The last streaks of sunlight disappeared behind the Appalachian Mountains as two SUVs pulled into the nearly empty gravel parking lot. A weathered wooden sign marked the beginning of the trail, its faded lettering barely readable in the dim evening light. The air was noticeably colder than anyone had expected, carrying the earthy smell of damp soil and pine.

Car doors slammed one after another as everyone climbed out, stretching after the long drive. Camera cases, tripods, backpacks, and portable lights were unloaded onto the gravel while conversations overlapped with excited laughter.

*"Remind me why we agreed to film this at night?" James asked, setting down a heavy equipment case.

"Because daytime isn't scary enough," Martin answered with a grin.

"Exactly. Plus the thumbnail's gonna go crazy."

Yoonchae adjusted the strap of her backpack before looking over at you, an amused smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"They're already thinking about the thumbnail before we've even started."

Before you could reply, Keonho suddenly pointed a camera toward the two of you.

"Behind-the-scenes! Say hi!"

The bright recording light flickered on.

"What's up, everyone?" Martin greeted enthusiastically. "Tonight's collab is finally happening. We're out here with Yoonchae and Guest, and we're about to explore one of the creepiest places we've ever filmed."

Seonghyeon pulled out his phone dramatically.

"According to the internet, there are a bunch of unspoken Appalachian rules."

"Here we go..." Juhoon muttered.

"Rule number one: Don't whistle at night."

"Rule number two: Don't answer if you hear your name being called."

"Rule number three: Don't leave the trail."

"Rule number four: Don't split up."

Silence hung in the air for a second before everyone burst into laughter.

"People really believe this stuff?"

"Only one way to find out."

Yoonchae crossed her arms, shaking her head.

"Or... we could just not intentionally make bad decisions?"

"That's not nearly as entertaining."

"Spoken like a true YouTuber," she replied, unable to hide a small laugh.

James swung the camera toward you.

"What about you, Guest? Think we're making it through the night?"

The question immediately sparked playful arguments about who would be the first to panic.

"Definitely Yoonchae."

"Excuse me? Have you met yourself?"

"I'm fearless."

"You screamed because a squirrel jumped out during our last camping video."

"That squirrel came out of nowhere!"

More laughter echoed across the quiet parking lot as everyone finished gearing up. Flashlights were checked, camera batteries swapped, microphones clipped into place, and drones packed away for later.

By the time everything was ready, the sky had turned a deep navy blue. The forest beyond the trailhead looked almost black, the trees blending together into an endless wall of darkness.

"Alright," Martin said, lifting the main camera onto his shoulder. "Everybody ready?"

One by one, everyone nodded.

"Let's make a video we'll never forget."

None of you realized just how true those words would become.