Born to Rise : Becoming Vice President

Chapter 39 – Camp, Crooked Tents, and the Funniest Midnight Challenge

Day two of orientation began with a blaring announcement from the campus speakers:

> "Group Seven, gather at 6 AM! Bring your backpacks, sleeping bags, and most importantly—your spirit!"

Gevran woke up with one eye open and hair like a lion's mane. Jiwan was already at the edge of the bed, wearing a ninja headband and yelling, "Today's the day we enter the wild, guys! The real adventure begins!"

Mi Yong arrived at the meeting spot in a neon jacket and sunglasses. "I'm ready. Three cameras, four batteries, six power banks."

"Are you going camping or shooting a music video?" Haesung asked flatly.

Eunwoo showed up last. "I got lost and ended up in Group Two. But… they were all ugly, so I came back."

The orientation team handed out supplies: a mini stove, a blank map, and tents. And of course, none of them knew how to set the tents up properly.

An hour later…

Group 7 stood in front of their tent, which was tilted like a house hit by a rampaging bull.

"I'm pretty sure it's the terrain's fault," Haesung insisted—despite being the one reading the map.

"It's fine, as long as it's aesthetic," Eunwoo said while taking photos with a pastel filter.

Jiwan was cooking instant noodles on a hot rock. "Natural fire is healthier!"

When night fell, the dreaded jurit malam—a midnight courage challenge—began. Seniors wore creepy masks and made strange noises from behind the bushes.

"Group 7, your path is the 'Cursed Route.' No screaming. No flashlights. Only candles."

Gevran gulped. "Okay, this… this is serious."

But once they entered the forest, chaos erupted.

Jiwan got lost and wandered back to the starting point singing the national anthem.

Mi Yong got stuck in a bush and went live on Instagram: "Guys, this is a real haunted forest!"

Haesung tried to negotiate with a 'ghost' and ended up arguing law with a senior.

Eunwoo asked the ghost to stop yelling because it might damage his vocal cords.

And Gevran? He led the group in circles for 20 minutes… only to end up back where they started.

Eventually, they all sat on the ground, laughing hysterically.

"This is… the most absurd orientation ever," Gevran said, stretching his back.

"But it's kinda fun," Jiwan chuckled. "Let's make our own version tomorrow. DIY orientation."

"I'm in—only if I handle the cameras," said Mi Yong.

"I'll need a written agreement," added Haesung.

"I demand the best lighting spot," said Eunwoo.

And that night, though they didn't know it yet, marked the beginning of the most ridiculous gang on campus.

They didn't have a name yet… but their chemistry? It was like a 12-season college drama.

With wide grins and dirt-streaked clothes, the five of them returned to their crooked tent. The sound of crickets filled the night air, and the cold crept in—but none of them cared.

They sat in a circle outside their tent, sipping instant noodles left over from Jiwan's fire experiment earlier that morning.

"I can't believe we survived that without anyone fainting," Gevran said as he slurped some broth.

"It's because we're too chaotic to scare," Jiwan said proudly.

"I bet the seniors were more afraid of us," Mi Yong laughed as she started editing a video for her latest content: "WILDEST ORIENTATION – HAUNTED FOREST DEBATE GONE WRONG."

Haesung glanced at her. "If that goes viral, I might sue the committee for defamation."

"Relax. I'll use a purple filter. It'll make us look calm," Mi Yong replied.

Eunwoo, still grooming with a tiny flashlight, added, "If we ever make a gang, the name has to include 'Glow-Up,' because we survived the darkest night."

"Glow Up? Really, Woo?" Jiwan laughed. "I vote for 'The Absurd Five'!"

They laughed until their stomachs hurt, then one by one crawled into the cramped, tilted tent. It wasn't warm because of the sleeping bags—it was warm because of the company.

And just before drifting off, Gevran found himself thinking…

> "Maybe… I didn't just find a new campus.

I found a new family."