The morning sun rose behind the trees, casting golden light over the camp. A thick mist floated between the leaves, wrapping everything in a dreamy haze. The air was already hot and heavy, sticking to their skin like a second layer. The scent of damp earth mixed with the sweetness of wildflowers blooming unseen. Birds screamed from deep within the jungle, high-pitched and frantic, as if warning the humans not to enter. Somewhere in the distance, a wild animal howled, its echo fading into the trees.
The team stood in a line, fully packed and ready. Their boots pressed into the moist soil, leaving behind shallow prints. Each person shifted from foot to foot, adjusting gear and wiping sweat from their brows. The silence between them was filled with tension, and even the jungle seemed to pause.
Mi-van adjusted his backpack, the thick straps creaking against his shoulders. He looked at the group with calm authority. His voice, when it came, cut through the humid air like a blade.
> "Today's the first long march. It'll take us eight hours to reach the second camp. No complaining. Stay sharp."
Sora, standing second from the left, crossed her arms tightly and frowned. Her fingers tapped against her elbows, restless.
> "Don't you think this is unfair?"
Mi-van raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly.
> "What exactly is unfair?"
She looked at Yuna, then back at him.
> "We're all carrying bags… except Yuna. Or does she mean something special to you?"
The jungle seemed to grow quieter.
Mi-van turned to look at Yuna. His eyes stayed on her a few seconds longer than necessary, studying her face with a blank expression. Then he faced Sora again.
> "She doesn't mean anything to me. Just a mission partner, like the rest of you. And to make things fair for you — she'll carry your bag."
Sora's eyes widened in alarm.
> "No, no — that's not what I meant!"
Lima, standing behind them, let out a soft sigh. Her gaze was sharp.
> "I thought you were the most rational one among us. Why are you saying such weird things lately? But I liked what he said — that we're mission partners. So I hope you wake up from this attitude."
Before Sora could reply, Lima turned and walked briskly toward the rest of the group. The underbrush rustled under her feet. Sora stomped her boot into the dirt, sending a puff of dust upward.
Mi-van walked over to Yuna, the leather of his gloves brushing as he pulled a backpack from his shoulder. He dropped it in front of her with a thud.
> "You'll be carrying this today."
Yuna's eyebrows lifted slightly.
> "Why?"
> "Because it's unfair for the rest of the team to carry bags and for you to walk freely."
She nodded slowly, trying to understand. Her fingers curled around the straps of the bag. She bent her knees, took a deep breath, and pulled.
The bag didn't move.
Her legs trembled slightly under the strain. She bit her lip, cheeks burning.
> "Don't worry… I will carry it."
Mi-van didn't answer. His narrowed eyes said everything.
> "I can already see you can't."
Without another word, the team began their march. Boots shuffled through the undergrowth. Leaves crunched. Insects buzzed around their heads, and the occasional rustle in the bushes kept them alert.
Lima fell into step beside Yuna, who was already trailing behind. The bag bounced awkwardly against her back.
> "Are you in pain? Or just tired?" Lima asked, voice soft.
Yuna's face was red, her bangs stuck to her forehead with sweat. Her shirt clung to her back.
> "Don't worry. I'm strong," she said with a faint smile, though her breath was already short.
Lima returned the smile.
> "Can I ask you something? Please don't be upset or offended."
Yuna looked at her, puzzled, then nodded.
Lima hesitated, chewing on her lower lip.
> "You're a writer, right? I've been to your book signings before. 'Lovers from Hell'…"
Yuna froze. Her foot snagged a root. She quickly grabbed Lima's hand and glanced around.
> "Please… keep it a secret. For me."
Lima gently placed her other hand over Yuna's.
> "Don't worry. I'll keep it safe. But… what brought you here?"
The sunlight above shimmered through the trees like moving gold. The two girls walked more slowly now, careful with each step.
> "I don't know," Yuna whispered. "The last thing I remember was a family dinner… and then I woke up here."
Lima's brow furrowed, her eyes darting to the rest of the group ahead.
> "Maybe they put you here to sabotage us. To slow down the mission."
Yuna looked at her, confused.
> "What mission?"
Lima blinked.
> "Nothing! Don't overthink it."
---
The path narrowed. Vines hung low and roots curled across the ground like sleeping snakes.
Yuna's small frame trembled beneath the bag. Her breath came in short, sharp bursts. Her boots slipped twice on wet leaves. Sweat soaked her shirt and stung her eyes.
She tripped again.
> "Come on, slowpoke," someone muttered ahead.
> "Why did she even come?" whispered another.
From the back, Sora's voice rang out, too loud.
> "She's going to ruin everything. I bet she cries before lunch."
Yuna clenched her jaw and kept going. Her legs wobbled.
Then, suddenly — her toe caught on a rock. She fell hard.
Dirt smeared her knee, and a fresh cut opened. Her breath hitched.
> "I… I can't… I can't do this…"
She dropped the bag and hugged her knees. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, mixing with the dust.
Mi-van's boots thudded as he turned. His jaw tightened.
> "Stand up."
She didn't move.
> "I said, get. up."
Yuna looked up at him. Her eyes were glassy.
> "I'm trying. I really am. I didn't know it would be this hard…"
His voice was sharp, deep.
> "Then why did you take the bag in the first place? Just admit you can't do it. This isn't a game. Every minute of delay sets our mission back."
The rest of the team turned. Some stared. Some looked away. Sora was smirking.
Mi-van exhaled slowly. He walked to her, dropped his own bag, and crouched in front of her.
Yuna blinked.
> "Are you… expecting me to climb on your back?"
> "Why else am I crouching? Hurry up."
> "Me? But… why?
> "Just do it."
Blushing furiously, Yuna climbed onto his back. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, and her cheek pressed against his shoulder.
> "Wha… why…?"
> "Just be quiet," he said, his voice calm.
She leaned closer, whispering.
> "Aren't the bags too heavy now?"
> "Nothing is heavier than you," he muttered.
She gasped.
> "I'm not heavy! I made sure I never go over fifty kilos! I was forty-five the last time I checked!"
He chuckled under his breath.
> "That's why you can't walk."
Eyes widened as they passed by. Even Sora's smug grin faltered.
Jin sidled up to Lima.
> "Want me to carry you like that?"
She scoffed.
> "Even if you were the last man alive, I wouldn't let you near me."
He leaned closer.
> "We were close once… did you forget?"
Lima turned pale.
> "Keep your voice down!"
> "What? Scared they'll find out what happened between us?"
He raised his voice. Lima lunged, covering his mouth with her hand.
Hana approached, arms folded.
> "What's going on?"
Lima stammered.
> "Nothing!"
Hana rolled her eyes.
> "Try not to act like children. People are watching."
Lima glared at Jin and drew a finger across her neck. Then she stomped away with Hana.
---
By sunset, golden light flickered through the trees.
> "Did we make it?" Yuna asked.
Mi-van nodded.
She quickly slid off his back and ran from him in embarrassment.
The team started setting up tents. Some collected firewood. Others washed near the stream.
Mi-van sat nearby, his eyes following Yuna as she struggled with a tent pole.
She jammed it into the ground — upside down.
Noticing his gaze, she offered a sheepish smile.
He stood and walked over.
> "Why didn't you wait for me to set this up?"
She looked away, blushing again.
> "I thought you might be tired. After carrying me, gathering supplies, cooking…"
He gently took the tent from her hands.
> "Go wash up. Dinner's almost ready."
She touched his arm lightly.
> "You're incredibly strong… How long have you trained? Since you were born? Or were you just… born with powers?"
Mi-van tapped her forehead with a single finger and smiled.