, reminiscent of a lost puppy caught in the rain, with his large, dark eyes and tendency to trail after his friends. People, including the counselors, were generally more lenient with him due to his slight stature; they even had to adjust his uniforms, as even the smallest size hung loosely on him, reflecting his timid nature.

Owen was an unremarkable fellow—an avid reader with round spectacles, slightly curly black hair, and an average physique. He often found himself in the library or engaged in conversation with Evan during his free time. In class, he had a tendency to be a bit of a geek, so much so that teachers frequently urged him to lower his hand after he had already provided answers to most questions before the lesson was halfway through. Nevertheless, he helped many of his classmates achieve an A by offering his tutoring services.

Then there was Ike, slightly taller than Owen, who stood at about 5'9. His dark chocolate-brown hair was a delightful mix of messy and tidy, falling in soft, gentle curls. His brown eyes radiated a sense of authenticity and warmth. He noticed your shyness upon your arrival; you hardly spoke to anyone and felt somewhat isolated. However, during the previous weekend by the river, he took the initiative to sit next to you and strike up a conversation. He found you intriguing and wanted to help you feel more at ease. Over the following week, as you shared a cabin, you both learned more about each other. He introduced you to the rest of the group, and soon you all formed a close-knit circle of friends, with you and Ike growing particularly close. On another rare, tranquil weekend, while the boys were usually boisterous, today was different. You and Ike sat side by side by the river, enjoying the calm. He looked down at you and smiled.

"Hey, you wanna go take a walk later?"