The sun had already dipped below the horizon by the time they arrived at Crystal Falls, casting a soft, golden glow over the towering waterfall. The mist from the falls hovered in the air, making the entire area feel enchanted. The students eagerly stepped off the bus, stretching their stiff limbs after the long ride.
Irene, however, barely noticed the beauty surrounding her.
Her mind was clouded with fear and confusion. The tension with Michael, Bella's growing hostility, the whispers of her classmates—it all weighed on her. But her fear of Bella wasn't normal. It wasn't just about gossip or a silly school rivalry. It was something deeper, darker. Every time Bella looked at her, Irene felt an unexplainable sense of dread crawl up her spine, like something terrible was bound to happen.
"Alright, everyone! Set up your tents and get settled before we begin our activities," one of the teachers instructed.
Irene tried to shake off the unease and focused on setting up her tent with Rina. But even as they worked, she could feel the stares. The gossip hadn't died down—if anything, it had gotten worse.
> "She really kissed Michael while drunk? How desperate."
"Bella must be furious."
"She's so done for."
Rina let out an annoyed sigh as she tied a knot on the tent. "Ignore them. They're idiots."
Irene forced a smile. "Easier said than done."
"Besides," Rina added, "Michael is the real problem. Why is no one talking about how he kissed you back?"
Irene hesitated, but before she could answer, a loud squeal broke through the chatter.
Ivana and Mira were near the riverbank, both giggling and throwing glances at Zoko and Mavins, who were showing off by skipping rocks across the water.
"Zoko, did you see that? I totally won," Mira boasted, flipping her hair.
Zoko smirked. "That was a terrible throw, Mira."
Ivana, not wanting to be left out, nudged him playfully. "Bet you can't teach me how to throw better."
Zoko raised an eyebrow. "You think I have time to be your coach?"
Mavins burst into laughter. "She just wants you to hold her hand while she throws, man."
Ivana pouted but didn't deny it.
Irene rolled her eyes. Great, another love triangle in the making.
---
Swimming & Tension with Michael
After setting up camp, the students changed into their swimsuits and headed to the waterfall for a swim session. The teachers had given them permission as long as they stayed in the shallow areas.
Irene had planned to stay back, but Rina practically dragged her along.
The water was crystal clear, reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun. The sound of laughter and splashing filled the air. But Irene's attention was glued to Michael.
He was standing waist-deep in the water with Bella, who was clinging onto him like a possessive shadow. Every time Irene stole a glance, Bella made sure to touch Michael—his arm, his chest, even his face.
But what unnerved Irene the most was that Michael kept looking at her.
> Why does he keep staring? Is he trying to make me feel worse?
Ivana and Mira had also joined them in the water, but instead of Michael, their focus was on Zoko and Mavins, laughing a little too loudly at their jokes.
Irene sighed. This whole trip was going to be a mess.
---
Bonfire Night & A Dangerous Dare
As the night fell, a massive bonfire was set up in an open clearing. The flames crackled, casting flickering shadows against the trees. Students gathered around, wrapped in blankets, telling stories and drinking.
Bella, never one to be out of the spotlight, stood up.
"This night is boring," she announced. "Let's make it more fun."
Mira grinned. "What do you have in mind?"
Bella smirked. "How about a little Truth or Dare?"
The students cheered in agreement.
Irene instantly regretted coming.
The game started simple—truths about embarrassing crushes, dares to dance or take extra shots—but then the bottle landed on Irene.
Bella grinned like a predator.
"Irene," she purred. "Truth or Dare?"
Irene swallowed hard. If she picked truth, Bella would find a way to humiliate her. If she picked dare…
"Dare," Irene said, trying to sound confident.
Bella's smirk widened. "Perfect. I dare you to stand under the waterfall for five minutes."
Gasps rippled through the group.
"That's crazy!" someone muttered.
"She's gonna freeze!"
Irene clenched her fists. Bella wanted to break her. Wanted her to back out and look weak in front of everyone.
Michael, to her shock, suddenly spoke up. "That's a bit much, Bella."
Bella turned to him. "Why? It's just water."
Irene, despite every warning in her gut, stood up. "I'll do it."
Rina grabbed her wrist. "Irene—"
"I have to," she whispered back.
---
Under the Waterfall (A Moment with Michael)
The moment Irene stepped into the cold water, a sharp chill ran through her body. The force of the waterfall pounded against her, making it hard to stand still.
She clenched her teeth, hugging herself. Just five minutes.
Then, to her shock, Michael waded in after her.
Her breath hitched. "Michael?"
He didn't say anything at first, just looked at her under the moonlight, his dark hair wet from the mist.
"You're crazy for doing this," he finally murmured.
Irene scoffed. "Then why are you here?"
Michael stepped closer, his eyes dark and unreadable. "To make sure you don't drown."
She let out a shaky breath, suddenly hyperaware of how close they were.
Then, his fingers brushed against her lips.
"You know," he said softly, "you're a really good kisser."
Irene froze.
Michael tilted his head. "Your lips… they're so soft. I haven't stopped thinking about it."
Her heart slammed against her chest.
> He's playing with me.
> But why does it feel so real?
Before she could say anything, a sharp voice shattered the moment.
"What the hell is going on here?!"
Bella.
---
Bella's Outburst & Public Humiliation
Bella stormed forward, her face a twisted mask of rage.
"You really can't keep your hands off my boyfriend, can you?" she spat.
Irene stepped back, her skin prickling with fear.
"It's not what it looks like—"
Bella let out a laugh—cold and cruel. "Oh, PLEASE. We all saw you throwing yourself at him."
People were watching now. Whispering.
Michael remained silent.
Bella turned to the crowd. "See? I told you all she was pathetic."
Zoko and Mavins snickered in the background, making things worse.
> "Damn, Irene's really desperate."
"She's obsessed with Michael."
Irene's face burned.
"Let's go."
Before things got worse, Rina grabbed Irene's hand and pulled her away.
As they disappeared into the camp, Irene felt like her entire world had shattered.
But deep inside… despite everything… her heart still raced for Michael.
And that terrified her more than Bella ever could.