A Hobby Gone Wrong (Kamden)

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Kamden stared at the map of the trail pinned to the wall in the dorm's common area. His heart raced with anticipation. The trail leading to the waterfall wasn’t just any hike—it was renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views. It seemed like the perfect way to inspire their next creative project.

“We’re doing this,” Kamden declared, his voice filled with conviction.

Brian and Kyrell exchanged a look, then grinned. “Finally!” Brian exclaimed. “I thought you’d never pick a trail!”

“We have to start early, though,” Kamden continued, ignoring the faint dizziness he felt as he traced the trail route with his finger. “If we leave before dawn, we’ll catch the sunrise at the falls. It'll be worth it.”

The other members—Jiho, Siyun, Mackiah, and Seungmo—gathered around, nodding in agreement. Kamden felt a swell of pride as their leader. Despite their differences, AMPERS&ONE had always come together for moments like this.

Kamden’s excitement masked how poorly he’d been feeling. For days, he’d fought off fatigue, headaches, and a low-grade fever. But this hike was too important to postpone. The members had been talking about it for weeks, and he couldn’t let them down.

As the group discussed logistics and packed essentials, Kamden sat back, letting their energy carry him. He convinced himself he’d feel better once they started moving.

The alarm buzzed sharply at 3:30 a.m., and Kamden groaned as he sat up. His head throbbed, but he pushed the sensation aside. He wouldn’t let anything ruin the day.

By 4:15 a.m., the group was piled into the van, groggy but excited. Kamden took his place in the front seat, leaning his head against the window as the van bumped along the road. He focused on the stars twinkling in the clear night sky, hoping the crisp air would clear his mind.

When they arrived at the trailhead, the group switched on their headlamps and tightened the straps of their backpacks. Kamden took the lead, his love for hiking overriding his discomfort.

The first stretch of the trail was easy, a gentle incline that allowed the group to chat quietly. Kamden managed to keep up, laughing softly at Kyrell’s antics and Brian’s jokes. But as the trail grew steeper, the dull ache in his head intensified.

Jiho, walking beside Kamden, noticed his slowing pace. “You okay?” he asked in a low voice.

“Yeah, just pacing myself,” Kamden replied, his voice steady but faint.

Jiho frowned but didn’t press further, not wanting to spoil the mood.

As the trail leveled out, the faint glow of dawn illuminated their surroundings. The group reached the waterfall just as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon.

“Whoa,” Seungmo whispered, awe in his voice. The waterfall cascaded into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by lush greenery that glistened with morning dew.

The members set up their picnic area, laying out a blanket and unpacking snacks. Kamden stayed back, letting the others explore. His legs felt weak, and the throbbing in his head was relentless.

“Hyung!” Brian called, already waist-deep in the water. “Come on! You’re always the first to jump in!”

Kamden forced a smile. “Not this time. Just gonna enjoy the view.”

Brian and Kyrell exchanged concerned glances. Kamden never skipped swimming, especially after a hike. But they decided not to push him, assuming he just needed a break.

The others waded into the water, laughing and splashing. Kamden stretched out on the blanket, closing his eyes. The cool breeze offered some relief, but his exhaustion only deepened.

The laughter of his members echoed around the waterfall, but Kamden barely registered it. His headache throbbed in time with his pulse, and even the faintest sound felt grating. He kept his eyes closed, hoping that resting would help him recover enough for the hike back.

Eventually, Jiho’s hand on his shoulder roused him. “Kamden-Hyung, we’re packing up. It’s time to head back down.”

Kamden opened his eyes and immediately regretted it. The world spun, and the morning light seemed blinding. He sat up slowly, hoping no one noticed how shaky he felt.

“Yeah, let’s go,” Kamden said, his voice hoarse. He stood up, swaying slightly before catching his balance.

Jiho furrowed his brow but stayed quiet, watching as Kamden joined the group.

The descent was supposed to be easier than the climb, but for Kamden, it felt like scaling a mountain. Every step sent shocks through his aching legs, and the dizziness returned with a vengeance. He trailed behind the others, his vision blurring around the edges.

Seungmo, at the back of the group, kept glancing over his shoulder at Kamden. “Hyung, are you sure you’re okay?” he asked softly.

Kamden forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

Seungmo frowned but didn’t press further.

As they neared the trailhead, Kamden’s steps faltered more frequently. Jiho and Siyun noticed, slowing their pace to stay closer to him.

“Just a little further,” Siyun encouraged, glancing back at Kamden.

Kamden nodded, but before he could take another step, his knees buckled. He collapsed to the ground, his head striking a jagged rock as he fell.

“Kamden-hyung!” Seungmo’s scream cut through the air, freezing everyone in their tracks.

The group rushed to him, panic etched on their faces. Jiho knelt beside Kamden, gently turning him onto his side to check his breathing. Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead, staining the leaves beneath him.

“Someone call for help!” Mackiah shouted, fumbling for his phone.

“No time,” Siyun said urgently, already crouching to lift Kamden onto his back. “We need to get him out of here now.”

Jiho grabbed Kamden’s bag and ran ahead to clear the path, while the others formed a protective circle around Siyun as he carried Kamden down the trail.

The group burst into the emergency room, Siyun still carrying Kamden. A nurse immediately ushered them to a room, and the members were left pacing in the waiting area.

“He was fine this morning,” Brian muttered, his voice shaking. “Why didn’t he say anything?”

“Because he’s Kamden,” Kyrell replied bitterly. “He never wants to ruin things for us.”

Hours felt like days as they waited for an update. Finally, a doctor approached them.

“Mr Na is stable,” she said. “He’s suffering from severe dehydration and a flu strain that has been going around. The fall caused a mild concussion, but he’ll recover with rest and proper care.”

Relief washed over the group, though guilt lingered in their expressions.

When Kamden woke up, he found the group crowded around his bed, their faces a mix of relief and anger.

“You’re an idiot,” Jiho said bluntly, though his voice cracked with emotion.

Kamden tried to sit up, wincing as the room spun. “I didn’t want to ruin the hike,” he murmured.

“You could’ve told us,” Siyun said gently. “We care about you more than some stupid hike.”

Kyrell leaned in, his usual teasing tone replaced with concern. “Next time, let us know when you’re sick, okay? You’re not invincible, leader.”

Kamden managed a weak smile. “I’ll try.”

Over the next few days, the members took turns caring for him, ensuring he stayed hydrated and rested. Kamden, though reluctant at first, eventually accepted their help, realizing that being a leader didn’t mean he had to shoulder everything alone.

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