The Haunted Hunt: A Tale of Fear and Friendship

The same monotonous lecture and the same monotonous professor. "Don't you ever get bored, James? Don't you ever lose focus and look around?" David whispered, nudging his friend.

James smirked. "You know me too well, David. I know what view you're talking about."

"Yes, Lily. You're planning to propose to her, right?"

"David, you're sneezing on my aching ashes. I don't even know if she likes me. Can't you ask Lucy to find out? You're my best friend, you can do this for me."

David sighed. "You're crazy, James. But alright, I'll try. I'll talk to Lucy. If your luck shines, who knows?"

Later that day, in the park behind the hill, David approached Lucy.

"Hello, Lucy!"

"Oh, hello David! What's up?"

"Are you busy this evening? We're planning to play some games in the park behind the hill. You and Lily should join us."

"Sure, why not? I'll bring Lily along. See you at 5 pm!"

"Great, see you then!"

At 5 pm, the park behind the hill was alive with chatter. David reassured James. "Don't worry, they will come."

Sure enough, Lily and Lucy arrived. Soon, Hannah, Luna, Jackson, and Alex joined them. The group decided to play a treasure hunt.

"Alright," David announced, "we'll pair up. The first team to find the treasure wins."

Lucy and David.

Lily and James.

Hannah and Jackson.

Luna and Alex.

Parker had hidden the treasure, so only he knew its location. The park and the eerie mountain behind it were the boundaries.

"Remember, no cheating," Parker said, a mysterious glint in his eye.

Everyone set off to find the treasure.

Lily & James

"Lily, we need to win this. I don't like losing."

"Sometimes, losing can be good too."

"Do you want to lose?"

"No, I mean, we might gain something even if we lose."

"What could we gain from losing this game?"

"Your time with me is enough for me."

"What?"

"Nothing. Let's hurry, we won't win like this."

"Alright, let's check the hill."

Lucy & David

"David, why did you pair up with me?"

"No particular reason."

"There must be a reason. You could have paired me with Lily."

"Okay, James loves Lily."

"Oh, so that's the secret. She loves him too, by the way."

"Wait, what? They both love each other but don't know?"

"Yes, exactly. And what about you? Do you like someone?"

"Hmm, I do. But what if she doesn't like me back?"

"If you keep fearing, nothing will happen. Say what you feel. You're the topper, who can refuse you?"

"Alright, let's focus on the game. We have to win."