The wilderness stretched endlessly ahead, each step crunching against rough soil and wild roots. The buzz of strange insects and distant howls filled the heavy air.Kai strolled forward with the same relaxed pace he'd always kept, hands tucked lazily into his jacket pockets, earbuds still in place, his head bobbing lightly to some beat only he could hear.
Aina, on the other hand, was practically a walking bundle of nerves.
She clutched her backpack straps tightly, her eyes darting from tree to tree, expecting some monster to jump out at any second. Every few seconds, she'd glance at Kai, who seemed criminally unconcerned about their situation.
After about ten minutes of walking, putting more and more distance between themselves and the chaotic crowd behind, she finally summoned enough courage to speak.
"H-hey," she called out hesitantly, quickening her steps to match his, "what exactly are you planning to do?"
Kai didn't even glance at her as he replied, his voice as laid-back as ever,"First... let's get some space between us and the others."
Aina blinked.The words made her stomach twist unpleasantly.
She bit her lip, her mind racing.Was it really a good idea to separate from the other humans?Wasn't sticking together supposed to be the safest move?Strength in numbers, right? Right?!
She wanted to protest — to say maybe we should stay closer to the others — but the words caught in her throat.The memory of Kai casually asking where the restroom was during the serious briefing echoed in her mind.
Was he even taking this seriously?Could she even trust him?
But… she was too scared to be alone too.Too scared to speak up.
So, she stayed silent, following him deeper into the unknown.
The trees grew denser. The sounds of other groups — talking, shouting, even some arguments — faded behind them until there was nothing but the rustle of leaves and the eerie cries of distant beasts.
Aina's heart pounded louder with every step.
This is dumb. This is so dumb. Why am I following him? He's gonna get us killed.
Her mind conjured up every horror story she'd ever heard. She glanced nervously at Kai — his calm demeanor somehow making her even more uneasy now.
When they were finally out of earshot and sight of any other team, Kai came to a slow stop, looking around casually.
The forest around them felt heavier. Quieter.
He turned slightly and motioned for her to come closer with two fingers.
Aina froze in place.
Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.
Her thoughts spiraled out of control.
This was it, wasn't it?He didn't just pick her randomly — he had plans.He was going to—
"Come closer," Kai said again, voice low but still relaxed, like he was just asking for directions or ordering lunch.
Aina hesitated, her entire body tense like a coiled spring.
Slowly, cautiously, she stepped closer, her whole body on high alert.Kai leaned in.
This is it, she thought, squeezing her eyes shut.
Kai bent down slightly, his breath brushing against her ear, and whispered:"Someone's following us."
Aina's eyes snapped open, her blood running cold.
She stiffened completely, her earlier worries replaced by a completely different kind of terror.
Kai pulled back, looking entirely unbothered, as if he had just pointed out a bird in the distance.
Meanwhile, Aina stood frozen, her heart hammering so hard it hurt, wondering just what kind of hell she had gotten herself into.