Everyone was stunned when Knife chose Test Tube as the fourth person for the luxury cabin. The question on everyone's mind was, 'why?' It seemed out of character for Knife. His friends, well-acquainted with his drama and schemes, had been offering advice and support because they cared about Pickle and wanted Nickel to face consequences for his actions. They knew Knife planned to use Fan to his advantage, seeing him as a weak link. Being friends with Balloon and Nickel, Fan was easily manipulated by Knife, who pretended to like him to extract information about the duo. It was a flawless plan.

Fan had always been an easy target, so what had changed? Why wouldn't Knife want Fan alone in the cabin to gather more intel on Balloon and Nickel? Test Tube's presence complicated things. She was too smart and would ensure Fan kept his distance from Knife and didn't spill any secrets. How could Knife manipulate Fan if Test Tube was there? Clearly, he couldn't. So what was Knife's plan? There had to be something more to it; he wouldn't do it just to stop Test Tube's complaints. Knife never acted without a hidden agenda.

Everyone headed to the kitchen, clueless and eager for answers that weren't coming. Once inside, they waited for Lifering to explain what they would be making and eating that night.

"Tonight's meal will be a roast! Just like the other night, there will be stations—someone cooking the meat, someone handling the vegetables, and so on. Instructions are on your benches. You can work with whoever you want as long as you get it done! And please, no arguments! I've noticed some tension recently, so I feel I need to get that out there!" Lifering announced, emphasising the need for cooperation.

The groups dispersed to different work benches. The Bright Lights took the meat cooking station, Knife's crew handled the vegetables, and Nickel and Balloon avoided everyone, heading to the dessert table to bake cookies. YinYang was torn about which group to join since the tension was high, but their love for cookies led them to Nickel and Balloon. Why not? Nickel and Balloon had been nice to them at this camp. Naturally, Candle and Silver followed YinYang, wanting to keep an eye on them. Balloon and Nickel didn't seem to mind too much; in fact, they welcomed the extra help, which meant less work for them.

Bright Lights.

"I just don't understand why he would pick me. He could've chosen any of his friends..." Test Tube was trying to make sense of it all, but it just didn't add up.

Fan stayed silent. Part of him thought Knife might actually be considering him a friend now. Maybe Knife felt it was unfair that Fan didn't get the luxury cabin. Maybe he wanted to placate Test Tube by choosing her as the fourth person. It made some sense given recent events: Knife taking Balloon's compromise so Fan was safe from his girlfriend finding out his lies, helping him out of the woods, giving him some of his items from the hunt, and even offering support. It almost seemed like Knife had a soft spot for him. This wasn't good.

Why wasn't it good? Because Test Tube couldn't find out they were friends. If she discovered that Fan and Knife had been getting along behind her back, she would lose her mind. She already had slight jealousy issues when it came to Fan, being overly protective and sometimes disliking him hanging out with Paintbrush or Lightbulb alone. This was her first relationship, and she didn't want to lose him. She loved him deeply and just wanted to keep him safe from any harm. She saw Knife as harm, as a threat. Knife had bullied Fan before Test Tube even knew him, and once Fan told her about this, she made sure it never happened again. And now suddenly, Knife was acting so close to Fan? Like he wanted to be his friend or possibly more? Fan said questionable things about Knife, which felt off to her. Something wasn't right, but she didn't know that Fan had been speaking to Knife behind her back despite her strict instructions not to.

Sure, maybe Fan wasn't initiating it and Knife was coming to him, but why wasn't he telling her? Why was he hiding it from her? Fan knew what he was doing was wrong, even if he wasn't actually cheating. He felt guilty knowing he was disobeying his girlfriend. She told him to stay away from Knife, and he hadn't. He was even starting to become friends with him. This was not okay, and Fan knew it. Hence, he was extremely stressed about her finding out. If she even suspected that they were friends, it would be over for Fan. Test Tube would find out he went behind her back and had been keeping things from her.

Some people might call Test Tube controlling for doing everything for Fan and forbidding him from talking to certain people, but it wasn't like that. Knife was literally trying to hit on her boyfriend, and Fan had said some questionable things about Knife, almost as if he had a crush on him. Whether it was as innocent as Fan finding Knife attractive or wanting to be like him, it made Test Tube uncomfortable, jealous, and upset, and rightfully so. She feared Knife would take her boyfriend away. If she found out that Fan had been going behind her back, she would overthink and assume the worst. It could be the end of their relationship.

So here Fan stood, quieter than he'd ever been, his eyes occasionally glancing over to Knife. He felt paranoid. Test Tube was relentless when it came to getting answers, and he was almost certain she would find out. Fan's palms were sweating, his knees trembling, and his heart pounding in his chest. He kept checking his phone gallery, trying to distract himself to avoid looking suspicious. But there was no doubt that Test Tube was going to start asking questions.

"It is really odd that he would pick you over one of his friends or even Balloon. He's been trying to hit on Balloon this entire camp, trying to split him from Nickel. Wouldn't it make more sense to pick him? I feel like he's up to something," Paintbrush said, agreeing that something was really off as they helped Lightbulb marinate the beef.

"Exactly! This makes no sense. I mean, it's not like I'm not glad that I'll be going to the luxury cabin with Fan. I'm so happy Fan doesn't have to be alone with Knife, but there has to be a reason why..." Test Tube adjusted her glasses, pushing them up with her index finger, and turned to look at her boyfriend, who was staring at his phone.

"What do you think, Fan?" Test Tube asked, wanting to believe that Fan had nothing to do with this, that he respected her wishes and had been staying away from Knife. But part of her was nervous that might not be true.

Fan didn't look up from his phone, his heart racing as attention focused on him. He nervously cleared his throat and began to speak. "I, uh, have no idea actually," he answered quietly.

Test Tube could see something was off with Fan; he was too quiet. "You don't know anything about this, right, Fan?" She had full faith in him and would believe anything he told her, but she just needed to know.

Fan quickly glanced up at Test Tube. "No! No, of course, I don't know anything about this... why would I?" He chuckled nervously. "But, uh, who cares why he did it, right? We get to spend the night in the luxury cabin together! We don't even have to talk to Knife. Actually, that's a great idea—let's just not speak to him, like at all." Fan gave a weird, awkward smile, the one he always had when he was anxious.

Test Tube knew something was fishy but wanted to trust her boyfriend. Why wouldn't she? She leaned back and huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I still want to get to the bottom of this. I might just interrogate him... I mean, we are spending the night with him, right? We'll get something out of him, surely." Test Tube shrugged.

Fan gulped and nodded. "Heh... yeah."

He was so done for.

Knife's Crew

Everyone was staring at Knife as he proceeded to cut the vegetables for the roast. Trophy sat nearby with his arms crossed, looking grumpy—he was still upset about not getting the cabin. Taco and Microphone had their eyes glued to Knife. He acted so nonchalant, as if he hadn't just made the most baffling choice possible for a cabin mate. Choosing Balloon would have made sense, or even one of his friends, but Test Tube? Fan's actual girlfriend? Why. What was his reasoning? It couldn't just be a whim.

"So, you want to tell us your plan behind inviting Test Tube to the cabin? You could've had Balloon right where you wanted him, you could've easily gotten on Nickel's nerves... and even if not Balloon, you could've invited one of us. I don't understand your reasoning," Taco began. "You've been going on about your plan to avenge Pickle, and how Fan was your easy way into finding out info on Balloon and Nickel since Balloon wasn't budging. But you pass up the best opportunity to get Fan alone? Test Tube won't let you even look at Fan, I hope you know that, Knife." Taco scoffed.

Knife rolled his eyes and continued cutting vegetables, letting Taco's lecture wash over him. What did they expect him to do? He picked Test Tube—so what? What was the big deal?

"I know I don't usually get involved in these issues, but Taco has a point. Why Test Tube?" Microphone asked nervously, hating to be involved in this kind of stuff.

"See? Microphone understands. Thank you, darling." Taco smiled at her, then turned back to Knife with a questioning look. "Well? Want to tell us?"

Knife huffed, looking up at them. "Maybe it's because Fan's girlfriend was nagging him, and it got on my nerves. He won third place fair and square. He deserves to have the cabin. It's not fair that his girlfriend was going to forbid him from staying there just because I was going to be there," Knife started. "When I stormed off, I found Fan curled up in a ball, crying his eyes out because he had a fight with his friends. So, I gave him some of my items. His friends were awful to him today, and I wanted to see the look on their faces when they saw Fan actually managed to get some items since they clearly didn't believe he could. I didn't think he'd have more than them or that you'd all have less than him. None of that was intentional. I thought you guys would've picked up your game and actually gotten more items. Clearly, I was way off—except for Trophy, who had to be a sore loser." Knife rolled his eyes. "And if you really want to know why I didn't pick Balloon for the cabin, fine. I found Nickel and Balloon making out when I was taking Fan back to camp. As you know, Test Tube doesn't want Fan anywhere near me, so Balloon and I made a compromise. He wouldn't tell Test Tube that he saw Fan with me if I left him and Nickel alone for the whole camp." Knife explained with an unamused look.

"Don't tell me you actually took the compromise..." Taco felt like facepalming.

"Of course he did! Are you guys idiots? Can't you see Knife has a soft spot for that stupid nerdy redhead? He literally ditched us and helped him win! He's clearly starting to actually like him." Trophy cut in with frustration.

Knife bit his tongue, wanting to punch Trophy so badly. "I do not have a soft spot for Fan," he grunted through his teeth.

"Oh really? Then why did you choose Test Tube for the cabin?" Trophy spoke smugly. "Exactly. Because you felt bad for your new boyfriend!" Trophy scoffed.

Knife felt himself growing more heated by the second. Fan was not his boyfriend. He would never be his boyfriend. His actual boyfriend was torn from him, and it was all Nickel's fault. None of this would be happening if Nickel wasn't such a lying snitch. He would still have Pickle.

"He isn't my boyfriend, and I do not have a soft spot for him. I'll prove it to you—I'll tell Test Tube that Fan has been talking to me behind her back," Knife snapped, crossing his arms. "Because I honestly couldn't give two shits about the little twerp."

Deep down, Knife knew he did have a soft spot for Fan. He knew he was starting to care about him. That's why he was doing what he was doing for Fan; he wanted him to be okay. He hated that he suddenly cared about Fan. He didn't even know how it happened or why he felt the need to care for him. Maybe spending a lot of time with someone who looks up to you as much as Fan looks up to him changes your view of a person.

"I can't believe this... you actually care about him, don't you?" Taco crossed her arms, her jaw dropping.

"I do not," Knife spat.

"Then why did you help him?" Taco pressed.

"I want him on my good side, don't I?" Knife snarked. "What, you wanted me to just leave him there?" Knife scoffed.

"I mean, why did you take the compromise? Who cares if Balloon told Test Tube? That isn't your problem. Your problem is getting revenge on Nickel," Taco snapped. "Pickle is expelled because of him. Pickle isn't allowed to see any of us anymore because of him. Why on earth would you throw away revenge just so Fan was safe from a fight with his girlfriend?"

"You don't think I miss Pickle too? He was everything to me. It's not like I can't get revenge on Nickel after the camp. It's only for the camp, so shut your mouths and let me do this my way. Pickle was my boyfriend, so I will do what I like to get revenge for him," Knife harshly snapped.

"He is our friend too. We get our say in this. I don't approve of this... strange friendship you have going on with Fan," Taco scoffed.

"Fine! Fine, okay, you want me to tell Test Tube what Fan did? I will. Tonight. I'll prove to you Fan means nothing to me," Knife spat at them.

Cookie Baking Bench

Balloon, Nickel, and YinYang happily rolled out the cookie dough, cutting out cute little shapes with cookie cutters they found in a drawer. They were at peace, free from drama on their side. Balloon and Nickel hoped the rest of the camp would remain drama-free, while YinYang were content, reunited and happy with Silver and Candle as their own personal camp parents. Things were good here, unlike the chaos likely unfolding at the other benches.

They deserved this peace, having been through so much already. It was their turn to sit back and relax without stress or worry.

Silver and Candle watched over the boys as they cut the cookie shapes, occasionally flirting, of course. Poor YinYang was surrounded by two newly formed couples, both being lovey-dovey with each other. Oh well.

"Candle, my dear, I must say I love the way your hair is sitting today. It is divine," Silver softly cooed to his girlfriend.

Candle's cheeks flushed as she smiled, leaning in to place a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Silver," she hummed.

Nickel cringed at the sight. Sure, he and Balloon were lovey-dovey, but seeing his teachers like that was just weird! "How do you even put up with them? Please don't tell me they were like this all day," Nickel complained to YinYang.

"Aww, I think it's cute, Nickel! You can't tell me we don't act like that," Balloon giggled. He admired his teachers' love for each other. Seeing people in love like that was so comforting; it gave Balloon hope for his own relationship with Nickel.

"Eh, we got used to it." Yang answered with a shrug.

"It's a bit disturbing at first, but the better the mood they are in, the more spoiled we get... hehe, they basically did all the work for us!" Yin giggled.

"Ohh, so you did cheat," Nickel snarked.

"Nickel! Be nice. They're allowed to get help. At least they actually did something. May I remind you what we did?" Balloon replied smugly. "You were practically begging me," he teased playfully.

Nickel's cheeks flushed bright pink. "SHUT UP!" he squeaked, his voice cracking.

"You were so needy," Balloon giggled. "It was cute," he hummed.

Nickel crossed his arms and looked away grumpily. "Whatever."

Candle, noticing how Balloon and Nickel were interacting, moved away from Silver and turned to face the boys. She had known them both for years and could tell this was new. "I sense a little romance..." she hummed softly.

"Nickel and I are dating," Balloon announced with a cheeky grin.

"Balloon! You told me that I was going to tell people! I haven't had a chance to tell anyone yet!" Nickel complained.

Silver Spoon, overhearing this, chimed in. "Finally," he joked. "I remember how jealous you were of Knife and Balloon hanging around each other," Silver teased.

"Ugh, don't get me started on him..." Nickel grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Balloon patted Nickel's head and smiled nervously. "We haven't really... been having the best interactions with Knife," Balloon admitted.

"Oh?" Candle inquired. "How so?" she asked curiously.

YinYang decided to focus on getting the cookies in the oven, swiftly taking the tray and walking off, leaving the others to talk.

Nickel hesitated, unsure if he wanted Candle and Silver to know everything that had been happening. If Knife got in trouble for his actions, it could make life even worse for them.

"Look, it's something that stays between us, okay? Please don't tell the principal," Nickel begged.

"We won't," Candle assured him.

"Okay... uh, where do I start?" Nickel chuckled softly. "Uh... okay, so, as you both know, Pickle was expelled. Knife blames that on me. This whole camp, he's been trying to come between Balloon and me... he hasn't left us alone." Nickel explained. "Oh, and get this, you know how Knife picked Test Tube for the luxury cabin? Well, let's just say he and Fan have been buddy-buddy and Test Tube has no idea." Nickel loved gossiping. "She's forbidden him from talking to him, but in the woods, we saw them hanging out like the best of buds. So Balloon made this compromise that we wouldn't tell Test Tube if Knife left us alone during this camp, and guess what? He actually accepted! I think Knife might actually have a soft spot for Fan, which would explain why he chose Test Tube."

Candle and Silver were invested in the drama, both shocked to hear all this. It was really juicy and interesting stuff.

"Not only that, but Knife tried hitting on Fan earlier this week, so Test Tube has her reasons for wanting him away from him." Balloon added to the gossip, finding it relieving to share this with someone besides Nickel.

"Oh my..." Silver gasped, putting a hand to his mouth. "This is quite the drama... I don't think this will go well for Fan," he remarked.

Candle nodded in agreement. "I sense that Test Tube has a few trust issues with Fan, and rightfully so it seems, if he's been lying quite a lot," she added to the gossip. "I really hope this doesn't break them up. Fan and Test Tube spend a lot of time in my office; he has regular panic attacks, and she always sits with him to calm him down. They are very cute together, and I'd hate for their relationship to end over this," Candle said, her concern evident.

"I hope so too..." Balloon admits. As much as Fan had been getting on his nerves this camp, he was still his friend, plus Fan did help him realise that Nickel had a crush on him, so Balloon was forever grateful to Fan for that.

YinYang happily skipped back to the table, the tray of cookies now in the oven, baking away.

"What did we miss!" Yang asks.

"Since we're finished baking, why don't we all play some Uno?" Candle offered with a gentle smile. She wasn't planning on bringing up the drama she had just learned to YinYang, so she changed the topic to something fun.

"YES!" YinYang cheered running to one of the tables excitedly.

"Come on boys, let's go." Candle smiled at Balloon and Nickel, they both nodded and followed along to the table.

. . .

Paintbrush overheard mention of Uno and glanced at their friends gathered around the cooking station. Test Tube was deeply engrossed in theorising why Knife might have chosen her, Fan was absentmindedly staring at his phone, and Lightbulb was attentively listening to Test Tube's ramblings.

Slyly slipping away, Paintbrush headed toward the table.

"Did I hear you're playing Uno?" Paintbrush asked.

"Would you like to join?" Candle offered with a soft chuckle as she dealt the cards.

Paintbrush said nothing, simply taking a seat beside YinYang.

"Just remember, it's only a game, okay?" Candle reminded them.

"Yeah, I know," Paintbrush replied.

"What Candle means is... sometimes you can get a bit competitive," Silver Spoon explained.

"I do NOT get competitive when playing Uno!" Paintbrush snapped harshly at Silver Spoon.

Silver rolled his eyes, Paintbrush just proved his point.

"Paintbrush, remember what we talked about," Candle gently reminded.

Paintbrush took a deep breath. "Okay, I'll stay calm," they promised.

Where there is Uno. There is Paintbrush.

They began their Uno game as they waited for the food to finish cooking—no worries, no stress, just Uno. Meanwhile, the same couldn't be said for some of the others.