Chapter 8:The Field Trip Begins

Caesar wasn't a fan of field trips.

Too many people. Too much noise. Too much… everything.

But here he was, sitting stiffly on the school bus, staring out the window as students chattered around him, excitement buzzing in the air. Some were already taking pictures, some were arguing over snacks, and others—like Blythe—were enjoying every second of the chaos.

"Why do you look like you were forced to come?" Blythe teased, nudging him with her elbow.

"Because I was," Caesar muttered, keeping his gaze outside.

Blythe grinned. "Come on, lighten up! Two days away from school! No homework! This is great."

Caesar sighed. "If you say so."

Blythe smirked. "You'll thank me later."

Caesar seriously doubted that.

As more students climbed onto the bus, a familiar, arrogant voice rang out from the front.

"Move it, losers! I'm taking this seat."

Caesar closed his eyes briefly. Of course. It's him.

The one and only Zachary Velasquez strutted down the aisle, exuding his usual cocky energy. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, his uniform slightly unbuttoned in a way that made teachers sigh in frustration.

Zach stopped when he spotted Blythe.

"Oh, it's you," he said with a smirk. "Still yelling at people in public?"

Blythe rolled her eyes. "Still being a cocky idiot?"

"Obviously."

Then, his gaze landed on Caesar.

"And you? You still hiding behind your math books?"

Caesar didn't answer. He wasn't about to waste energy on this conversation.

Zach chuckled and plopped down in the seat behind them, kicking his feet up. "This trip is gonna be fun."

Caesar highly doubted that.

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The Bus Ride

The bus rolled down the road, the scenery changing from the familiar streets of the city to the endless green of the countryside.

Caesar had hoped for a peaceful ride. He should've known better.

"So, Caesar," Zach suddenly said, his voice dripping with amusement. "What's your deal?"

Caesar sighed. Here we go.

"You're top of the class," Zach continued, "but you act like talking to people is a crime."

Caesar remained silent, staring at the trees passing by.

Blythe, however, turned to Zach with an amused look. "Why do you care?"

"I don't," Zach shrugged. "I'm just curious. It's weird."

"Weird how?" Blythe challenged.

Zach leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the top of their seats. "Like, doesn't he ever get bored? Staring at textbooks all day, being all serious? Life's more fun when you actually live it."

Caesar clenched his jaw. He wasn't in the mood for this conversation.

Blythe narrowed her eyes. "You think being loud and obnoxious is the only way to live?"

Zach scoffed. "It's better than being invisible."

That struck a nerve.

Caesar finally turned to him, his expression calm but sharp. "At least I don't need to act like I'm better than everyone to get attention."

Zach's smirk faltered.

For a split second, something unreadable flickered in his expression—then, just as quickly, it was gone.

He laughed, leaning back in his seat. "Touché, genius."

But his voice lacked its usual arrogance.

Blythe gave Zach a long look, as if she had noticed it too.

Caesar returned his attention to the window, but a strange feeling nagged at him. He had always seen Zach as just an annoying, arrogant guy. But for the first time, he wondered if there was more to him than he let on.

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Arrival at the Camp

The bus pulled up to a clearing surrounded by towering trees. Wooden cabins were lined up near a shimmering lake, the sun beginning to dip behind the horizon. The air smelled fresh, and for the first time that day, Caesar felt like he could breathe.

"Alright, students!" their teacher called. "Find your cabin assignments! Lights out by 10!"

Before Caesar could even move, Blythe grabbed his wrist.

"We're partners, right?" she said, beaming.

Caesar sighed. "Do I have a choice?"

"Nope."

Before they could move toward their cabin, a heavy arm landed on Caesar's shoulder.

"Guess what, buddy?" Zach's voice was far too cheerful. "We're in the same cabin too!"

Caesar stiffened. "Why?"

Zach grinned. "Fate, my friend."

"More like misfortune," Caesar muttered.

Zach only laughed. "Oh, come on. Don't look so miserable. Think of it as a chance to bond!"

Caesar groaned. This trip just got a lot worse.

Or maybe… a lot more interesting.

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To Be Continued…

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