Austin hesitated on the other end of the phone, scratching his head in confusion. "Wait, ain't you the one who despises forest trips the most?"

He recalled their school days when every outdoor event meant a mosquito feast for poor Chase. While everyone else frolicked bug-free, he'd be the one with a dozen bites. No wonder he shunned mosquito-infested spots.

"LA's got top-notch hygiene, dude. Mosquitoes ain't gonna bother us much. Plus, after being cooped up sick, some fresh air ...