It’s finally the competition day and everybody were excited. Before the 12 representatives went to the botanical garden, which is the venue for the event, they were presented to the school during a quick meeting called by the principal.

“As we all know, today’s the district competition. Thus, I request everyone to wish our representatives the best of luck so they could come back home safe and victorious,” he announced, earning a round of applause and cheers from the crowd. The team was standing on stage; and as per Kris’ instruction, they gave the audience a 90-degree bow.

After a few more words from the principal, the 12 students rode the school bus to BCJ Garden. On their way to the venue, everybody were sitting by two’s; and as leaders, Kevin and Soojung sat together at the front.

“Are you nervous?” Soojung asked quite hesitantly.

Kevin, who was looking outside the window, shifted his gaze to his seatmate. He was wearing his poker face yet his eyes were full of warmth. “No, I’m not,” he answered coolly. “Are you?”

Soojung shrugged her shoulders. “Well, I can’t say I’m not,” she answered truthfully.

All of a sudden, Kevin gave her a light tap on the lap – to her surprise. She was supposed to cuss because she knew she should feel violated. But instead, her lips curled into a small smile of gratitude. The man did the same.

That was the first and last time they talked to each other during their short travel. It wasn’t awkward surprisingly, but it wasn’t comfortable either. Unknown to each other, both Soojung and Kevin were feeling something new inside them – something they could not understand. Let alone, notice.

***

“Welcome to the 23rd Gyeonggi Interschool Competition. By now, I know all of you know already what you are here for so let me not blabber more and let us proceed to some quick reminders,” a man in probably late 30’s in suit and standing at the stage said. Kevin assumed he’s an official. “First, the first three teams to complete all seven tasks shall be declared the winners. The course shall be completed in a span of six hours. In the event that nobody gets to the last stop by the end of the allotted time, the three teams who reach the farthest stops will be crowned victorious. As the first six stops would require only two students to represent each group, we are going to let the respective leaders of every team to choose their representatives for each challenge prior to the start of the race,” he continued.

Kevin and Soojung led their team to their assigned tent. All were focused on the two to hear the assignments.

“Hmm, let’s see,” Kevin folded his arms and thought deep. “Since we do not know what the challenges would be, let’s pick the names randomly. No ballots tho