Echoes in the forest | Minsung

Intro

The sun was setting over the horizon as Han Jisung, Bang Chan, and Changbin trudged up the narrow path leading into the forest. Their backpacks, filled with camping gear, bobbed with each step, and the aroma of pine filled the air. The trio had decided to take a break from the city's noise and spend a weekend camping in the woods. It was meant to be a fun escape, and Han Jisung, with his ever-present earphones and a playlist of soothing melodies, was looking forward to the tranquility of nature.

The campsite was nestled beside a gently flowing river, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the deepening shades of twilight. Bang Chan and Changbin set up the tent, their laughter ringing out as they fumbled with the poles and fabric. Han Jisung, meanwhile, sat on a nearby rock, his eyes lost in the flowing water as he listened to his music.

"Jisung, are you going to help us or just sit there looking pretty?" Bang Chan called out, his voice teasing.

"Just soaking in the atmosphere," Jisung replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm here in spirit."

Changbin chuckled, shaking his head. "You're such a music nerd, Jisung. Come on, help us with the last few pegs."

Reluctantly, Jisung put his music on pause and joined his friends in finishing the tent. By the time the work was done, the sky was a canvas of purples and oranges, and the first stars began to twinkle. The trio headed to the river, where they skipped stones and laughed at each other's attempts to catch fish with makeshift rods.

As night fell, the campsite came alive with the crackling of a fire and the aroma of roasting marshmallows. Other friends from their group had arrived, joining in the festivities. The warmth of the fire contrasted with the cool, crisp air of the forest. Bottles of beer and cans of soda were passed around as stories and laughter filled the night.

"I've got a great one for you guys," said Joon, a tall guy with an easy grin. "You've all heard about the local legend, right?"

"Oh, not another ghost story," groaned Seungmin, rolling his eyes. "Last time, I had nightmares for a week."

"This one's different," Joon said with a mischievous glint in his eye. "It's about Lee Know."

"Lee Know?" Han Jisung asked, his curiosity piqued. "Who's that?"

Joon leaned closer to the fire, the flames dancing across his face. "He's this creepy guy who lives deep in the forest. They say he's a hermit, but not the good kind. He's rumored to be a killer who lives alone with a bunch of cats. Nobody who goes near his place ever comes back."

The group fell silent, the only sounds the crackling of the fire and the occasional hoot of an owl. Changbin broke the silence. "Isn't that just a story to scare people? I mean, how can anyone live out here for so long without anyone noticing?"

Joon shrugged. "That's what everyone thinks. But my uncle swears he saw Lee Know once. Said he was lurking in the shadows, watching him."

Bang Chan shivered. "Okay, that's enough of that. We're here to have a good time, not scare ourselves silly."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the unsettling story hung in the air like a thick fog. As the night deepened, the fire's warmth was a comfort against the encroaching chill of the forest. Han Jisung found himself increasingly uneasy, the thought of Lee Know creeping into his mind.

"I need to use the bathroom," he said, excusing himself from the group. The nearest bathroom was a makeshift one set up a short distance into the woods. He grabbed a flashlight and ventured into the darkness, the beam of light cutting through the thick, black night.

The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. Jisung's footsteps were muffled by the soft earth, and his flashlight cast long shadows that danced with every movement. He quickened his pace, eager to return to the safety of the campfire and his friends.

As he neared the bathroom, a sudden movement in the distance caught his eye. A figure darted between the trees, barely visible but unmistakably human. Jisung's heart skipped a beat. His thoughts immediately raced to the story of Lee Know. He tried to convince himself it was just an animal, but the image of the shadowy figure lingered in his mind.

He approached the bathroom and finished his business as quickly as he could, his senses on high alert. When he stepped out, the figure was gone. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, and started walking back to the campsite.

The forest seemed different now, darker and more oppressive. The once comforting sounds of the night were replaced by an unsettling silence. Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves made Jisung jump. He was halfway back when he heard it—a faint, almost imperceptible whisper. It seemed to come from just beyond the trees, but when he turned to look, there was nothing there.

His mind raced, recalling the stories he had heard. What if Joon's tale was true? What if Lee Know was real? His flashlight beam wavered as he stumbled through the underbrush, trying to find his way back.

Just then, the whisper grew louder, more insistent. "Help me..."

Jisung froze, his breath catching in his throat. The voice sounded close, as if someone—or something—was right behind him. He spun around, but the forest was empty. Panic set in, and he quickened his pace, desperate to return to the safety of the firelight.

When he finally emerged from the trees, he was breathless and trembling. His friends looked up in concern as he staggered towards them.

"Jisung, are you okay?" Bang Chan asked, worry etched on his face.

"I—I think I saw something," Jisung said, his voice shaky. "A person... in the woods."

"Are you sure it wasn't just a trick of the light?" Changbin asked, trying to sound reassuring.

"I'm not sure," Jisung admitted. "But it felt real."

Seungmin, who had been quiet, spoke up. "Maybe it was someone from the other group. They're camping nearby."

"Maybe," Jisung said, though he wasn't convinced. "But it felt... different."

As the night wore on, the story of Lee Know seemed to loom over them. The fire crackled and popped, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold, dark forest surrounding them. The stories had made a mark, and the sense of unease hung heavily in the air.

Later, as the fire died down and the group began to disperse for bed, Han Jisung couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The forest, once a place of escape and relaxation, now seemed like a dark, menacing entity. He tried to convince himself it was just his imagination running wild, but the whispers and shadows wouldn't leave him alone.

He crawled into his sleeping bag, his mind racing with thoughts of Lee Know and the mysterious figure he had seen. Sleep was elusive, and every creak of the tent or rustle outside made him jump.

As he finally began to drift off, the haunting thought of the forest and its secrets lingered, promising that this camping trip would be one he would never forget.

P.S. I got to Minsung, congratulate me) tell me more.....hihi....