When You Were Here ✅

ㅡMorning Hikeㅡ

I stretched out then noticed I had ended up sleeping alone. I looked over at Younghoon who slept alone. Keonhee wasn't around. Did Chanhee get to him? Just as I got up to look, he had come back in. "I already showered, so it's free for you to use." "Where did you go?" "Lovebirds. Wanted to chat." I internally scolded myself for letting my thoughts run wild. Whatever problem they had they could solve themselves.

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"So, we'll go in two groups of 6." I rejoiced in silence as I wasn't stuck in the same group with Chanhee. My group consisted of Keonhee, Kevin, Youngjo, Hwanwoong, and Jaehyun. Add me into the mix and that made six. We split away from the other group and began our ascent. Bugs buzzed past us and some hung around. Exposed roots of trees threatened to trip us. I caught up with Youngjo in hopes of finally having a decent conversation since our arrival. "You've been awful quiet." "Just thinking. Maybe we shouldn't meet up like this anymore." I rapidly blinked at his declaration. This was my first trip with them and I possibly wouldn't get to ever again?

"Why do you say that?" "Reasons that I can't exactly explain. I'm sure everyone else probably feels the same way." I frowned as he kept a straight face the entire time. He seemed intent on breaking up the annual thing. "Hey, Youngjo. I heard you all were in a club back in high school. What club was it?" "I don't remember." He gave me an apologetic look. I couldn't really blame him as he was a senior and was close to graduating college, so he probably had a lot of worries. "Do you have any fond memories of it?" "Of course. I'd rather not talk about it right now. Kinda wanna enjoy the outdoors."

I looked behind us then noticed two had stayed behind. "Forget them. Jaehyun wasn't built for the outdoors. Hwanwoong has a good sense of direction so it's best to leave him with Jae." I slowly nodded at Kevin's statement then kept walking. I glanced back once more and saw them waving. "Guess I worried over nothing." I walked behind Keonhee and Kevin who were whispering to each other and would occasionally crack up. I never would've thought of them being best friends. I could say the same about Hwanwoong and Eric too. Despite all the underlying tension and secrecy, they really weren't such a bad group of friends.

I still often wondered why a senior like Youngjo was interested in an underclassman as myself. I didn't mind it though as I came to college without any friends. I considered it an immense amount of good luck then. And here I was, with 10 good friends and a guy who hates me. I left my thoughts then noticed I had started to fall behind. The trees started to get thicker, so it made it harder to keep up and see where they were going. I eventually lost sight of them. I decided to stay put as wandering around wouldn't do me any good. I checked to see if I got any reception then felt reassured when I had a few bars.

The sun had started to set and my ass was starting to flatten. I tried the entire group, but only Hwanwoong had answered. Even then he couldn't come as Jaehyun had hurt himself on the way down. It was a lame excuse, but I decided not to call him out on it. I didn't need anymore people hating me. I texted people from the other group and received just about the same response. They had already gone back down to the meeting point. I doubted there were dangerous creatures that lurked about at night, but I definitely wasn't sleeping outside. I got up and tried making my way down.

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Night had blanketed the sky as I finally reached the bottom. As I had figured, no one had stayed behind. It felt as if they wanted me gone. "You made it." I looked to my side then noticed Juyeon. "Did you wait here?" "Yeah. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you alone up there. And I felt bad for not going back up for you. I was worried that we both would've gotten lost." I waved his statement off then motioned for him to walk with me. "You must be tired. Let me carry your bag." "It's not heavy. I promise." I liked Juyeon. Out of everyone in the group, he was the sweetest right next to Youngjo.

We parted ways as his room was a bit farther down the hall. I knocked on the door then waited for one of them to open it. "Oh, you're back." "That's it?" Keonhee yawned as he walked into the room. "Where's Younghoon?" "Hm...I think Geonhak's room. Or Youngjo. Pick your poison." He flopped onto the bed then cuddled a pillow. I decided not to bring up what happened as Keonhee genuinely seemed tired. "How long have you and Kevin been best friends?" "Uh...half a year after we joined the club. We just fit you know?" I didn't know. I didn't have anyone like that in my life.

"How did Geonhak and Younghoon become best friends?" "Ask them yourself. Let me sleep." Little did I know a storm was brewing in the other rooms.