(5:00 AM – Alarm rings)
Jack:
(Yawning, voice still hoarse from last night's party)
"Ugh… Alright… Time to move."
(He rubs his eyes and glances around. Beer bottles scattered everywhere, the room smells like leftover snacks and stale alcohol. Everyone is passed out on couches, the floor, and wherever they found space.)
"Guys! Wake up! We'll miss the best view from the hike if we don't leave soon!"
(He walks around, nudging people with his foot.)
"Abhi… Nick… Elsa… Daniel… Sophia… Justin… Rocky… Krish… Olivia… Tom… Kevin… Alex—get up! Come on! Everyone to your rooms! You've got half an hour to get ready!"
Abhi:
(Groaning from the floor, hair a mess, blanket halfway off his body)
"Who the hell goes hiking this early?! I'm heading back to sleep, man."
Jack:
(Firm, unwavering)
"Shut up, Abhi. I planned this trip thoroughly and we're going—no excuses. Just get dressed."
(Everyone starts dragging themselves off the floor and sleepwalks to their respective rooms.)
Abhi:
(In his room now. Checks his phone hoping for a notification—maybe a text or call from Ishana. Nothing.)
(Sighs)
"Still no reply... Guess she's too busy with her own trip."
(Heads to the bathroom for a quick shower. The cold water jolts him awake. He throws on a warm hoodie, packs a sleeping bag, some protein bars, a flashlight, and water into his backpack.)
(Exits the room to meet the others.)
Jack:
(Standing near the door, backpack on, clearly excited)
"Everyone ready?!"
Alex:
"Yep, let's go."
Elsa:
(Still sleepy, rubbing her eyes)
"Bro… If you had a girlfriend, I swear she would've dumped you for making people wake up this early. You're a menace."
Sophia:
"I agree. Who does this? 5 AM, Jack? On vacation?"
Jack:
(Laughs)
"Oh, stop the drama. The car's already waiting. Let's move!"
Abhi:
(Shoulders his backpack)
"Fine. Let's get this over with."
(Everyone piles into the car. Some are half-asleep, others quietly sipping on coffee or energy drinks. A soft hum of lo-fi music plays on the car stereo.)
30 minutes later – At the trailhead
(The car stops. Everyone steps out. The air is crisp. Snow crunches under their boots. The sky is just beginning to lighten with shades of lavender and orange.)
Olivia:
(Shivering)
"It's freezing out here…"
Justin:
(Chuckles)
"Well, there was a snowfall last night. What did you expect, a beach day?"
Nick:
(Smirking, pulling his jacket tighter)
"Need help warming up?"
Olivia:
(Rolls her eyes)
"Huh, no thanks. Warm yourself, Casanova. What about that club girl—wasn't she Ishana's friend? How far did that go?"
(Everyone chuckles while Nick scratches his head awkwardly, trying to play it cool.)
Jack:
(Claps his hands)
"Alright, lovebirds and drama queens—time to hike! We're not here for gossip. Let's hit the trail!"
(The group begins walking into the snowy path, surrounded by pines dusted in white. The sound of crunching snow and soft chatter fills the morning air as their journey begins)
(The group trudges along the trail, boots crunching in the snow. Some are still half-asleep, others fully awake and grumbling.)
Kevin:
(Slipping a little on ice)
"Whoah—okay, that's it. If I fall and break something, I'm suing Jack for emotional and physical trauma."
Tom:
(Laughing)
"Bro, you trip on flat ground. Don't blame the mountain."
Kevin:
"Gravity has a personal vendetta against me. It's real."
Elsa:
(Suddenly stops)
"Wait… did anyone bring snacks?"
(Looks around desperately)
"I'm serious. If I don't eat something soon, I'll start chewing on pinecones."
Abhi:
(Opens his backpack, pulls out a protein bar)
"Here. But if you take this, you owe me a lifetime of good karma."
Elsa:
(Snatches it)
"Karma accepted. Thanks, starving hero."
Daniel:
(Yawning mid-step)
"Can't believe I'm walking through a winter wonderland while my soul is still sleeping."
Justin:
(Grinning)
"Think of it like a Christmas movie, except with more complaining and less plot."
Olivia:
(Points ahead)
"Hey, what's that? A bear?!"
(The group freezes.)
Alex:
(Eyes wide)
"No way. Are you serious?!"
Olivia:
(Laughing)
"Relax. It's just a big bush. Or… maybe Nick's ego."
Nick:
(Pretending to be hurt)
"Wow. The disrespect. First, you reject my warmth, now this?"
Sophia:
(Smirking)
"Don't worry, Nick. I'm sure the bush still loves you."
Jack:
(Up ahead, checking his phone for GPS)
"You guys done roasting each other? We've got a steep section coming. Stay close."
Rocky:
(Adjusting his backpack)
"Jack, if I survive this hike, I want a medal. Or pizza. Preferably both."
Krish:
"Honestly, I'll settle for not dying. That's my current goal."
Jack:
(Laughs)
"Fine. Survive the hike and I'll buy pizza. Deal?"
Everyone:
(Pumped now)
"DEAL!"
(They hike in a tighter group now. Snow flurries begin to fall gently around them. Someone starts humming a dramatic theme song.)
Tom:
(Whispers)
"Cue epic slow-motion hike montage…"
Kevin:
(Snapping fingers)
"Someone film this. I want this to be my 'before I gave up and went back to bed' documentary."
Elsa:
(Breathing heavy)
"Okay, but real talk—how much longer?"
Jack:
(Grinning, pointing up ahead)
"Just around that bend. Trust me—it'll be worth it."
(They finally reach the viewpoint. Everyone stops. The snow-covered valley stretches below them. The sun is rising, turning the sky into a swirl of pink, orange, and gold. Silence.)
Sophia:
(Whispers)
"…Whoa."
Abhi:
(Eyes fixed on the horizon)
"Okay. Fine. You win, Jack. This is insane."
Jack:
(Smiling, proud)
"Knew you'd say that."
Nick:
(Snapping photos)
"Instagram is gonna think I'm a nature god."
Olivia:
"Nature god with frostbite."
Alex:
(Laughs)
"Someone get me hot chocolate and a blanket. I'm officially frozen."
Justin:
(Raises his arms to the sky)
"We survived the hike. Now bring on the pizza and eternal naps!"
(They all laugh, some sit on rocks, some take photos, and others just enjoy the view in silence. Snow continues to fall softly as the sky warms with morning light.)
(The group has moved slightly off the trail to a wide, flat area perfect for camping. Snow crunches under their boots as they start unpacking.)