My boyfriend is a nine-tailed fox

Chapter 5: Exploring the Forest

The sun was beginning to dip in the sky when Anita, Claire, and Max gathered at the edge of the forest. The old map was stuffed into Anita’s backpack, its creased edges peeking out as she adjusted the straps.

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Claire grumbled, clutching her sketchbook tightly. “We’re going to get ticks. Or worse, lost.”

“Relax,” Max said, holding up his phone with a confident smirk. “I’ve got GPS. Plus, I brought snacks. Nothing bad happens when you have trail mix.”

Anita led the way, holding the map in one hand and brushing branches out of her face with the other. The forest was thick and wild, with twisted roots and overgrown bushes making the trek slower than expected.

“So, let me get this straight,” Max began, carefully stepping over a fallen log. “We’re looking for an abandoned temple, possibly cursed, in the middle of nowhere. And you’re doing this for a history project?”

“Pretty much,” Anita replied, her tone light but her focus sharp.

“And this doesn’t seem the least bit dangerous to you?” Claire added, swatting at a mosquito.

“It’s not dangerous, it’s... adventurous,” Anita said with a grin. “Besides, don’t you want to see something that’s been hidden for centuries? Imagine the stories!”

Claire sighed dramatically, flipping open her sketchbook. “I’m only here because someone needs to document this disaster when it inevitably goes wrong.”

“Good to know you have so much faith in me,” Anita said, rolling her eyes.

As they pressed deeper into the forest, the air grew cooler and quieter. The sounds of birds and rustling leaves faded, replaced by an eerie stillness.

Max stopped abruptly, pointing at the ground. “Hey, look! Is this an old trail?”

The group gathered around to inspect the faint path, partially hidden beneath moss and dead leaves.

“Good eye, Max,” Anita said, excitement bubbling in her chest. She compared it to the map. “This matches up. We’re close.”

“Fantastic,” Claire muttered, but her eyes darted around nervously.

The path twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the heart of the forest. Vines hung low, and ancient trees towered above them, their gnarled branches forming almost a canopy.

Then, as they rounded a bend, the ruins came into view.

The temple was crumbling, its stone walls covered in moss and ivy. Broken pillars lay scattered around, and the entrance was partially obscured by vines. Despite its state, there was an undeniable grandeur to it, as if it was waiting for someone to notice it again.

“Whoa,” Max breathed, taking a step closer. “This is... incredible.”

“Or creepy,” Claire said, clutching her sketchbook a little tighter. “Definitely creepy.”

Anita stood frozen for a moment, staring at the entrance. That strange pull she’d felt before was stronger now, almost like the temple was calling to her.

“Well,” she said, stepping forward, her voice tinged with awe, “let’s see what secrets it’s been hiding.”

Max hesitated. “Are we sure we want to go in there? What if the roof collapses or something?”

“Or worse,” Claire added. “What if we disturb... something?”

Anita turned to them with a mischievous smile. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Famous last words,” Max muttered as he followed her toward the entrance, with Claire reluctantly trailing behind.

The temple’s shadow seemed to stretch out toward them as they stepped closer, as if welcoming them—or warning them.