"You don't belong in front of crowds. There's no need for any more unwanted attention." 

Unable to fall asleep, Sungyeol was lying awake staring at the ceiling, pondering on Myungsoo sunbae's words earlier that evening. 

Unwanted attention? Why is it unwanted? Am I embarrassing? Does sunbae think I will make a fool out of myself if I stand in front of crowds?

Thinking back to the tug-of-war game, Sungyeol had to admit that he had indeed made a fool out of himself. 

I guess I better stay out of the spotlight from now on. 

Not that Sungyeol had had any particular wish to stand in the spotlight to begin with. In fact, he rather disliked receiving much attention. 

"You're still awake?" It was Woohyun, who apparently hadn't fallen asleep either. Lying on the floor to Sungyeol's left, Woohyun was rubbing his eyes groggily. 

"Yeah, I was just thinking..." Sungyeol answered. 

"About what?" Woohyun said. 

"Nothing much," Sungyeol mumbled. 

"You better get some rest," Woohyun advised, his voice full of sleep. "Tomorrow is the last day of the MT, so you better be ready to party like it's the last day of your life." 

---

He didn't know how he had managed to sleep through the noise of everyone getting dressed and ready for the day, but when Sungyeol finally opened his eyes, it was already two in the afternoon. Looking around in confusion, he slowly stretched and rose. 

Where is everyone? Why didn't anybody wake me up? 

Sungyeol scratched his head and yawned. 

I guess that tug-of-war really wore me out. 

Feeling very sluggish, Sungyeol got dressed and walked out of the hanok and into the bright sunlight outside. 

"Hoobae!" A hand hit his shoulder from behind. Sungyeol turned and saw the loud and energetic sunbae, Dongwoo, standing next to him. "You're finally awake!" 

"Yes, I'm sorry that I slept in," Sungyeol bowed in apology. 

"Oh, no worries, you're not the only one," Dongwoo laughed, showing his white teeth. "Some of the girls are also getting ready."

"Getting ready for what?"

"To go swimming, of course!" 

"Swimming?" Sungyeol echoed. 

"All the others are already down by the creak. Come on, hurry up and get your swimming wear." 

"Oh," Sungyeol breathed. "I didn't bring any swimming wear.." 

"Really?" Dongwoo looked sadly at the younger. "Well, that's too bad. I guess you'll just have to watch then."

"Yeah," Sungyeol nodded. 

"But don't worry, hoobae, you can still have fun talking with the others and making new friends," Dongwoo said, patting Sungyeol comfortingly on the shoulder. 

"Yeah," Sungyeol agreed.

---

The group of late-comers, Sungyeol included, arrived at the creak an hour later. By this time, the others were already in full vacation mode, splashing water at each other and eating watermelon. The sound of laughter and running water filled the air. The scene was like an illustration from a children's book; sunshine, warmth, and smiles, the perfect picture of a lazy day in late summer. 

Amid this spectacle of laughter and smiles, Sungyeol's eyes were immediately drawn to the boy who seemed to be in the center of it all. Wearing nothing but a black pair of swimming shorts, Myungsoo looked like a model for a sports magazine as he stood with his feet in the water. His hair was wet, and drops of water were running down his bare chest. Sungyeol swallowed. For some reason, he could feel his cheeks go pink. 

Myungsoo was talking to another boy standing beside him, their faces animated as they discussed whatever they were discussing. Sungyeol couldn't help but wonder what they were talking about.

"You're finally here!" Woohyun said as he came up from behind, with Sunggyu trailing after. "We tried to wake you up, but you wouldn't even budge." 

"No worries," Sungyeol assured them. "It was nice to get some extra sleep. I must have been more tired than I realized." 

"Myungsoo sunbae asked for you, you know," Woohyun informed him. 

"For me?" Sungyeol started, taking a glance in the direction where Myungsoo was standing. The older was still talking with the other boy. "What did he say?"

"Nothing special. He just asked where you were, and then I said you were still sleeping, and so he laughed and said it was too bad that you would miss all the fun." 

"Oh, I see," Sungyeol said. Something close to disappointment draped itself over his shoulders. 

"Anyway. You should go and get yourself something to eat. There's leftovers from yesterday over there," Woohyun explained as he pointed to a table. "And there's lots of watermelon too. Go help yourself." 

Sungyeol did as Woohyun had suggested, and was soon standing with a plate of food in his hand, munching down on slices of watermelon. 

"So what have you all done today so far?" Sungyeol asked between mouthfuls. 

"Nothing much really," Sunggyu answered. "We came to this creak maybe three hours ago, and we've just been chilling ever since." 

"Apparently the sunbaes are bringing alcohol over later," Woohyun added. "So I guess they plan on spending the rest of the day here." 

"More alcohol?" Sungyeol sighed. 

"It can't be helped, this is an MT after all," Sunggyu muttered. 

Sungyeol couldn't help but think to himself that this was going to be a long day. 

Author's Note: I'm sorry that this chapter was kinda boring, but I promise the next chapter will be more exciting hehe xD 

And, as always, thank you so much for reading <3