Although some of them still did not fully believe the mysterious stories about Mount Srinjani, the conversation had already left them feeling uneasy, especially the girls.
Something made them uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the story they had just heard, or perhaps it was the thought of the mountain they would be visiting in just a few days. Whatever the reason, the atmosphere that had once been filled with laughter gradually became more serious.
Laras turned her attention to her two female friends sitting nearby.
"By the way, Tissa, Alya, have you guys had your periods this month?" she suddenly asked.
Tissa lifted her head from the food she was eating.
"I have. At the beginning of the month," she answered casually.
Laras nodded slightly before turning to Alya.
"I just finished mine last week. But, Al, isn't your period usually due this week?"
Alya, who had been quietly listening, suddenly fell silent.
Laras had a reason for asking. Alya's menstrual cycle was expected to coincide with the days they would be spending on the mountain.
"Alya, you haven't gotten your period yet, have you?" Laras continued.
Alya slowly shook her head.
"Not yet."
"So, what are you going to do? We're going to be spending several days up there, aren't we?" Laras asked, beginning to worry about her friend.
Unlike Laras, who seemed slightly concerned, Alya appeared reluctant to give up the hiking trip she had been looking forward to for so long.
"I can take medication to delay my period," Alya finally replied. "I don't want to spend this entire three-month holiday just lying around at home. When will we ever get another chance to go somewhere together like this?"
Alya flashed a wide smile, as though trying to convince everyone that there was nothing to worry about.
"Don't worry. I'll find a way to make sure I can still come along."
Laras studied her friend's face for a moment before letting out a sigh.
"Fine, then. Just make sure you prepare everything properly. I don't want you getting sick halfway through the trip."
"Yes, ma'am, Laras," Alya replied with a giggle.
Their laughter soon returned.
However, none of them realized that the journey they were eagerly anticipating would gradually lead them toward something far more terrifying than the exhaustion of climbing a mountain.
⸻
They had only two days left before departure. That meant all their equipment had to be ready by the following day to ensure they would not forget anything important.
Hasan leaned back in his chair before turning toward Keenan and Rengga.
"Nan, how about we divide the responsibilities now? That way, we won't be scrambling around tomorrow."
Keenan nodded in agreement.
"Sure. I think we guys should carry the heavier equipment, like the tents, cooking gear, blankets, sleeping mats, and bottled water. Meanwhile, the girls can take care of the food supplies, seasonings, instant meals, and medicine. What do you think?"
"Agreed!" Hasan quickly replied.
Riki, who had been listening to their conversation, immediately flashed a mischievous grin.
"Now, that's more like it! We guys get to work hard carrying all the heavy stuff, while the girls take care of the food. All we have to do is show up and eat. Hahaha!"
Tissa immediately shot him a sharp look.
"Hey! Honestly! All you ever think about is food!"
"What's wrong with that? Hiking without food is just asking for trouble," Riki retorted, making Hasan burst into laughter.
"In that case, we'll reduce your food portion later," Tissa threatened, folding her arms across her chest.
Riki's smile instantly disappeared.
"Hey, come on! Don't do that. I was only joking!"
Their laughter once again filled the corner of the cafeteria.
Amid the cheerful commotion, Keenan began opening the notes app on his phone. As someone with considerable hiking experience, he did not want their trip to turn into a disaster simply because they had failed to prepare properly.
"Okay, listen up for a moment. I'm going to write down everyone's responsibilities now."
Keenan began listing their names one by one.
He would be responsible for carrying bottled water, a ground mat, tent equipment, and flashlights.
Hasan and Rengga would carry the tent equipment, blankets, and sleeping mats. They would bring two tents: a red one for the girls and a yellow one for the boys.
Meanwhile, Riki was assigned to carry the cooking equipment, additional bottled water, and portable gas canisters.
As for Laras, Tissa, and Alya, they would be responsible for preparing the food supplies, including rice, vegetables, instant meals, cooking seasonings, and any medicine they might need during the expedition.
"Don't forget that everyone must bring their own small flashlight and hiking pole. I don't want anyone relying on someone else's equipment later," Keenan emphasized.
After making sure everyone had their assignments, he looked at his friends with a more serious expression.
"There are a few things you need to remember. We're leaving at nine in the morning, so everyone must gather at campus by eight. Don't be late."
"Roger that, Commander!" Riki shouted, giving an exaggerated, sloppy salute.
Keenan could only shake his head at his antics.
"The drive to the location should take around three to four hours. We can take my car or Riki's. We'll decide later. If everything goes smoothly, we should arrive around noon or one in the afternoon. We can rest for a while before starting the hike."
He paused briefly to make sure everyone was paying attention.
"Mount Srinjani isn't a place we can take lightly. It's about 2,800 meters above sea level, and some of its trails are pretty extreme. So, don't just think about how exciting this will be. You also need to make sure you're physically prepared."
Keenan's tone grew firmer.
"Wear comfortable clothes, proper hiking shoes, and socks that can protect your feet from blisters. If anyone feels sick or unwell, speak up immediately. Don't push yourself just because you don't want to inconvenience the others."
Keenan looked at each of them before continuing.
"And most importantly, never go off on your own. We're going together, so we have to look after one another. If anything happens, no matter how small, tell the others immediately."
For a moment, no one interrupted him.
For some reason, Keenan's final words sounded heavier than the usual advice of a friend with hiking experience.
Perhaps it was because they had just been discussing the mountain's mysterious legends.
Or perhaps, without realizing it, something was already waiting for their arrival.
⸻
Time passed without them noticing.
The cafeteria, which had once been crowded, gradually grew quieter. Students began leaving one by one, while several stall owners started packing up their equipment and closing for the day.
After finishing their meals, the seven friends finally decided to head home.
They said their goodbyes in the campus parking area, promising to meet again the following day.
None of them showed any significant hesitation.
To them, this hiking trip was simply an opportunity to enjoy their holiday, strengthen their friendship, and create memories they could look back on and share in the years to come.
They had no idea that not every memory was meant to be remembered with happiness.
Some memories would instead haunt a person for the rest of their life.