HIKE

01 | the dream team

It was the day before the expedition and Team "Dream" were sitting squirming in school assembly, wondering what time it would end.

"So, Mr Kim would like to say a few words to the kids going on the Hike Challenge this weekend, as well as our own student in the year above - Mark Lee. Mr Kim?"

The short teacher moved at the front of the hall, and a slightly taller student stood just behind him. "Thanks, Mr Byun," he said with a grin. "So, this is just a reminder for the Hike Challenge kids - you need to meet at your start point as a group, and make sure you have all your equipment..."

His words faded out to an unintelligible bla bla bla in Donghyuck's ears.

"Christ, look at Mark-hyung, what a nerd," he muttered in amusement.

Lee Donghyuck was your average seventeen year old boy - except he wasn't interested in sports, just video games and girls. His once red hair had faded to a muted ginger, and he had arguably the loudest mouth in their entire school year.

"Oh, go on PS4 tonight," Jeno whispered in his ear.

Lee Jeno was the sportsman of the friendship group, with a passion for soccer. Unlike Donghyuck, Jeno liked to keep fit and active, and would sometimes brag about how much he could lift or how fast he could run. His hair was jet-black and when he smiled his eyes crinkled into little crescent moons.

"Yeah, yeah," said Donghyuck absently in response.

"Tell Jaemin and Renjun."

"Fine, whatever," Donghyuck sighed, leaning over to the boys in the seats beside him. "Oh, go on PS4 tonight."

"But literally all you do on PS4 is play Minecraft with your brother," Renjun pointed out without turning his head away from the front of the hall.

Huang Renjun was short, with a cute face and honey-blonde hair. He was often only ever described by those who didn't know him as either The Small One, or The Chinese One. Both were pretty accurate though, so he didn't to much to dispute them. He was logical and witty, and loved to paint and draw.

(He also loved to wind Donghyuck up at any given opportunity.)

"I do not!" Donghyuck objected. He pursed his lips and sulked, sliding down in his chair. "It's Star Wars Battlefront 2."

"Just go on PS4," Jeno hissed along the row.

"Shut up, Mark-hyung's talking," Jaemin whispered warningly.

Na Jaemin was undeniably the most sensible member of the lineup. He was the smartest, most well-behaved out of the four of them, and was dedicated to getting the best grades possible in their final year of high school. He had neat brown hair and the kind of smile that could break hearts.

"So?" Donghyuck began, "No one fucking cares what Mark-"

"He's looking our way," Jaemin cut him off, trying not to move his lips when he spoke.

"Shit."

From the front of the hall, Mark was allowed to say a few words, being treated as that respectable older student he was...n't really.

"Um, I just wanna wish the Hike Challenge guys good luck this weekend," said Mark. "I did the challenge last year and it was so much fun, and I hope you all enjoy!"

Donghyuck scoffed. "He did not have a good time," he muttered under his breath. "He came back smelling like cow shit, and came round mine just to piss me off."

"How are you guys even still friends?" Renjun sighed.

"Our moms are, like, conjoined or something," Donghyuck scoffed. "Christ, what a fat twat. He lies so much."