Chantria"Hi!"I turned around when someone called out to us. I saw Aaron, Gab's friend, shyly approaching us. He also looked at Lorreine, Louella, and Iwatani before greeting them."Hi, Aaron!" I greeted him. I've talked to him before since we sometimes participate in the same activities, but he's too shy so we can't really talk properly. That's why it was surprising when he approached us."Um...I would like to ask a favor from you guys," he scratched his neck while speaking. "Gab's birthday is coming up and we thought of surprising her. Actually, it was Makino's idea and I was asked to talk to you guys."I don't know if I should laugh at Makino or not, but if it's for Gab, I'm sure even Lorreine would agree even if it's Makino's idea."What can we help with?" Lorreine asked, sounding a bit annoyed. "It seems like Makino can do everything for the surprise party for Gab. She won't need our help, unless she plans on holding the party in an expensive hotel and needs money. I know she ca

ChantriaMy head was preoccupied with Gab all day. I know Iwatani already said not to meddle in what happened. But I couldn't help but be curious about what's going on.Who is this Susana? Why was Gab at the cemetery instead of celebrating his birthday? Is there a story behind it or am I just overthinking?I can see that nothing has changed between him and his friends. They still talk and hang out together as if nothing happened. I don't even know if he's aware of the supposed surprise birthday party.I can't read Makino's expression because he seems normal to me. But every time I remember his disappointed look on that day, I can't convince myself otherwise.Yes, we helped him. But compared to the effort he put in, our actions were nothing. Planning a surprise birthday party isn't easy. When we surprised Dad before, it was already difficult even though there were three of us planning it. What more if you're doing it alone?I didn't realize that I've been staring at Gab intently the wh

ChantriaIn the next few hours, we were both silent. The sun was getting higher and I could feel the heat and exhaustion, but we still haven't found any food or water.I wasn't speaking, but I was starting to worry. If we don't find anything to fill our stomachs soon, we'll have a harder time completing the course. It's as if I jinxed it, because the course we were taking was getting more and more difficult.Earlier, we saw a better and easier path, but it wasn't the one indicated on the map. So, despite our hesitation, we had to follow what was on the map if we didn't want to get lost. We didn't get lost, but every course was getting harder.There were prepared activities in the middle of the mountain, so we knew we were still on the right track. Some of these activities required climbing trees because we couldn't cross the muddy part of the ground.There was also a small water source, so we drank some water there. Gab and I quickly ran to the rushing water and drank using our hands.

ChantriaWe are currently packing our things for our trip back home. I'm feeling tired now and my arms are almost too weak to lift anything. But I don't ask for help from Louella and Lorreine because I know they're also tired like me.After all the fun and enjoyment, tiredness follows. It's not that I'm complaining, though. I just really want to lie down and rest.As we exit the cabin, almost everyone is already outside. I quickly scan the area to look for Iwatani, who is already loading our things onto the bus. After he finishes, he quickly finds me and approaches me."Did you forget anything?" he asks as he hands me my belongings."No, these are all my things."He just nods and starts putting my things away. I look over to Lorreine who is beside me. "I wish I had someone to carry my stuff. When will I find someone to help me?"Louella and I laugh softly. "Men aren't something to be searched for, Lorreine," Louella says. "They come naturally. Seanne is just lucky to have found hers a

ChantriaAs expected, it's very awkward whenever I'm left alone with Iwatani, especially now that Louella and Lorreine are in line with the four of us for food. Actually, Louella insisted that she should accompany us instead of Iwatani.I couldn't do anything about it because someone needed to stay at our table to avoid someone else taking it. I also didn't want to leave Iwatani alone here. But to be honest, I really wanted to leave my seat now because of the extreme awkwardness.I know Louella knows. I don't know how she does it, or maybe it's just that me and Iwatani are too obvious. Whenever something happens between us, it's like Louella knows immediately. Maybe she's good at reading the atmosphere. I don't know. But I'm happy because she gives us space and privacy somehow. She doesn't ask anyway.Louella and Lorreine arrived, and Iwatani and I were still quiet. But unlike before, I started talking to Lorreine as if nothing had happened. I'm not really planning to hide this from t