The first night of the camping trip was anything but peaceful. From Thanh Khai's unexpected confession to Ngoc Han's accident and the fateful encounter between Duat Van and Hao Nhien – it was as if invisible threads were connecting these strangers, drawing them closer.
At the campsite – Ngoc Han and Anh Phuc
Anh Phuc gently helped Ngoc Han sit down, his eyes showing clear concern. Ngoc Han felt a little awkward but obediently extended her leg. Her ankle was swollen and red, probably a minor sprain.
"It seems to be just a sprain, but it could be worse if you're not careful," Anh Phuc said cautiously, taking out a bottle of massage oil from his backpack. His voice carried a gentle reproach.
"This might hurt a little."
The cool sensation of the oil and Anh Phuc's steady hands made Ngoc Han shiver slightly. His gentleness made her heart involuntarily skip a beat. She had never imagined that one day she would be cared for so attentively by a boy.
"Thank you…" Her voice was much softer, carrying an indescribable tremor.
Anh Phuc said nothing, just gave a soft nod. A gentle breeze blew past, carrying a strange atmosphere between them.
At Thanh Khai and Minh Hoang's tent
After returning from the stream, Minh Hoang was still flustered. Thanh Khai's words seemed to echo in his ears, making him so embarrassed that he could only hug his blanket tightly.
"Not asleep yet?" Thanh Khai lifted the tent flap and entered, his warm voice carrying a smile.
Minh Hoang was startled, his face flushing. "You… you still dare to ask?"
Thanh Khai raised an eyebrow, slowly approaching. He braced his hand on the bed, trapping Minh Hoang in a corner.
"So… have you thought about my confession?"
Minh Hoang swallowed, his heart pounding. He simply didn't know how to answer. The emotions in his heart were too chaotic, as if he had just been pulled into a strange new world he had never known.
"I… I need time."
Thanh Khai looked at him for a moment, then chuckled. He reached out and ruffled Minh Hoang's hair, his eyes gentler than ever.
"Alright. But don't keep me waiting too long."
Minh Hoang was silent. In his heart, a nameless feeling seemed to have just sprouted.
Duat Van and Hao Nhien – A strange fever
Hao Nhien helped Duat Van back to the tent, placing him on the bed. Seeing him trembling, his breathing heavy, he couldn't help but frown.
"Perhaps your body is reacting to the cold weather," he said in a low voice, taking off his jacket, dipping a towel in cold water, and gently placing it on Duat Van's forehead.
Duat Van's eyes slightly opened, dreamily looking at the boy in front of him. "Who are you?"
"Hao Nhien."
"…I feel so uncomfortable."
Hao Nhien was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Bear with it a little. I'll be here."
Those simple words made Duat Van slightly stunned. How long had it been since he had heard such sincere words of concern? In his daze, he suddenly wondered… just who was this person?
The next morning
The early morning sunlight gently filtered through the trees, carrying the fresh air of the morning.
Duat Van woke up, feeling his body completely recovered. He slowly sat up, his eyes suddenly stopping at the figure of the boy who was sleeping beside him.
Hao Nhien… had he been here all night?
He didn't understand why his heart was filled with an indescribable feeling. Looking at Hao Nhien's serious face even in his sleep, he gently reached out to touch a strand of hair falling across his forehead.
But at that moment, Hao Nhien opened his eyes.
His deep eyes looked directly at him, making Duat Van immediately withdraw his hand.
Hao Nhien slowly chuckled. "Am I so handsome that you have to peek at me?"
Duat Van snorted lightly, turning his face away. "You think too much."
Hao Nhien raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile. This camping trip… was perhaps more interesting than he had thought.