Chapter 57
As the buses wound their way through the campsite's entrance, the scenery outside transformed from urban sprawl to lush greenery. The students' chatter grew more excited, their anticipation palpable. I glanced over at Camilla, who was practically bouncing with enthusiasm.
The buses eventually came to a stop in a large, designated parking area, and the engines died down. The sudden silence was a welcome respite from the hours of constant rumble. As the doors swung open, a wave of fresh air flooded in, carrying the scent of trees and earth.
Students poured out of the buses, stretching their arms and legs after the long ride. Some of them grabbed their backpacks and luggage from the overhead racks, while others waited eagerly for their friends to disembark.
Camilla was one of the first to jump up from her seat, her eyes shining with excitement. "We're finally here!" she exclaimed, grabbing her bag and practically skipping out of the bus.
I followed more slowly, taking in the surroundings. The campsite was beautiful, with towering trees and a picturesque lake in the distance. I could hear the sound of birds chirping and the distant laughter of students already exploring the area.
As I stepped off the bus, I took a deep breath, feeling the cool breeze fill my lungs. It was going to be a great trip. I smiled to myself, already looking forward to the adventures that lay ahead.
The teachers gathered us around them, their voices carrying across the crowd of students. "Alright, everyone! Now that we're here, it's time to get settled into our accommodations," one of the teachers announced. I looked around and saw that the campsite was dotted with small, house-shaped tents, each one colorful and neatly arranged.
"Here's the deal," the teacher continued. "You'll be pairing up with a roommate, two to a tent. You'll need to decide who you'd like to room with, so start thinking about that." She repeated the instructions, her voice firm but friendly. "Two to a room, two to a room, two to a room. You need to find a partner and claim your tent."
The students began to murmur among themselves, some already starting to pair up while others looked around uncertainly. Camilla turned to me with a grin. "Want to be roomies?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.
But before I could respond, the teacher's voice cut through the chatter again. "Alright, let's get started! Pick your partners and find your tents. Remember, it's two to a tent, so find someone you feel comfortable with."
The students began to move, some rushing to claim their spots while others took their time. Camilla nudged me playfully. "So, what do you say? Want to share a tent with me?"
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief that I had a friend to pair up with. "Definitely," I said, and we high-fived each other, already excited about our camping adventure.
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Hyun stepped off the bus, his movements economical and detached. He stood still, his gaze drifting over the campsite with a lack of interest that bordered on disdain. Na yeon followed him, her slender fingers wrapping around his hand like a vice. She looked up at him, her eyes searching for a glimmer of warmth, a spark of connection. But Hyun's face was a mask, his features chiseled and unyielding.
As they stood there, the sounds of the campsite swirled around them - the chatter of students, the rustle of leaves, the distant call of a bird. But Hyun's silence was a palpable thing, a heavy blanket that suffocated the space between them.
Na yeon's grip on his hand tightened, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hyun? Am I not good enough for you?" The words tumbled out of her like a confession, laced with a vulnerability that made Hyun's expression twist in annoyance.
"As if....." he said, his tone sharp enough to cut.
Na yeon's face crumpled, her eyes welling up with tears. "Tell me what you want me to change," she begged, her voice cracking. "I'll do it. I'll do anything."
Hyun's gaze flickered over her face, his eyes lingering on the tears that spilled down her cheeks. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes, a spark of emotion that was quickly snuffed out."I'm allergic to people like you!"he said, his voice flat.
The words hung in the air like a challenge, Na yeon's face going white as she absorbed the blow. But then, her expression shifted, a mask of determination slapping into place. "I..just want to you," she said, her voice cool and detached. "you need to understand something, Hyun. Our parents are discussing our marriage. You have no choice but to deal with it. And you should be grateful."
The words were a slap, a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down. Hyun's eyes narrowed "not like you are doing me a favour!" his gaze piercing as he searched for something in Na yeon's face.
As Chuchu stood apart, observing the unfolding drama, her eyes blazed with indignation. Her friends, shantel and Min ji, flanked her, their faces etched with curiosity. "So, what's the plan?" Shantel probed, her gaze locked onto Chuchu's resolute visage.
Chuchu's jaw clenched, her voice dripping with venom. "I have two targets on my radar, and I won't rest until I've dealt with them...na Yeon and the other bitch"
Shantel's eyes widened in agreement. "Hmmm....mmm," she concurred. Chuchu's smile was a calculated, icy gesture. "Let's see how this saga unfolds. I'll ensure they gets what's coming to them. This will be the final act."
Min ji's expression remained inscrutable, but her voice was laced with an unsettling resolve. "I'm in. Whatever you need, I'll do it."