Chapter 14: Into the Wild
Days slipped by after Alex's unforgettable speech, but Jake wasn't ready to let it go just yet.
Every morning, while mopping or moving weights, Jake would nudge Alex with his elbow and say, "Maybe we should print your speech on a flyer, Coach."
Alex would just shake his head and mutter, "Focus. The Day is today."
Hearing the seriousness in Alex's tone, Jake straightened up. His joking faded. His eyes sharpened.
Time to lock in.
Together, they stood in front of the gym early that morning, gathering all the members outside. The sunlight hit the street just right, giving the gym an almost golden glow behind them.
Jake raised his voice, rallying the crowd.
"Alright, warriors! First mission—hiking and camping! We tweaked the event a little. Before we bare our souls to each other, we're gonna break some ice with nature first!"
Cheers erupted.
Alex stepped up, adding in his own calm but firm voice, "And after the camping trip, the gym will close for a day. We'll use that time for...some special upgrades."
He shot Jake a side glance, and Jake smirked knowingly.
Everyone buzzed with excitement, laughing, grouping up with new friends.
Alex then pointed to an old but sturdy blue van parked nearby, pride in his voice. "Those without transportation—you're riding in the war wagon."
He patted the side of the van lovingly. "My grandpa's van. Still going strong."
Jake climbed onto the passenger door dramatically. "If it breaks down, we camp where it dies!" he shouted, making the crowd laugh even more.
One by one, the convoy of cars and vans loaded up. Laughter and music spilled into the warm morning air as they rolled out, engines revving toward the forest trails.
Behind them, across the street, five familiar shadows lurked.
Luke crossed his arms. "Should we break into the gym now while they're gone?"
Kram glared at him like he was stupid. "You tryna go to jail, genius? Cameras are still up."
Ted shrugged. "Then what do we do?"
Kram's lips curled into an evil smile. "You guys remember that girl from the other day?"
Luke snapped his fingers. "The gym girl? The one we annoyed?"
Kram shook his head. "No, dummy. The other girl. The one who ran in crying about her mom collapsing."
Remy chuckled. "Ooooh, that one. Cute little thing."
Suk laughed too. "Funny girl from funny scene. Good times."
Kram's eyes gleamed. "I heard something. She's trying to open a cake shop. Needs help. A lot of it."
The troublemakers leaned in, grinning.
Ted grinned wickedly. "So...what's the plan, boss?"
Kram just chuckled, low and dangerous.
"Let's just say... we're gonna make sure their sweet little fairy tale has a sour ending."
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[Teaser for Next Chapter:]
As the gym members venture into the wild, bonds are forged under open skies — but while they chase dreams, darker plots brew back in town. Trust will be tested, laughter will echo... and trouble is on its way.