[Chapter 25: Until We Meet Again (Trip Finale)]
The second day of the school trip began with golden sunlight spilling over the mountains. Morning mist clung gently to the lake's surface as birds chirped and students slowly dragged themselves out of bed—except Haturo, who somehow had more energy than the previous day.
"Rise and shine, sleepyheads!" he yelled, throwing open the curtains.
Takumi groaned and pulled the blanket over his head. "I'm reporting you to the principal for psychological damage."
"Good luck. I already got immunity through breakfast duty."
Day Two: More Chaos, More Memories
After breakfast, the group had one last outdoor activity—canoeing.
Kana and Minato immediately capsized their boat within five minutes of setting out.
"You leaned too much to the left!" Kana shouted.
"You leaned too much into yelling!" Minato retorted as both of them flailed in the water.
Meanwhile, Takumi and Yuri shared a boat. Yuri paddled calmly while Takumi leaned back, watching her from under his hat.
"You're surprisingly good at this," he said.
"I used to row with my cousin on trips," she replied, smiling. "Are you just going to sit there?"
"I'm contributing moral support."
Yuri gave him a mock glare. "Want me to accidentally flip this boat?"
He chuckled. "Fine, fine. I'll row."
As they paddled along the quiet lake, their boat drifting slightly away from the others, Yuri hummed a soft tune. Takumi, still rowing, found himself smiling without realizing it.
They didn't need words right then. The peace said it all.
{Back on Land: Group Photo & Goodbyes}
Before heading back, the teachers gathered everyone for a group photo.
"Alright, squeeze in!" the teacher called.
Haturo threw his arms around Takumi and Minato. "Smile like you're not traumatized!"
Takumi gave the most deadpan expression possible.
Yuri, standing beside him, nudged him gently. "Just smile a little."
"…Fine," he muttered—and then gave a small, genuine smile just as the camera clicked.
After packing up, everyone boarded the bus back home. The ride was quieter this time, most students tired from two full days of fun. Yuri fell asleep on Takumi's shoulder, and he didn't move an inch, not even when his arm went numb.
Haturo gave him a thumbs up from across the aisle.
Takumi rolled his eyes but didn't look away from Yuri's peaceful face.
{Evening: Back Home}
Once they were dropped off at school, everyone said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Takumi returned home, flopped on his bed, and stared at the ceiling. It had been… eventful. In a good way.
His phone buzzed.
[Yuri Shinomiya]
Made it home safe?
[Takumi Tachibana]
Still alive. Barely.
[Yuri]
Don't act like Haturo didn't keep you entertained the whole way.
[Takumi]
That's one word for it.
[Yuri]
Also… thanks for rowing today. And for yesterday's… moment.
[Takumi]
Wasn't bad. You kissed back, so equal guilt.
[Yuri]
I wasn't guilty. I was impressed. Mr. Lazy did something romantic.
[Takumi]
It's the lake air. Probably infected me with feelings.
[Yuri]
I hope it's contagious then.
Takumi stared at that last message, a smirk tugging at his lips.
[Takumi]
I'd say I'm showing symptoms. Like wanting to hear your voice again.
A moment passed. Then his phone buzzed again—incoming call from Yuri.
He answered, trying not to sound too eager.
"…Yo."
"Hey," she said softly. "You really wanted to hear my voice?"
He paused. "Maybe."
"Well," she giggled, "lucky for you, I missed yours too."
They talked for over an hour—laughing, teasing, and sharing thoughts about the trip. It felt effortless, like they had done this a hundred times before.
Before hanging up, Yuri whispered, "Goodnight, Takumi."
"Night, Yuri. Sleep well."
Just as she was about to end the call, she added playfully, "Next time, I'm kissing you first."
Takumi blinked, then chuckled. "That's… a deal."
The trip had ended, but something else had just begun. A closeness no longer hidden, a bond no longer unspoken.