Guide: "We will go on a hike around the camp, then up a hill where you can play some games if you want."

A chorus of groans rolled through the group. The old guide didn’t even blink—his wrinkled face looked like it had weathered far worse than a bunch of moody teens.

Hyuck leaned toward Mark, whispering in a stage voice dripping with sass.
Hyuck: "This is useless. We should learn something practical, not waste our time walking around the camp just to walk up a hill. That’s complete bullshit."

Mark chuckled under his breath. "I don’t know, Hyuck… maybe it’ll be fun?"

Hyuck gave him that look—one that could flatten any optimism within a ten-meter radius. "Do I look like someone who would have fun walking up a hill?"

Mark grinned. "C’mon, babe. Let’s just let loose for once."

Hyuck narrowed his eyes like he was making a deal with the devil. "If I pass out, it’s your fault."

Mark: "I’ll carry you if I have to."

Hyuck’s lips curled into a reluctant smile. "Deal." He grabbed Mark’s hand without ceremony, tugging him toward the campfire meeting spot—fingers warm, grip stubborn.

Mark didn’t say it then, but that was one of those small, quiet moments where he realized he’d follow Hyuck up a hundred hills if it meant holding his hand the whole way.

---

Wednesday

Mark clapped his hands together, voice bright and commanding.
Mark: "Alright, today we’ve got a treasure hunt! Groups of six. When the siren goes off, start looking for clues. Keep them—you can win prizes if you collect enough."

Ten chimed in like a game show host. "One hour to search, and the winning team gets to split the treasure."

Johnny: "Maps at the front. Phones ready in case you get lost—or if you split up and need to regroup."

Jaehyun: "And please watch out for animal traps and rocks. Not a first for someone to trip and break something."

Taeil: "Find the treasure, keep it hidden, and run back to the campfire meet-up spot."

Jeno: "Teams, go!"

The clearing erupted into a frenzy of kids scrambling toward their friends. Teachers scanned the chaos, ticking names off lists.

Jaemin’s brows furrowed. "Wait… where are Chenle and Jisung?"

Mark scanned the cabins. "Huh. Yeah, I don’t see them either."

A moment later, Jisung emerged, holding a teary-eyed Chenle in a protective half-hug.

Jaemin crouched slightly, his voice soft. "Chenle, what’s wrong?"

Chenle’s voice cracked. "N-nothing, Mr. Na."

Jeno stepped forward gently. "You don’t have to do the hunt, you know. Let’s head to your cabin—"

Chenle shook his head stubbornly, but Jaemin had already draped an arm around both boys, nudging them along.

It took a few quiet breaths before Chenle finally said it, voice trembling. "M-my father… h-he got in a car accident…" He buried his face into Jisung’s shoulder again.

Mark’s chest tightened. "Chenle… do you want to visit him? You can. All you have to do is tell us."

Chenle blinked at him, almost surprised. "Am I… allowed?"

"Of course," Mark said. "You just need to let one of us know."

Jisung squeezed Chenle’s hand. "Lele, you should go. Make sure your family’s okay."

"But I don’t want to leave you," Chenle murmured.

"Your family’s more important than me," Jisung said softly.

Mark could see the tug-of-war in Chenle’s expression—loyalty to a friend, fear for his family. "Jisung can go with you," he added. "Just don’t forget to study, and come back for your tests."

Chenle’s lips quirked just enough to pass for a smile. "We won’t be gone long."

Jaemin gave them both a reassuring nod. "Stay healthy, you two."

Jeno, practical as always, said, "Call your parents first. Their word matters here."

Jisung nodded. "We’ll call them now—can we stay here so you hear them believe us?"

"Of course," Jaemin said.

---

Hyuck had been quiet through the whole thing, but his mind was far away—dragged back to a memory of that hike years ago. The stubborn way Mark had refused to let him sulk. The way his hand had been warm and sure, even on a pointless climb up a stupid hill.

"This reminds me so much of our trip," Hyuck murmured, almost to himself.

Mark glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "I know, right?"

Jeno piped in from the corner. "Yeah, it’s crazy—"

But Jaemin cut in, eyes narrowing playfully. "Wait… are you two together now?"

Silence.

Hyuck’s stomach flipped. Right. We’re not even together. So why do I keep acting like we are? His chest tightened with the weight of all the things he hadn’t said.

"I have to go," Hyuck muttered, the words sharper than he meant them to be. He slipped out of the cabin before anyone could stop him.

Outside, the cold air hit harder than he expected. His throat ached, his eyes burned. He didn’t even notice the footsteps until strong arms wrapped around him from behind.

"Leave me alone," Hyuck whispered. But even as he said it, he didn’t pull away.