Open Fire
 | This chapter is exclusively available to members of Bittersweet Club International. |
| Open Fire | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Published | November 5, 2025 |
| Page count | 18 |
| Major characters | Matt, Jordan, Harvey, Sam |
| Chapter navigation | |
| ← Falling Back | Fork in the Road → |
| Read in the BCI Members’ Library | |
Open Fire is a Bittersweet Club International-exclusive comic in which Jordan talks Matt into coming along on his family’s annual camping trip. Harvey and Sam round out the party, and a weekend in the woods ends up meaning rather a lot to their guest.
Partial synopsis
At school, Jordan groans face-down on his desk about his dad’s “stupid annual camping trip” that weekend.[1] Matt is puzzled by his dread, and when he learns Sam will be there, he says the trip sounds relaxing. Jordan immediately begs Matt to come, assuring him that his dad will not mind another guest.[2]
Matt is packed before the family SUV arrives. His father stays seated at the counter with his back turned, calling Jordan “that sissy little friend of yours”[3] As Matt leaves, his father says the trip might “teach you a thing or two about family values.”[4]
Harvey cheerfully introduces himself from the passenger seat while a nervous Jordan drives. Sam refuses to shake Matt’s offered hand.[5] At camp, Sam tells Matt that few people ask about his interests and that he likes being asked. He talks about wanting to become a pilot, and Matt develops a crush on him.[6]
Jordan only begged Matt along so he wouldn’t be bored to death. He has no idea yet just how much this weekend is going to mean to his friend...
Trivia & observations
- This is Sam’s first extended speaking role in any BCB story. His ambition to become a pilot has not come up elsewhere in the comic.[6]
- Harvey’s cheery “G’morning! I’m Harvey!” is the first time Lucy’s father’s name is spoken in dialogue anywhere in the comic.[5]
- Matt’s dad makes his first on-panel appearance here, and his face stays hidden the entire time.[3][4]
- Sam’s remark that his dad “drives race cars for a living”[6] matches Harvey’s very first appearance, winning a race qualifier on TV in a sponsor-covered driving jacket in Dinner Time.[7]
Related chapters
- Golden Hour: At the beach campfire, Matt says he once came out to his parents and that “they weren’t particularly happy to hear it”.[8] Earlier in the chapter, Rachel promises that he will never have to worry about a place to stay.[9]
References
- ↑ Open Fire, page 1 🔒 (members only)
- ↑ Open Fire, page 2 🔒 (members only)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Open Fire, page 3 🔒 (members only)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Open Fire, page 4 🔒 (members only)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Open Fire, page 5 🔒 (members only)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Open Fire, page 9 🔒 (members only)
- ↑ Chapter 65: Dinner Time, page 19
- ↑ Chapter 90: Golden Hour, page 40
- ↑ Chapter 90: Golden Hour, page 2