I kept my eyes closed for a few minutes as I tried to sense what he was doing. But... I didn't hear any footsteps approaching.

I could feel that he was just standing there and not moving.

"What are you doing?" I asked him, still keeping my eyes closed.

He didn't say anything for a few minutes. Then I felt his breath on my face.

After that, I suddenly felt a strong gust of wind.

"H-Hey...!? What's happening?!" I asked anxiously. I was about to open my eyes when I heard him laugh, "Don't open your eyes, Love."

"Don't call me 'love'! I'm not your fucking girlfriend for fuck's sake!" I snapped.

He just laughed.

After that, I felt him lowering me down from his hold, which surprised me.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"We're here," he replied. "You can open your eyes now," he added.

I followed his instructions and slowly opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was the bonfire. Then I looked around.

There were so many tents.

"Welcome to my campsite, Lov—" I glared at him.

"Go on," I challenged him. He just smiled at me.

After that, he took a step towards the bonfire and sat on a log.

"BOYS! YOU CAN COME OUT NOW!" he shouted.

After a few minutes of silence...

I looked around and saw several guys emerging from different places (10 boys). Some were hiding behind trees and in tents, while others were in the tall grass. I started feeling nervous as they pointed their weapons (swords, bows and arrows, knives, etc.) at me.

Wow, great welcome! I really appreciate it.

I heard Newt laugh. That damn laugh of his...!

I don't know why, but whenever he laughs like that, I get annoyed. I mean, I don't want him to laugh because it fuels my anger.

"Lower your weapons, buddies," he said, and his companions followed suit.

He looks like a leader—no, he is a leader.

"I'm here to announce that we have a new comrade," he said, looking at me with a smile.

I avoided his gaze as I felt my face heating up again.

"She's Zendayah Shane. She's one of us now. And... our new 'Lost girl,'" he announced.

Everyone was surprised. "What? Our new 'Lost Girl'?" said the guy with blonde hair.

"Wait... N! Didn't you say Olivia was enough? We don't need another 'Lost Girl,'" they complained.

They?

Olivia?

So... There are other girls like them here? It's not just me?

"...But, N! You don't just easily help the 'intruders' who end up on this island," said a man.

"Yeah, N! And besides, we already have seven 'Lost Girls.' We don't need another one because it's just burdensome," another person chimed in.

I couldn't speak. Am I really that burdensome to them?

"Guys! Listen to me. We should help the person who needs our help. And besides, the more, the merrier, right?" he said, raising an eyebrow with a smile.

They remained silent for a few minutes and let out a sigh. They had no choice but to follow their leader.

"Fine. We don't have any other choice, since you're the leader. We obey!" said the guy with blue hair.

Newt smiled, "Thanks. Now, shall we celebrate?" he said.

I almost jumped in surprise when they suddenly cheered, "ALRIGHT!"

After that, they took out a gallon of beer.

What the fvck?

I felt someone approaching me, "Let's go and join them," Newt invited.

I looked at him and shook my head, "I don't feel like celebrating. You guys go ahead," I said.

He scoffed. "You know... One of the rules is celebration. If you don't join us..." he leaned close to my ear and whispered, "You'll be punished," with a grin.

I glanced at him, "And what punishment is that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He just smiled. "You'll find out if you don't join the celebration," he said, crossing his arms.

I looked at him and sighed, "Fine. I'll join you," I surrendered.

He patted my head, "Good," he said and pulled me closer to the festivities.

He made me sit on a log, and he sat beside me, taking out his flute and playing it.

I heard that beautiful sound again.

I don't know why, but starting tomorrow, my life is going to change...

With these people.

I whispered to myself.

____

After the festivities, Newt stood up and spoke, "It's bedtime now, boys! Go back to your own tents," he ordered.

They stood up and headed to their own tents.

"I'll introduce them to you tomorrow, Zendayah," Newt said. I nodded in response.

After that, he called the guy with red hair, "Asura, come here," he said.

Asura approached.

"What is it, N?" he asked.

"I want you to give your tent to Zendayah since you don't sleep in your tent, right?" Newt said to Asura.

Without hesitation, the man nodded.

"And don't forget to give her new clothes for tomorrow and explain the rules and regulations here," he added.

"Yes, got it," Asura replied.

"Perfect! I can leave her to you now, Zen," he said with a smirk.

Huh?

"W-where are you going?" I asked, surprised.

He smirked, "I have things to take care of," he said.

"What things?" I asked.

"That's a secret. Now, go," he said, and pushed both Asura and me away from him.

I glanced back at him. He was looking at me with a smile.

What is he going to do?

I wondered at myself and just shook my head.

Never mind.

After that, I followed Asura, who was walking ahead of me.