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The golden glow of the setting sun bathed the campsite, its warmth lingering in the air as laughter and chatter echoed through the trees. The scent of barbecue wafted in the breeze, mingling with the crisp pine aroma of the forest. Zhang Hao stood near the grill with a soft smile on his face, carefully flipping skewers of marinated meat alongside Matthew and Ricky. His delicate hands moved with precision, earning teasing remarks from Ricky about how even grilling seemed elegant when he did it.

"Stop teasing, Ricky," Hao mumbled, a light blush creeping up his cheeks as he adjusted his skirt. He was aware of a certain pair of eyes burning holes into his back, even if Hanbin wasn't nearby.

Unbeknownst to him, one of the boys from their grade, a tall and slightly shy classmate named Minho, had been watching him all evening. With a burst of determination, Minho approached Hao, his nervousness evident in the way he fidgeted with his sleeves.

"Zhang Hao," Minho called softly, his voice barely cutting through the lively conversations. Hao turned, a bit startled.

"Yes?" he asked, his smile polite but uncertain.

"Can I talk to you for a moment? Alone?" Minho glanced around nervously, his gaze darting from Hao to the others near the grill.

Ricky raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, his smirk making it clear he noticed the boy's awkward demeanor. "Go ahead, Hao. We can handle this," he teased, waving him off.

Hao hesitated but nodded, following Minho as he led them away from the group and toward the forest edge. The atmosphere shifted as they entered the shaded woods, the lively sounds of the camp growing faint.

Minho stopped by a large oak tree, his face flushed. "Hao, I've... I've wanted to say this for a while now." His hands were trembling slightly, and he swallowed hard. "I really like you. I think you're amazing. I've been watching you for a long time, and I-"

"Wait, what?" Hao's eyes widened in surprise. The confession hit him like a gust of wind, completely unexpected. His heart raced, but not for the reasons Minho might have hoped.

---

Meanwhile, back at the campfire, Hanbin frowned as he glanced around, his sharp eyes scanning the area. Hao was nowhere in sight. It unsettled him, the thought of not knowing where Hao was.

"Where's Hao?" he asked Matthew, who was still tending to the grill.

Matthew shrugged. "A boy came by and asked to talk to him. They headed toward the forest."

Hanbin's jaw tightened. "Who?"

Matthew shrugged again, completely oblivious to the rising storm behind Hanbin's calm expression. "Not sure. Some tall guy. Minho, maybe?"

Without another word, Hanbin turned and strode toward the forest. Each step was firm, purposeful. His heart pounded-not only from jealousy, but a dangerous possessiveness that he couldn't shake.

_____________

Minho reached for Hao's hands, holding them gently yet firmly between his own. "Please, Hao, just listen to me," he pleaded, his voice shaking with desperation. "I've admired you for so long. I can't keep these feelings inside anymore."

Hao's discomfort grew as he tried to pull his hands back. "Minho, I... I don't feel the same way. I'm sorry if I've given you the wrong impression-"

"No, don't say that!" Minho interrupted, his grip tightening. His tone became more insistent. "You haven't given me the wrong impression. You're always so kind, so perfect. I know we could be great together if you'd just give me a chance."

Hao shook his head, his voice firmer this time. "Minho, let go. You're misunderstanding-"

Before he could finish, Minho took a step closer, leaning in as if to plead his case further. Hao instinctively stepped back, his heart pounding in panic. But Minho didn't seem to notice-or care. He pulled Hao closer, holding his hands tighter.