Morning sunlight seeped through Jungtae's worn tent fabric, casting a warm glow. It warmed Jungtae's face until he stirred, blinking slowly. His hair stuck up in odd directions, and for a moment he just sat there, listening.
Outside, the camp had already come alive, the sound of voices, laughter, shoes crunching on gravel, and the faint clang of pans from the cooking area. The air smelled like grilled meat and ramen, sharp and comforting in the cool air.
Somewhere nearby, Owen's voice carried over the noise, casual and clear as he joked with Cha Haneul. Jungtae groaned quietly and rubbed his face. Already loud this early?
He crawled out of his tent, squinting against the sunlight. His breath clouded faintly in the chilly morning air. Brushed his hair back with one hand, stretching until his shoulders popped.
By nine-thirty, the students were gathered in front of the Seorim Historical Museum, lined up by team colors. Ribbons tied neatly around their wrists: red, blue, and purple. The air was full of chatter, excitement buzzing in every corner.
Teachers moved among them, checking attendance and giving reminders. Mr. Choi clapped his hands, voice echoing, "Listen up! Your morning activity will be a photo scavenger hunt inside the museum. Work together and take photos for your upcoming history project. No shouting, no running, and especially no touching the exhibits!"
A chorus of "Yes, sir!" followed, though half the students were still laughing.
Jungtae adjusted the purple ribbon around his wrist, tugging it tighter. As he did, a shadow fell over him.
"Here," a familiar voice said.
He looked up to see Woojin from the red team, holding out a spare camera.
"This one's got a clearer lens. Use it." Woojin's smile was small but warm.
Jungtae blinked, surprised. "You sure?"
"Yeah. Just return it after the trip."
"Thanks, Woojin."
Woojin nodded and walked back to his team.
A few steps away, Owen caught the exchange. His eyes lingered on Jungtae's faint smile, then on the way Woojin looked at him, quiet, gentle, maybe too gentle.
A small sound escaped Owen, something between a hum and a scoff. He turned away before anyone could see the slight twist at the corner of his mouth.
"Come on, Owen!" Haneul called, his tone bright as always. "We're going in."
"Yeah, yeah." Owen followed, hands in his pockets.
ৎ────
The museum was dim and cool, shadows stretching long between glass display cases. The air smelled faintly of dust and polished wood. Ancient artifacts lined the walls, bronze mirrors, portraits, pottery with spiderweb cracks, scrolls lined the walls, their calligraphy faded but still readable, masks carved with crooked smiles.
"Creepy…" someone whispered.
"Look at those portraits too," another murmured.
Jungtae's camera clicked softly as he moved from case to case. The dim light reflected off the glass, and he tried to steady his hand. One painting in particular caught his eye. Jeoseung Saja, the Korean grim reaper, in a large portrait wearing old scholar robes depicting a noble family.
The painted eyes seemed to follow him.
He swallowed, lifting the camera again. Just as he pressed the button…
Flash!
A figure suddenly leaned in front of the lens.
The light caught Owen's grin perfectly, one hand raised in a peace sign.
"What the heck?" Jungtae lowered the camera, his voice sharp. "Are you serious?"
Owen's laughter bounced through the quiet room. "That's a perfect shot. You should thank me."
"For ruining it?"
"For improving it."
He walked off still chuckling, leaving Jungtae glaring after him.
From the other side of the exhibit, Woojin had seen it. His fingers tightened around his camera. The sight of Owen teasing Jungtae again, too familiar, too casual, made something knot in his chest.
Haneul noticed, too. His cheerful mask faltered for just a second. He turned his face away, pretending to study an old scroll, though his jaw tightened.
'Why does Owen keep bothering him? He never acts like this with anyone else.'
"Tch…"
ৎ────
Nearly an hour later, the scavenger hunt ended. Students spilled out of the museum's double doors, voices rising with excitement as they compared photos. The late-morning sun warmed the air again.
Teachers clapped for attention. "Next activity: flag challenge in the forest behind the campsite!"
The words alone were enough to spark chaos.
They explained the rules: each team would start with their own colored flags strapped to their backs. The goal is to steal as many opposing team flags as possible before sundown. No violence, no rough play.
Excited murmurs spread through the crowd. Students tied small flags to their belts and backs, checking knots and shoelaces.
Jungtae crouched, securing his strap when a shadow loomed over him.
"Ready?"
He didn't even have to look. "I'm not interested in talking with you."
"Oh, come on," Owen said lightly. "We're on the same team here."
"Then go talk to anyone else."
Owen tilted his head. "Why do you hate me so much?"
The question caught Jungtae off guard. His hands paused mid-tying. For a heartbeat, he didn't know how to respond.
Before he could, Haneul's voice cut through the air, sharp and loud. "Everyone in position! It's about to begin!" His eyes flicked toward the two of them, unreadable.
Jungtae stood quickly, muttering under his breath. Owen just chuckled.
"This will never be over," Owen said with that easy grin.
Jungtae ignored him and joined the rest of the purple team.
ৎ────
The whistle blew.
"Start!"
Chaos exploded instantly. Students scattered in all directions, shouting, laughing, dodging between trees. Leaves flew under their feet, the forest echoing with footsteps and laughter.
Jungtae sprinted down a slope, the earth soft beneath his shoes. He ducked behind a tree, eyes darting around. A flash of red to his right, he lunged, yanked a flag loose, and kept moving. Another blue flag followed twenty minutes later.
"Not bad," he muttered, breath coming fast. He crouched behind a boulder, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Somewhere nearby, Owen's voice cut through the forest, sharp, confident. "Got another one!"
Jungtae peeked around the tree trunk. Owen dashed between trees like a blur, purple ribbon glinting on his wrist, a grin carved across his face. Flags dangled from his belt, seven of them.
Then Owen spotted him.
"Jungtae!!"
His name echoed through the forest, teasing and loud. "You're slow!"
Jungtae scowled. "That prick…"
He turned, ready to run.
But then slammed straight into someone's chest.
"Whoa!"
They both stumbled back.
"Woojin!" Jungtae said, wide-eyed.
Woojin steadied him with a small laugh. "Careful. You okay?"
"Yeah, sorry…" Jungtae's gaze dropped to the bundle of flags hanging from Woojin's belt. "Wait, how many do you have?"
"Eight," Woojin said, still smiling. "I think I need more."
"Eight already? Wow. You're good at this." Jungtae grinned. "You gonna steal mine too?"
"Don't worry," Woojin said softly. "I won't take yours."
The sounds of shouting faded for a brief moment. The two of them stood in a small quiet moment, leaves rustling gently overhead.
"Be careful, Tae," Woojin said, his tone lower this time. There was something protective in the way he said his name. "Don't get into trouble."
Jungtae hesitated, the words catching him off guard. He nodded awkwardly. "You too."
Woojin gave a small smile, then jogged away into the trees.
ৎ────
Minutes later, Woojin slowed near a clearing. A shadow stepped out from behind a tree.
Purple ribbon. Confident smile.
Owen.
"Well, well," Owen said, brushing dirt off his sleeve. "Woojin, right? I was hoping we'd meet. I'll take your flags real quick."
Woojin's lips curved slightly. "I was hoping we'd meet too, Kwon Owen."
Their eyes locked, steady, challenging.
Owen lunged first. Their hands collided, grabbing at their clothe's fabric, both refusing to let go. Shoes scraped dirt; branches snapped underfoot. Woojin twisted sharply, pulling Owen's wrist down, but Owen shoved back, quick and strong.
A branch scratched Woojin's cheek. Owen's sleeve tore.
"You're pretty fast," Owen said between breaths, "for someone who hides behind Jungtae all the time."
Woojin's expression hardened. "Hide? Haha." His voice dropped, calm but cold. "Stay away from him."
Owen's grin widened.
Before he could answer, Woojin moved, quick, and decisive. He tackled forward, snatching the purple flag from Owen's back, and with a swift tug, stole three of the blue ones too.
"So serious," Owen said with a short laugh.
Woojin stepped back, breath quick. "Stay away from Jungtae, Owen," he said again, low but firm.
Owen didn't reply. He just watched, his grin fading slightly as Woojin jogged away with his stolen flags.
The forest quieted again. Owen looked down at the empty space on his belt, his chest rising and falling. Then he ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath.
"…Heh. That guy."