♡︎|34

chapter thirty-four—✧♡︎✧—

The school parking lot was already filling up with students, some standing around in small groups while others loaded their bags onto the bus. The early morning air was crisp, and though everyone was looking forward to the trip, there was still a lingering sleepiness among them.

Hyunjin adjusted the strap of his bag and glanced at Felix, who was leaning against the bus, scrolling through his phone. "You're quiet. Thought you'd be hyping this up."

Felix didn't look up. "I'm preserving my energy. We have three days of team activities and whatever else they throw at us. I can't waste it all before we even get there."

Seungmin scoffed, standing next to them. "That's rich, coming from the guy who was up past midnight 'double-checking' his bag."

Felix side-eyed him. "Unlike some people, I like to be prepared."

Jisung, who had just walked up holding a convenience store bag, snorted. "Yeah, because a three-day trip definitely requires five different snack pouches and a blanket the size of a king bed."

Felix shrugged. "And yet, you're the one who stopped for last-minute supplies."

Jisung held up the bag. "I was being responsible. I got—" He rummaged inside. "Vitamin water, gum, and—" He paused before grinning. "A can of coffee. For emergencies."

Seungmin rolled his eyes. "And by 'emergencies,' you mean when you stay up past curfew messing around."

Jisung nudged him. "If you're going to accuse me of something, at least make it sound bad."

Hyunjin let out a short laugh before stretching. "So, are we actually sitting together on the bus, or is someone about to betray the group for a better seat?"

Felix slipped his phone into his pocket. "I'm sitting by the window."

Jisung looked at him, unimpressed. "Okay? And?"

Felix blinked. "That's it. I'm just letting you all know."

Seungmin sighed. "Fine. But if you fall asleep and drool on my shoulder, I'm kicking you off."

Hyunjin turned toward the bus door as the teacher called for them to start boarding. "Let's go before they assign seats."

—

By the time the bus pulled into the camp, everyone was dead on their feet. The drive had been long, the excitement had worn off, and the only thing keeping them from collapsing on the spot was the promise of food and sleep.

But, of course, the staff had other plans."Welcome, campers!" A chipper counselor clapped her hands together as the students sluggishly gathered around. "Before we assign cabins, let's take a quick tour of the campgrounds!"

A collective groan rippled through the group.

Felix, dragging his bag along the dirt path, muttered, "I could literally sleep on this rock right now."

Hyunjin let out a sigh. "I swear if this 'quick tour' lasts more than fifteen minutes—"

"It will," Seungmin cut in. "These things always do."

And he was right.

The tour stretched on as the staff pointed out key locations—the dining hall, the hiking trails, the bonfire pit—but the only thing keeping the boys somewhat entertained was their own side conversations. That was until they reached the river.

"This," one of the older staff members began, standing at the edge of the wooden dock, "is the camp's famous river. But before you get any ideas—no one is allowed here at night."

Jisung smirked. "I suddenly really want to be here at night."

Felix elbowed him, but the knowing look in his eyes said he was thinking the same thing.

The staff member continued, voice lowering just enough to catch everyone's attention. "A long time ago, a boy went missing in this very river. They say on quiet nights, if you listen closely, you can hear him calling out from the water—"

A strong gust of wind rushed through the trees at that exact moment, sending a shiver through the group.

"Okay, that was a little too well-timed," Felix mumbled, rubbing his arms.

Hyunjin smirked. "What, scared?"

Felix scoffed. "No. But I'd rather not have some ghost boy whispering in my ear at two in the morning."

Jisung, unfazed, leaned toward them. "So, we're going, right?"

Felix glanced at Hyunjin. Hyunjin glanced at Felix. Yeah, they were definitely going.