Since it’s already spring here, the school prepares an annual outdoor event that can help students improve their health and social life. This year Seoul Techno High decided to bring its students and teachers to a hiking experience. Departments are grouped together and different schedules are set to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Yay! It’s been so long since the last time I climbed up a mountain!” Yuri chimed while hugging herself in her puffy jacket.

“Charles even brought a lot of food” Nelly laughed at Charles who is now taking off the bus all the food that he has packed.

“Do you plan on staying here?” Yuri mocked.

“Heh! Don’t eat my food when you get hungry!” Charles talked back like a kid which made us all laugh.

I’m just glad that Yuri was already not affected by what happened to Denise.

“Okay, Class! A few reminders before we climb the mountain. Always hike in pairs or in groups. Report if someone is wounded or if anything happens. Do not horseplay or troll around. Understood? If you need us you can always call our phones. Remember patience is a virtue!” Ms. Na reminded all of us.

For today’s schedule, the Mathematics department which we belong to, Social studies department and the Art department are together.

“Hey, Simon! Join us!” Charles shouted then waved at Simon who just got out of the bus.

“No, I’ll go by myself” he answered innocently.

“No. Go with us. You don’t mind at all, right?” I asked.

“Yeah, we’re fine by it” Nelly answered, which was then seconded by Charles and Yuri.

There’s no reason to be so weird about it. They don’t even know that he was a bully in middle high. I just have to keep my eye on him, and eventually I’ll be able to bring him down.

“Fine. There’s no one to go with me anyway” he added and wore his cap.

Of course no one wants to befriend a bully like you.

“So. How’s Seoul for you?” Yuri asked Simon while catching up with him.

“It’s great.” I overheard Simon answer.

They continued talking about certain things I can no longer hear. Yuri seems to grow a liking for him. I still can’t believe Simon will go out of his way to hike with us.

“Get out of my way!” An Art student with a buzz cut asserted after bumping me.

“HAHA fucker!” the other one exclaimed then gave us a middle finger.

They run and bumped the persons in front of them as if they are nothing but wind.

“Those bastards!” Nelly exclaimed.

Yuri seemed to notice what had happened and looked back at us to check if there’s something wrong.

I shrugged my shoulders to signal her that there’s nothing to worry about.

We then continued to climb the mountain and Yuri’s still having a conversation beside Simon Park.

“You’re so slow! Why can’t you just walk faster?” Nelly yelled pertaining to Charles who was now behind all of us, and struggling to carry his loads of food.

“YEAH? Then why don’t you go and help me carry this?” Charles screamed then dropped the bags he was carrying.

“Don’t wanna!” Nelly sticks her tongue out and mocked Charles.

“Hey bijj, come here!”

I heaved a sigh and went back to assist Charles.

“Please bring less food next time hehe” I laughed awkwardly.

We just continued to hike until we reached the peak of the mountain. Ms. Na advised us to enjoy the scenery and take some pictures before going down to participate in some team-building activities.

“Dylan, let’s take a pic here!” Yuri called my name, she’s still with Simon Park.

I looked at them and Simon was already looking at me. I gulped when I realized how awkward the situation was.

I rushed beside Yuri, and ready myself for a photo.

“Hey, Simon. What are you doing? My hand is already getting tired” Yuri complained. Simon was shocked when he realized that Yuri’s waiting for him to get into his position in the photo. Not knowing what to do, Simon smiled awkwardly.

“Yes! That’s it, I’ll just have to take more photos” Yuri then vanished, leaving Simon and I together. I can feel the atmosphere becoming strange.

No one dares to break the silence that exists between us.

“I’ll go down first, tell Yuri” Simon initiated. All I did was nod and he was gone.

We organized a picnic at the park and ate our lunch. Simon Park was nowhere to be found.

“Heh! Now, who’s dumb for not bringing food? Definitely, not me!” Charles boasted then took a bite of his egg sandwich.

“Hey! Don’t be such an ass and give me some!” Nelly yelled and struggled to grab one of his sandwiches.

“Na-ah!” Charles sticks out his tongue and runs away from Nelly.

“Hey! Greedy Bastard! Give me some!” Nelly then chased Charles who is now running like hell.

“These kids are so handful,” Yuri said, then sighed.

“Attention everyone! This afternoon we’ll start our team-building activities to be led by the Bukhansan National Park Coordinators. We will leave you guys in their hands as we will now prepare for our tents and dinner later.” Mr. Jay Lee, the adviser of the Art Department announced.

“Yes Let’s go!”

“Ugh! I hate physical activities”

“Yeah, let’s beat their ass up”

Random reactions and comments can be heard as soon as Mr. Lee announces the outdoor activities.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“The first activity is the “Tug of War”. Two teams from each department should have five (5) members each. Each team will have to draw their opponent. Winners will gain 10 credits for this activity while participants will gain 5.At the end of the day, the accumulated credits will be credited to your department and the department with highest credits collected will be announced as Champion” The Coordinator instructed.

“Hey, let’s join.” Yuri exclaimed.

“Uhmm, I think I heard him say 5 members, and with Nelly and Charles we are only 4”, I scratched the back of my head.

“Who says we’re only 4?” she added then stood up to find something…someone.

Don’t tell me…

“Simon!” Yuri yelled which made me look at the direction she’s facing.

“No—I don’t think that’s a good idea” I reasoned out just so she can’t invite Simon to join us.

“Why? I think Simon’s our missing piece” she said, giggling.

“Hey” Simon greeted back.

“I was wondering if you could join our team”

Simon looked at me as if asking what the hell Yuri’s talking about. I avoided his gaze and looked at the sky.

Oh! There’s a bird. I thought to myself.

“Sorry, I can’t. I have to do something” Simon replied.

Yuri looked down as if she’s disappointed with Simon’s rejection.

“Let him be, he’s scared what can we do” I said to provoke him.

“What?” his voice became so stern and loud.

Gotcha.

“WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?” Simon now lost his cool and grabbed the collar of my shirt to lift me up.

FUCK. My body then felt a quick flow of electricity within it. I eagerly hid the fear I felt inside.

“You’re scared. You don’t want to join us ‘cause you’re scared to know that you’re nothing but a thug” I told him calmly but deep inside my system’s already shaking endlessly.

I can’t believe I’m saying this in front of him.

“H-hey. Calm down you guys” Yuri said in a soft tone.

Simon locked his eyes into me which I didn’t evade.

“Huh?! Let’s see who’s the weakshit. I’m in” he exclaimed then threw me on the bush.

“Really? I’ll now go to send our names to the coordinator” Yuri chimed and hopped away happily.

Did she just leave me here?

I struggled to get out of the bush and stand up.

“Pathetic” Simon said while locking his eyes on me.

I heaved a sigh when he got out of my sight. Now my problem’s to get out of this bush.

* * *

The coordinator called for everyone, including the participants for the first game.

The “Tug of War” game will go as follows:

Game 1: Mathematics Team 1 VS Social Studies Team 2

Game 2: Art Department Team 2 VS Social Studies Team 1

Game 3: Mathematics Team 2 VS Art Department Team 1

We will be competing last against the 1st team of the Art Department.

“Go!” The coordinator yelled as a signal to start the war.

Each team then started pulling the rope towards their own side. At the end of Game 1, Social Studies Team 2 won. For game 2 the Art Department Won.

“Now, let’s show them what we got!” Yuri tried to boost our energy and will to fight. Which obviously we didn’t buy.

“Are we sure about this?” Nelly asked while fixing her arm bands.

“What are you joining for a Marathon?” Charles asked, then laughed so wildly.

I wasn’t able to talk the whole time, since I was sensing a dark gaze devouring me.

Can he just get over it? I heaved a sigh to let out my frustrations.

“Reminders before we start the game. Elbows must stay above knee level while pulling. If one falls down you will just receive a warning but if two or more fall down, you are automatically disqualified. No dirty tricks allowed! Play fair. Understood?” The coordinator announced.

“Yes, sir!” we said in unison.

We’re then advised to proceed to the center where the rope is. Our opponent is the 1st team of the Art department.

“Aren’t they the ones that bumped us earlier?” Nelly said, which made me notice a guy with a buzz cut.

We arranged ourselves as to what Yuri told us. Simon in the front, followed by Yuri, me, Nelly and Charles. I think the arrangement was based on our strength given that Simon and Charles were the most powerful among us, and Yuri just positioned the girls alternately to not weaken our grip on the rope.

“Huh! These fuckers. You guys are dead meat” the guy with buzz cut exclaimed while looking maliciously at Simon. I see, he’s the front guy of the opposite team.

Simon didn't care about them and concentrated on our strategy.

“What? You motherfucker’s scared?” the buzz cut guy yelled and went closer to Simon to mocked him.

“Why the hell is everyone telling me I'm scared?” Simon murmured.

My body felt the goosebumps sent by those words.

“What? You saying fucker?” the buzz cut guy added.

“That’s enough. We’ll start the game. I’ll now give the instructions”. The coordinator announced.

“Pick up the rope” he said which made us all pick up the rope at our feet.

“Take the string” he added, in which we held the rope taut and brought the white cloth on the rope over the centerline.

“Then pull!” he shouted which made us automatically pull the rope using our whole strength.

“Keep your back straight and pull!” Simon yelled. I can feel that he’s eager to win or maybe he’s just upset. I've called him scared.

“Pull you dumbasses!” the leader of the opponent screamed.

The game ended when the opponents were pulled over our side.

“You dumbasses! I told you to pull, not push! Go back to middle school!” the buzz cut guy shouted.

“We won!” Yuri yelled happily and jumped at us for a group hug.

“Y-yeah” I said awkwardly when I could feel Simon’s arm hitting my back so forcefully. What a temper!

“I’ll just get our rewards!” Yuri happily said.

“I’ll go with you” Nelly then goes after Yuri.

“In this case, I’ll just go grab something to eat” Charles butt in.

It was just me and Simon that were left. I can feel the atmosphere change from a jolly one to a dark one. I can feel Simon’s aura becoming darker than it was before, I can feel that he’s more than willing to kill me at this point.

“Hey!” he said in a monotone voice.

“W-wait, let me explain.” I said to defend myself. Yep, I’m still that lousy kid from middle school.

The silence between us broke when someone’s voice was heard.

“Hey! Do you think you’re something just because you won?” the buzz cut guy shouted.

“That’s enough Billy,” his teammate reprimanded.

“What?” Simon’s brows automatically meet each other upon hearing what Billy said.

“Do you really think you’re something, asshole?. Come on, let’s fight one on one” Billy provoked Simon.

No! He’s in danger right now. He might not realize it but Simon's more dangerous than he looks.

“Why aren't you answering? Are you terrified, scaredy cat?” he mocked, then his friends started laughing as well.

“WHAT?” Simon grabbed Billy’s neck and lifted him up on the ground.

“B-bitch!” Billy cried while struggling for his life.

Someone then attempted to stab Simon with his knife. Fortunately, I was able to notice it just before things got darker. At this rate, Billy’s group will annihilate us if I won’t do something to stop Simon.

“H-hey! That’s enough. It’s just a game, l-let’s just focus on winning other games” I said to calm them down.

Simon then let go of Billy who is now gasping for air.

“Boss!” The guy with the knife hurried to attend to Billy.

“Now, who’s scared?” Simon asked in an overbearing manner.

This bastard.

“You b-bitch” despite struggling to breathe Billy was still able to trash talk.

“Save the pity to yourself” Simon exclaimed.

“Let’s go, I’m not done with you,” he added. Now, he’s going to kill me for real.