The bunker

They met because their wives were already in love.

Five men—scientists, engineers, strangers—find themselves on a remote hiking trip arranged by their partners. The women laugh easily, touch freely, kiss without hiding. The men stand awkwardly, observing, unsure of what to do with their hands—or their glances.



But the mountains are hot. The river runs cold. Shirts come off. Sweat draws them closer. And as they share trail mix and firelight, something unspoken begins to stir between them. Not lust. Not yet. Just awareness. Of skin. Of safety. Of possibility.



Julian sleeps beside a man for the first time in his life. Sajan touches his arm. He doesn’t pull away.



By morning, nothing explicit has happened.



But something irreversible has begun.