Day 3

On the 3rd day at dawn, the scoutmaster woke us up. It was around maybe 5:30 AM. Everyone was tired and looked like wet pandas. After my morning routine, I started to comb my hair.

H: How on Earth are you not tired? You look like you had 12 hours of sleep.

C: Genetics, maybe, I don't know. I can go on a long time without sleep.

H: Lucky you! If I don't get at least 10 hours of sleep, I'm useless.

If she only knew the truth... After we dressed up, we went outside and listed for today's activity.

S Richard: Ok, campers. This will be your first real task so, we will go easy on you. Today we will go to the forest and plant trees. There is an old forest and the old trees have to be replaced with new ones.

S Samantha: Get to the shed, and we will supply you with tools and saplings. You can work in groups as well if you want to just make sure your work is done.

I always liked nature anyway. I was so happy about today's activity.

K: Hey, Cornelia, would you like to join us? A helping hand always comes in handy.

C: I would love to!

He invited me to the group! Maybe there is truth in Hannas's words. We headed to the shed and grabbed some saplings, shovels, and soil. After that, we headed to the forest. I could hear the trees whisper about things long forgotten. The scoutmaster was right. This is an old forest.

H: Hey Earth to Cornelia, are you with us?

C: Oh, sorry, I was spacing out. This forest is so magical. What was the question you wanted to ask?

H: We were just talking about our favorite animals. What is yours?

C: That's a good question... I love every animal, but if I had to, I would choose hummingbirds. What about you guys?

H: Pandas hundred percent. They are just so cute.

R: My choice is wolves. They are cool.

A: Lions. I like cats, especially the big ones... You've been silent, Keitaro. What about you?

K: It's kinda embracing.

H: Don't be shy, we are all friends here. We won't laugh at you, that much.

K: Fine. I like bunnies. I think they are adorable.

H: Oh, aren't you a big softy?

K: Yes...

We talked and laughed for hours until we reached where we were supposed to plant the trees.

A: Let's start planting then. The sooner we finish, the bigger the chance we get some decent food at the diner.

K: You're right, we have a big area to cover, and I don't want to eat chef's mystery soup cause I'm late again from the diner.

We started planting trees. Eventually, we separated from each other, and only the two of us felt. I know I had to make a move now that we are alone.

C: I think it's cute that you like bunnies. That must mean you have a big heart.

K: You think so? That's so kind of you. I-I think it's good that you like hummingbirds. They are beautiful and so tiny, and they are also hardworking.

C: I see someone read books about nature.

K: Yes. I read a lot online about it. I think nature is magical. I wish I could get the chance to see a real rabbit once.

C: You have never seen a bunny before?

K: Sadly, where I live, the zoo doesn't have any bunnies in captivity. So I never had the chance to see one up close.

C: I see. Maybe you will see one here. It's a pretty big forest, after all.

K: I hope so too.

He was so kind and open with me. Maybe I can give him what he wants. I waited until he got distracted with work. Then I started drawing glyphs on the dirt and started whispering a spell.

C: Itaalas eamsat tabahgla hihdah ruh. Iblaq hif bahgray ihdala yahsla initea.

After I finished the spell, a white bunny appeared from the shrubs. It started hopping near me. When it was near enough, I picked it up and placed it on my lap. The call of the wild always works.

C: Can you stay a little while, Mister Bunny? My friend would like to see you.

He nodded and snuggled up to me.

C: Hey Keitaro! Look what I caught.

K: Huh. Oh, let me see.

He walked up to me, and his eyes were opened wide.

K: Wait, what? How did you...

C: I just hopped near me while I was planting, and I caught it for you.

Without hesitation, he sat next time and started petting the bunny. I still can't decide if he wanted to cry or smile. But one thing I knew, he was happy.

H: Ok, guys. The three of us finished the work on the other side. How are you guys... doing?

I didn't even notice Hannah was there at first.

H: Aw, this is so cute! You got a bunny for him. Wait, let me take pictures.

She took multiple pictures of us. It was a joyful moment. We looked so happy in the pictures. Hannah has some real talent when it comes to taking pictures.

H: Anyway, we should head back. It's getting dark, and I see you finished anyway.

K: You're right. Let's get going.

C: Wait, where are the others?

H: They already went back to get some decent food for us.

C: Ok then.

We started heading back to camp. Just before we reached the camp Keitaro stopped me.

C: Is everything ok?

K: Yes. I just wanted to say... Thank you.

He held my hand and kissed me on the cheek. My face immediately turned red like a tomato, but it was dark for my luck, and he didn't see how embarrassed and red I was.

After we got back, the three of us went to get some food. Hannah showed the photos to everyone, even the scoutmasters. The scoutmasters liked the pictures and rewarded Hannah with a Photographer badge and the two of us with the Friends Of Nature badge. Rayn and Alex got the Tree Planter badge. After we finished our meals, we parted ways and headed to our cabin.

H: It was sweet of you, you know.

C: Hm?

H: What you did for Keitaro. I never saw him smile this brightly.

C: He looked like a happy person to me.

H: He is one of the nicest people I know, but he gets bullied at school a lot.

C: That's horrible.

H: I'm glad you made him happy. I also saw he kissed you. Don't think I didn't notice it.

C: It's not what you think!

H: You can't fool me. I know you are into him. Just do tell me the details, ok?

C: Fine, I will. Happy?

H: Yes.

We went to sleep, but I didn't get any sleep at all. I couldn't get my mind off what happened in the forest. That smile... And he said thanks, then kissed me on our way back to camp. I stayed up all night hoping that one day will be together.