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Damien stepped out of the boys' cabin, a clear expression of frustration etched on his face. He had grown tired of Ripper and Chase's mind-numbing banter. Glancing across to the girls' cabin, he spotted Millie sitting alone on the porch, engrossed in her notebook. It struck him as an unusual sight, as Millie and Priya were typically inseparable. Seizing the chance to escape the boys' senseless dialogue, Damien decided to approach Millie. She was one of the few normal people on his team.
"Hey Millie!" Damien called out, injecting enthusiasm into his voice.
"Oh, hey Damien," Millie responded, looking up from her notebook with surprise. "Is there something I can help you with?”
"Not really, I just wanted to chat if that's okay."
"Of course, it is!” Millie answered, inviting him to sit next to her on the porch. After a moment, she put her notebook aside.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Damien and he asked:, "If you don't mind me asking, what are you always writing in that notebook?"
Millie hesitated, her expression betraying a hint of unease. "Oh um... Well... It's personal stuff, you know."
"I understand."
Changing the subject quickly, Millie asked, "Anyway, why aren't you hanging out with the other guys?"
"You mean Ripper and Chase? I don't think I have to explain that."
"Well, yeah, obviously. But what about Zee?"
"I have absolutely no idea where he could be; he has probably wandered off somewhere."
"So, where is Priya?" Damien continued.
“Oh, she's out training again,” Millie answered.
“Again?” She had already been out training with Millie not too long ago.
“Yeah… Sometimes I worry for her. I mean, I get it; she really has trained her whole life for Total Drama, but sometimes I feel like she's too hard on herself, you know. Anyway, I shouldn't be talking about Priya like this with you. Why don't you tell me a little about yourself instead?”
Their conversation unfolded, and as time passed, they delved into personal stories, discovering surprising commonalities. It became apparent that both Damien and Millie shared more than they initially thought. For Millie, it was refreshing to connect with a fellow contestant on a personal level. Most of the others on the island were not easy to talk to, and some were downright strange, she mused like Ripper or scary girl for example.
Sure, she and Priya were good friends and had meaningful conversations, but Priya's relentless focus on the game often left little room for personal moments. It’s not like she could blame Priya either because that's how her parents had raised her. Millie found comfort in Damien's company, grateful for the opportunity to share thoughts and experiences without the weight of competition overshadowing them.
As the sun began its descent, casting warm hues across the sky, Priya returned from her training. Spotting Millie and Damien on the porch, she waved, offering a friendly greeting before disappearing into the cabin.
A while later, with the night fully settled in, Millie suggested, “We should probably go to bed; it's pretty late.”
“You're right, we should rest. God knows what kind of challenge Chris is going to make us do,” Damien agreed.
“Goodnight Damien.”
“Night Millie.” Damien made his way to the boys' cabin, where he was greeted by Ripper, Chase and even Zee
“Why were you out with Millie so long? Were you guys busy making out or something?” Ripper teased, making kissing noises at Chase. Both of them just started laughing loudly.
“Hahaha, very funny Ripper,” Damien answered in a monotone voice.
“Trust me, I can tell when a girl is in love. I mean, have you seen me and Emma? Millie wants you, dude,” Chase added.
“Like you would know anything about what a girl likes…” Damien muttered to himself. “Anyway, where have you been this whole afternoon, Zee? I couldn't find you anywhere.” Damien shifted his attention toZee.
“Oh, you know… I've been here,” Zee gestured in one direction. “Then there,” he pointed elsewhere. “And here… I've kind of been everywhere, man,” Zee said nonchalantly.
“Mhmm… Anyway, I'm off to bed. See y'all tomorrow.”
The boys dispersed, each heading to their respective bunks. As Damien lay in the darkness, he couldn't shake off the day's unexpected connection with Millie. A genuine smile tugged at his lips as he drifted into a restful slumber.