THE BET 🦋

XXI.

As I approached my tent, I saw that Bitna was already inside, getting ready for bed. She looked up at me as I entered and asked, "Are you okay? You look a little shaken up."
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said, sitting down on my sleeping bag. "It's just been a really intense night."
Bitna nodded, understanding. "Do you want to talk about it?"
I hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell her. "Jae-eon got into a fight with that guy who spilled the drink on him earlier. It was pretty ugly."
Bitna's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, I didn't see that coming. Is he okay?"
I nodded. "He seemed fine, but I don't know. It's just... complicated."
Bitna looked at me with a knowing expression. "You like him, don't you?"
I felt my face flush with embarrassment. "I don't know what I feel," I admitted. "I mean, he's so frustrating and confusing, but at the same time, I can't help but be drawn to him."
Bitna smiled sympathetically. "I know what you mean. It's like he's a mystery you can't resist trying to solve."
I nodded, feeling relieved that Bitna understood. "Exactly. But at the same time, I don't know if it's worth the drama and confusion."
We talked for a while longer, discussing our feelings about the trip and our classmates. Eventually, we both settled into our sleeping bags, exhausted but content.
As I lay in my tent, listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, I couldn't help but think about Jae-eon. Despite everything that had happened between us, I still had feelings for him. But I didn't know if I could handle all the drama and chaos that seemed to follow him everywhere he went.
Eventually, I drifted off to sleep, hoping that tomorrow would bring some clarity and peace to this turbulent situation.

The sound of a loud horn fills the air, jolting me awake from my sleep. I groggily sit up and rub my eyes, trying to make sense of what's happening. It's still early morning and the sun has only just started to rise.
As I rubbed my eyes, I realized that it was the professor's way of waking us up for the day's activities. I looked over at Bitna, who was still sound asleep, and shook her gently. "Wake up, Bitna. It's time to go."
I quickly get dressed. Bitna and the others are doing the same, grumbling about having to wake up so early.
Our professor gathers us around.
As she did that, I notice someone walking towards our campsite. Some latecomers probably arrived only now because they were still finishing their final exams. But when I focused a little, my eyes widened in surprise. Tae-jin was among those arriving.
God great.... I can't believe that he is actually here. I've been trying to avoid him too since we celebrated my birthday at the amusement park and it's going to be hard to do here.
"Good morning, everyone," Mr. Kang greeted us cheerfully. "I hope you all slept well because today we're going on a hike!"
I groaned inwardly at the thought of climbing up a mountain after the rough night I had. But as Mr. Kang started giving us instructions, I noticed that Tae-jin was watching me intently. I tried to ignore him and focus on Mr. Kang's words.
She begins to explain the details of the hike and shows us a map and points out the route we will be taking, explaining the different landmarks and natural formations we will see along the way. She warns us about the steep and rocky terrain, reminding us to be careful and stay together.
I wasn't interested in a difficult conversation first thing in the morning, when my head is still not fully working.
"Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack some snacks and water. We don't want anyone getting dehydrated," the professor instructed.
I tried to subtly punch Bitna's hand, who was standing next to me.
She frowned at me because she was still half asleep. Apparently, she didn't even pay attention to what the professor was telling us.
"Don't look there, but Tae-jin has arrived," I said subtly moving my head towards the gate.
"Where?" was her immediate question. We all know very well that a person who you tell not to look somewhere will look. Bitna turned her head towards where Tae-jin was standing and waved at him. God, I'm going to kill her.
I peripherally saw Tae-jin move towards us.
Oh please no.
My pleas were in vain as he appeared with us in a few seconds.
"Hey, guys! What's up?" Taejin greeted us with a smile, but I could sense the awkwardness in the air.
"Hey, Taejin! What brings you here?" Bitna chirped excitedly, trying to break the tension.
"Just came to say hi and see how you guys are doing," Taejin said, looking at me with a small smile.
I gave him a nervous smile back, not knowing what else to say. Bitna could sense the awkwardness and started talking non-stop, trying to fill the silence.
"So, are you coming with us on the hike, Taejin? It's going to be so much fun! Nabi and I have been looking forward to it for days," Bitna said, bouncing with excitement.
Taejin hesitated for a moment before answering, "Yeah, I think I'll join you guys for the hike. It sounds like a great way to spend the day."
I could feel my heart sinking as I realized I would have to spend the whole day with Taejin. I didn't know if I could handle it, but I didn't want to ruin the day for Bitna, who was clearly so excited about the hike.
"Great! We'll have so much fun!" Bitna exclaimed, oblivious to the tension between Taejin and me.
I forced a smile and tried to be polite, but I couldn't shake the feeling of awkwardness that hung over us.
As I watched his steps move away, I noticed Jae-eon not far from us, quietly watching us with a strange look. Our eyes met for a second and then separated again as he turned and walked into his tent. Weird.
We quickly scrambled to get our hiking gear together and we lined up in groups under the hill.
As we started our hike, the scenic beauty around us was breathtaking. The lush greenery of the mountains and the clear blue sky made me feel alive. I couldn't help but smile as I took in the view, feeling grateful to be here and sharing this moment with my friends.
As we walked, we chatted and joked around, admiring the beauty around us. Bitna and I took turns taking photos of each other, trying to capture the stunning view behind us. Tae-jin was walking with us too, and although he wasn't saying much, I could see that he was also enjoying the scenery.
Jae-eon was walking ahead of us, taking the lead on the trail. I watched him from behind, admiring his broad shoulders and the way he moved with confidence. He looked like he belonged here, in nature, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. I felt like such a city girl, out of my element in this beautiful landscape.
But as we continued hiking, I felt more and more comfortable in my surroundings. The fresh air filled my lungs, and the sound of the birds chirping and the leaves rustling calmed my mind. I felt like I could stay here forever, just taking in the beauty around me.
As I stumbled on the rocky terrain, my foot twisted, and I lost my balance. I tried to reach for something to hold onto, but before I knew it, I was falling. My head hit the ground with a thud, and I felt a sharp pain shoot through my skull. The last thing I saw was a blur of green and brown as I passed out.
When I opened my eyes again, everything was a bit fuzzy. I could hear voices around me, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. My head was throbbing, and I could feel a damp cloth on my forehead. I blinked a few times to clear my vision.
I tried to sit up, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me.
"Take it easy, Nabi," I heard Jae-eon's voice say. "You fell pretty hard. Let me carry you to the sickbay."
I looked up at him, trying to focus on his face. He looked worried, his brow furrowed with concern. I tried to protest, but my head was spinning, and I couldn't find the words.
"Let me help," Tae-jin said, stepping forward.
"No," Jae-eon said firmly, his eyes locked with Tae-jin's. "I'll take care of her."
But Tae-jin didn't back down. "I'll carry her," he said, moving towards us.
Jae-eon's eyes narrowed, and I could sense the tension between the two of them. "I said I'll take her," he repeated, his voice low and dangerous.
Tae-jin hesitated for a moment, then stepped back. "Fine," he said shortly.
I wondered what was going on. But before I could ask, Jae-eon had scooped me up in his arms and was carrying me down the mountain.
I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. Even though I was in pain, I couldn't help but feel comforted by his touch. As we made our way to the sickbay, I drifted off into a peaceful sleep, grateful to be in his care.