The art school bus drove along a winding road through a lush, humid forest. The windows were open, and the fresh mountain air, scented with damp soil and wet leaves, filled their lungs. The students snapped pictures of the breathtaking views, sang songs, and filled the bus with laughter and playful teasing.
Amidst the excitement, Nicholas seemed distracted. He kept glancing at Mary, perhaps still bothered by her recent coldness toward him. Eventually, he gathered his courage to talk to her. Meanwhile, Mary tried to keep her mind off the school rumors by chatting with Helen.
Not far away, Nicholas turned to Yong with a sarcastic tone:
— Hey, why do you always sit by the window? Try sitting on this side for once. Might change your perspective.
Without turning his head, Yong replied:
— I prefer the view outside... it's more interesting than your face.
— Wow, I'm not exactly eager to stare at you either. By the way, where's your dear Diana?
Yong shot him an annoyed look:
— What's it to you?
Nicholas grinned mischievously:
— Chill, man. No need to snap.
Yong turned back to the window, ignoring him. But Nicholas nudged him with an elbow:
— Hey... we've known each other forever. I need a favor.
— Who said we're friends?
— Fine, whatever... you gonna help or not?
— What do you want?
— That girl sitting next to me, Mary... she was kinda cold the other day. I wanna talk to her. Think you can swap seats?
Yong smirked triumphantly:
— So she finally figured you out, huh? I'm impressed. She's smarter than she looks.
— Seriously, can you just help me out?
— Don't you feel guilty about Helen?
— What are you talking about? Forget it...
Their bickering had become almost comical. Still, Yong reluctantly agreed and stood up.
Nicholas stared out the window, trying to act casual. But just as Yong was getting up, he said loudly:
— Hey Mary! Can you come sit over here? Nicholas wants to make peace with you!
Nicholas froze.
— Damn it, Yong...
Mary looked puzzled and glanced at Nicholas.
— Make peace about what?
— I don't know, maybe he did something that upset you.
— I'm not upset...
Hesitantly, Mary stood and sat down next to Nicholas. Her anxiety showed in how she rubbed her hands together. Nicholas kept his eyes on the window, clearly embarrassed.
Yong, still cheeky, said:
— Well, Nicholas, go ahead. Speak your truth.
— Can you please shut up?
Mary gave a faint smile.
— I wasn't upset... I just thought I should focus more on my work.
— Geez, you take painting way too seriously... This trip is supposed to be fun.
Yong smirked:
— Meaning, be like you?
— Are you eavesdropping again? Look outside!
— Yes, sir!
— Stop calling me "sir!"
— Sorry, Professor!
Mary chuckled, and her laughter made Nicholas smile too.
— You know, you have a really charming laugh... Has anyone ever told you that?
— No, never... but thanks.
— So I'm the first... as always.
— As always?
Yong chimed in from the window:
— He means he's flirting with you...
Mary and Helen both laughed. The banter between Nicholas and Yong had turned into a running joke.
When the bus arrived, everyone jumped out with excitement. The instructor, standing by the lodge entrance, said:
— Listen up! You'll get your room keys now. Boys' rooms are doubles, girls' rooms are triples. If you have issues with your roommate, talk to someone else and switch. No fighting!
Mary received her key and saw the number 26.
Helen approached:
— What room are you in?
— Twenty-six. You?
— Michelle and I are in 15. Want me to ask our third roommate to switch?
— That would be great.
Helen returned a few minutes later, smiling, with another key in hand.
— All set. Here's your new key.
— Thanks, Helen...
As the girls headed to their rooms, Nicholas entered his. He froze in the doorway.
Yong was already there, sitting on a bed, taking off his shoes.
— What the hell are you doing here?
Yong looked equally shocked:
— No way... Don't tell me you're my roommate!
Nicholas held up his key.
— You must've come to the wrong room.
They both said at once:
— No! This can't be happening! We need to talk to the instructor.
Nicholas snapped:
— Stop repeating everything I say!
— You stop repeating me!
They knocked on the instructor's door, but no one answered. A passing student said:
— He went to the forest cabin. Won't be back until late afternoon.
Nicholas turned to him hopefully:
— Hey, want to swap rooms with Yong?
— Why me? Make him go!
— No, you go...
The student shrugged and walked away. They tried asking several others, but no one agreed. Exhausted and defeated, they returned to the room by midday.
Their glares said more than words. And then, in silence and pure frustration, they collapsed onto their beds...