The Camping Trip (A Gacha Life Mini Series) (On Hiatus)

Chapter Five: Eldest's Responsibility

Afternoon...

After the short hike, the group decided to eat lunch at the camp. Zach and Luke were busy cooking by the campfire while everyone else were just sitting down, chatting. Lauren's and Mandy helped out a little with the plates and utensils though. Zach was thinking intently though, he thought about the strange atmosphere earlier and how Natalie was doing..

"Zach.. you, uh, almost burned the food." Luke whispered, Zach blinked multiple times and looked down at the food. It almost burned, but luckily Luke got it in time. "You've been zoning out for a while. What's up?"

"Nothing." Zach said simply. Luke's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"You sure?" Luke urged. Zach nodded and looked away. Luke sighed quietly, knowing Zach won't tell a thing.

After Lunch Was Ready...

Everyone ate happily, munching on the delicious food that were cooked. Lucy and Luke sat together, Shadow and Lauren chatted while eating, Malik was eating silently, Felix and Mandy ate near a tent while Zach just stared at his food. His blank stare was getting noticed by everyone, but they didn't say anything.

Lots of deep thoughts were running through his mind, he was so deep in thought that he felt like he was trapped in his own mind. Until someone tapped his shoulder, making him jump. Shadow looked worriedly.

"You okay, big bro?" Shadow asked. Zach stared quietly.

"..Yes." Zach mumbled, ashamed of his constant staring. Shadow furrowed his eyebrows then shrugged.

"Alright then, you gonna eat your food though?" Shadow asked, pointing to his plate full of food.

"Uh.. maybe not. I'll skip lunch.." Zach murmured, looking down. Shadow sighed and grabbed Zach's plate. What is happening to me..?

After Lunch...

After lunch, everyone decided to take some rest from the hike. Some were sleeping while some were wide awake in their tents, Zach sat down on a log by the campfire and stared at his phone.

Should... I call..? He asked himself. She's sick, she might not even pick up.. He thought sadly. Zach sighed deeply and put away his phone and put his head in his hands and decided to sleep off his worry.

But he couldn't seem to sleep well at all until night.

...

Zach stared at the tent's entrance, he wasn't able to sleep well, only having to sleep for thirty minutes. Malik and everyone were still asleep, but he just couldn't relax one bit. He sighed again and sat up. It's useless to lay down if he can't even relax. When he peeked by the entrance, he saw Luke and Lucy walk toward the forest.

A little worried about their safety, he followed them quietly. They walked until they reached a clear space. Zach hid behind a big tree and looked around, but stopped when he heard Luke talk.

"So.. I wanted to tell you something.." Luke started.

"Yes..?" Lucy asked, tilting her head in curiosity. Luke inhaled deeply and held Lucy's hands. She blushed.

"I.." Luke trailed, looking straight into Lucy's eyes. "I.. love you."

Lucy's eyes widened, her blush reddened. Luke was blushing too, when she was quiet for a while, Luke sighed sadly.

"I.. I understand if you don't lo-" He was cut off when Lucy hugged him tightly, his eyes widened.

"I love you too!" Lucy exclaimed, Luke smiled widely and twirled her around in joy. Lucy giggled happily. Zach unconsciously smiled at them, but felt a little sad because he reimagined the scene with him and Natalie. "So much." Lucy added when Luke put her down.

"I love you." Luke repeated and kissed her forehead. Suddenly, Zach looked behind them and saw a figure creeping up towards them. His eyes widened and he grabbed a knife from his pocket.

"LUKE! LUCY! GET OUT OF THE WAY!" Zach shouted and lunged at the figure, the figure fell down and scrambled to get out of Zach's grasp. "DON'T YOU DARE HURT THEM!" He yelled angrily.

"Zach!" Luke and Lucy yelped and grabbed his arms, Zach trashed around angrily but he calmed down when the figure ran away.

"You guys alright?" Zach asked in a softer tone.

"Yeah.. thanks for saving us."  Lucy smiled, Zach sighed in relief and smiled back. "How did you know we were here, though?"

Zach looked down a little ashamed, "I, uh.. followed you guys here. It's not very smart to leave at night.." Zach said and crossed his arms at them. Luke and Lucy blushed a little.

"We're sorry, Zach." They said in unison. Zach smiled and patted them both on the shoulder.

"I'm just glad you guys are safe." Zach said in relief. "It's my responsibility to keep you all safe."

"I've always looked up to you as a big brother." Lucy said, looking up at Zach. Zach smiled again and ruffled her hair. Luke smiled softly.

"So.. that's what's been bothering you lately? Our safety?" Luke asked after a while. Zach froze a little, then nodded slowly.

"I was so worried for Natalie when she got sick, well, I still am but.. I also got you guys to worry about." Zach explained, scratching his neck. "Since I'm the eldest, I have to watch over you guys."

"We'll make sure to be safe. We promise you." Lucy said.

"Thanks. Let's get back now." Zach said and they started walking, he looked back behind them, thinking. Who was that..?

To Be Continued...