Arin:
After returning from the forest mission, I headed back to the camp, only to run into Lina and Max near the mess area. Lina approached me instantly, eyes filled with curiosity.
"How did it go? Did you encounter any Emotica in the woods?"
Before I could answer, Walter puffed his chest and replied proudly, "Indeed we did, my lady! And I was the hero this time—I saved this guy right here!"
He slapped me on the back and laughed obnoxiously. I clenched my jaw. Still, I thought to myself, Good... let him think that. It might help reduce their suspicion.
Lina raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Walter grinned. "One of them lunged at us, and Arin here froze like a statue. I had to take it down myself!"
I muttered, "Arrogant brat... though he's not wrong."
That strange feeling I had… those flashes… What were they?
Max chimed in, bouncing with energy, "We fought one too! And I took it down in one epic strike!"
Lina rolled her eyes. "You ran like a scared rabbit. I had to kill it myself."
Max chuckled. "Let's not argue about silly things. What matters now is the hot springs tonight! Don't forget!"
Everyone lit up.
"Oh yes!" he cried. "I can't wait to relax in heavenly warmth."
Meanwhile, I was internally panicking.
The hot springs… no… I had completely forgotten. If anyone saw the number engraved on the back of my neck, it'd be over. My identity as Number 0 would be exposed.
Soon, we—the guys—were gathered in the changing area.
I raised a hand. "Hey, is there a private bath stall or something?"
Max grinned. "What's this? Are you shy? Come on, we're all dudes here!"
"Yeah but…" I started.
"No buts! This place is paradise! They say the water here can heal any wound."
Fantastic, I thought bitterly. How do I survive this?
Then, just as I began formulating an escape route, fate dealt its cruelest card.
"Hey, guys! Mind if I join you?"
That voice.
I turned slowly.
Vex. Number 6.
Smirking. Shirt already off.
"No…" I whispered.
"Hey Arin," he said, narrowing his eyes at me. "Funny seeing you here."
"Oh... hi."
"You're not in our squad. What's your excuse?"
"Last-minute team shuffle," he said casually, drying his hair with a towel. "Just wanted to... unwind."
Unwind my neck with your gaze, more like.
I tried everything.
"Actually, I forgot my soap. I'll go get it."
"I think there's extra in the cabinet," Max replied helpfully.
"Oh… I have a weird skin condition. I need a special soap."
Max blinked. "Dude, the water here heals skin conditions."
"...I might be allergic to hot water."
"Then why'd you come?!"
"I… wanted to test my limits."
Max: 😐
Vex: 😏
Eventually, I ran out of excuses. They practically dragged me into the steaming chamber like I was being led to execution.
The moment we entered, warm mist enveloped us. The air was thick, wet, and filled with the smell of natural minerals. The spring looked beautiful, but to me, it was the battlefield of the century.
I moved like a ninja, towel wrapped high, back to the wall, never turning, never exposing my neck.
Max dove in with a splash, "Woooo! This is heaven!"
Vex sat near me. Too near. He narrowed his eyes again.
I sank deeper into the water, nearly drowning myself to keep my neck submerged.
Then Max, of course, started splashing water everywhere. "CANNONBA—"
"MAX!" I shouted.
Water flew. I dodged mid-air like a spy movie scene.
"What's wrong with you?" he laughed.
"Nothing!" I barked, adjusting my towel for the fiftieth time.
Vex leaned over and said in a low voice, "Relax. You look like someone hiding something."
"I'm not hiding anything," I muttered.
"Then why are you bathing like a hunted fugitive?"
"Because I am!" I blurted—then caught myself. "I mean—shy! I'm shy!"
He chuckled. "Interesting."
Suddenly, the lights flickered slightly.
Everyone looked up.
"Weird," Max said. "Power surge?"
"Probably just the generator," Vex replied, but his gaze… it lingered.
I took that chance to step out. I wrapped myself in three towels like a burrito, escaped the bath, and changed faster than I ever had in my life.
Miraculously… no one saw the mark.
That night, I lay on my bunk, heart still pounding. I dodged discovery. Barely. But I knew…
I wouldn't be this lucky forever.
---
End of Chapter 13
---
🔥 Let's hear from you! 🔥
🔹 Would YOU have survived the hot springs scene if you were Arin? 🔹 Do you think Vex saw something but kept it to himself? 🔹 And what's your theory—who's really watching Arin from the shadows?
🎁 If you enjoyed this hilarious yet intense chapter, don't forget to drop a Power Stone! Every vote helps keep this story alive and encourages me to write faster and wilder 🔥😈
See you in Chapter 14 👀