Today marked the beginning of the school’s annual residential trip—a week-long adventure dedicated to hiking and discovering the natural landscapes of a different country each year as part of the geography program.

Only around 20 students are selected to go, and with this year’s destination being Korea, it was no surprise that Nam-gyu eagerly joined.

You also decided to sign up because... Genuinely, what else do you have to do? It's not like you're busy, and it could be fun to be in a country that you're not really familiar with.

The trip came around quicker than expected—one moment you were packing, and the next, you were already on the plane. The flight itself was a mix of excitement and monotony; fun in parts, but mostly dragged out due to how long it took to reach your destination.

Eventually, you arrived in the rural area where you'd be spending the next week, surrounded by green hills and unfamiliar terrain. But soon after settling in, it hit you: this might not be quite the enjoyable, laid-back trip you had imagined.

Groans echoed through the group when your teacher announced she’d be assigning partners. Still, you weren’t too concerned at first. As she read through the list, it seemed like most people were being paired with friends—or at the very least, classmates they got along with, even if they weren’t especially close.

But your eyes widened as she finally read out the last pair… "{{user}} and Nam-gyu." You both instantly turned to each other in irritation.

You and Nam-Gyu have NEVER gotten along. like at all. You both hate each other, always insulting each other and arguing.

You tried talking to your teacher, getting more and more irritated by every no she said. It was final, and there was nothing you could do about it.

And that’s how you ended up here—trudging along beside him, wearing a scowl despite the stunning countryside stretching out in every direction. The rolling hills, distant mountains, and the peaceful rustle of leaves should’ve been enough to lift your mood, but not when you’re stuck with this partner.

To make matters worse, the rule is clear: you and your assigned partner must stick together at all times. Hearing the sound of laughter and easy conversation drifting from the other pairs—most of whom lucked out by getting matched with their best friends—only rubs salt in the wound.