The sun was warm that morning. A big white school bus stopped in front of the school gate. Students were chatting, some sleepy, some excited. Jin Haru stood near the back of the group, holding a small backpack. He wore a black hoodie and looked calm as always.
Beside him, Baek Jinho yawned loudly. "Man, I hate waking up early. Why do field trips start at 7 a.m.?"
Haru gave a small smile. "I don't mind. Nature is good for the body."
Jinho laughed. "You sound like a grandpa again. Seriously, bro, how old are you?"
Haru blinked. "Just… used to early mornings."
Before Jinho could say more, a teacher walked to the front. "Everyone! Get on the bus. Boys left side, girls right. Don't mix seats!"
Students groaned but followed. As Haru entered, he saw Love Interest 1—Lee Sera—already inside. She sat by the window, arms crossed, eyes closed. She wore a simple white cap and a school hoodie, looking cool as ever.
Their eyes met for a second. She looked away.
"Hmph."
---
The bus ride was long. Haru sat beside Jinho and stared out the window. Trees passed quickly. The mountains looked peaceful.
REI's voice echoed in his mind.
[Field trip detected. Surroundings include uneven terrain, possible risk of social interaction. Be cautious, Creator.]
Haru whispered, "It's just a school trip, REI."
[That's what you said before PE class.]
Haru sighed.
---
After two hours, the bus stopped near a mountain area. There were tents set up, a bonfire pit, and many other students from other schools. This was a joint trip with two nearby high schools.
Students got off the bus and stretched. The teachers gathered everyone.
"Alright, class. Today is a simple outdoor study and bonding time. Don't wander off too far."
Jinho bumped Haru's shoulder. "Wanna go look around?"
Haru nodded.
They walked past a small hill and saw another group of boys laughing loudly. One of them wore a black jacket with red flames on the back. He looked tall, muscular, and smug.
"Hey, look at that guy," one boy said, pointing at Haru. "Isn't that the pretty boy who beat the boxing club?"
Haru paused.
Jinho whispered, "Ignore them."
But the tall boy stepped forward.
"So you're the famous 'Backflip Prince'? Tch. Don't look that special to me."
Haru stayed silent.
Another boy sneered. "He's just a fake. Bet he never even trained."
The tall one pushed forward. "Come on, say something."
Jinho stepped in. "Back off. We're not here to fight."
But the tall boy smiled. "It's just a little talk. Unless you're scared?"
More students gathered. Some pulled out their phones. A girl whispered, "He's gonna fight again?"
REI spoke quickly in Haru's mind.
[Warning. Local threat level rising. Shall I prepare Combat Mode?]
"No. Not yet."
Then, the tall boy grabbed Haru's hoodie. "Let's see what you got—"
"HEY!"
A loud voice broke the moment. A teacher came running.
The tall boy let go. "Tch. Later, pretty boy."
The crowd slowly left, disappointed.
---
Later that evening, the students sat by the bonfire. Marshmallows, drinks, and music filled the air. But Haru sat alone near the woods, watching the stars.
Jinho came over with two juice boxes.
"Here."
Haru took it. "Thanks."
"You alright?"
"Yeah. Just thinking."
Jinho sat beside him. "That guy earlier was from Red Claw School. They're known for fighting."
"I noticed."
"You gonna fight back if he comes again?"
Haru looked up. The stars were bright.
"I don't want to fight. But if he comes…"
His eyes turned cold.
"I won't lose."
---
Far away, in the shadows behind the trees, a small group of boys watched him. The tall one—his name was Kang Doyoon—smiled.
"He's cocky. Let's break that face tomorrow."
Behind him, one boy asked, "You sure? He beat the boxing club…"
Doyoon grinned. "Let's see if he can handle us in the woods. No teachers, no rules."
He cracked his knuckles.
"Tomorrow, we hunt the prince."