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THE TREK BACK FROM CHIRI-SAN felt like a completely different adventure compared to the chaotic journey there. The air was cooler, the sun kinder, and the bickering significantly less hostile. This was in no small part thanks to y/n, who had, quite literally, saved everyone's lives with her over-prepared snack stash.
It was ironic, really. The very same people who had mocked her the day before for "hauling a grocery store up a mountain" were now singing her praises. Kim Da-eun, a notorious health enthusiast who usually recoiled at anything processed, was the first to break. She had initially declined the Doritos with a pinched expression, muttering something about unnatural ingredients, but after three hours of hiking on an empty stomach, she caved.
"I swear," Da-eun said between bites of nacho cheese heaven, "this is a one-time thing... you will speak nothing of this to grandfather."
Y/n smirked, handing her another bag. "Your secret's safe with me. But you're welcome."
By the end of the trek, even Sensei Kim—stoic and unyielding as she was—had gratefully accepted a handful of trail mix, muttering something about survival prioritizing practicality over pride.
Kwon, however, was unusually quiet. The unspoken tension from last night hung between him and the girl like a fragile thread, neither daring to address it. He kept his distance for the most part, yet his actions betrayed his awareness of her every move.
When they reached a particularly steep section of the trail, Kwon didn't hesitate. Without a word, he stepped forward and extended his hand to her. y/n paused, glancing up at him with hesitation, but the determination in his eyes left little room for argument.
"Here," he said simply, his voice soft but steady.
Y/n placed her hand in his, and the warmth of his palm sent a jolt up her arm. He led her carefully down the rocky incline, his grip firm and unwavering.
"Watch your step," he murmured, his other hand hovering near her back, ready to steady her at a moment's notice.
"Thanks," she said, her voice quieter than she intended.
She didn't miss how he lingered for a moment longer than necessary once they reached flat ground, as if reluctant to let go.
In return, she found herself keeping an eye on him, too. She silently handed him her water bottle when his pace slowed, and he accepted it without protest, their fingers brushing briefly. Neither spoke, but the gestures felt loud enough.
