The Next Monday Started Like Any Other, With Quiet Footsteps Echoing Down School Hallways And The Soft Clatter Of Desks Being Adjusted. But Something In The Air Felt Different. The Kind Of Different That Made Students Sit Up Straighter And Whisper Just A Little Louder Before The Bell Rang.
Homeroom Began As Usual, But Just As The Teacher Finished Marking Attendance, She Paused, Eyes Scanning The Room.
"I Have An Announcement," She Said, The Words Drawing A Hush Across The Classroom. "Next Week, We'll Be Going On Our Annual School Field Trip."
The Silence Broke Instantly.
"What—Seriously?"
"Where Are We Going This Year?"
"Wait, Is It The One-week-long One?!"
"I Heard It Might Be Near The Coast."
"I Hope We Don't Have To Hike Again…"
Amidst The Rising Chatter, Ren Blinked Slowly. A Week. That Was… Longer Than He Expected. He Quietly Looked At Miyu, Who Had Lowered Her Head Just Slightly, A Subtle Surprise In Her Posture, But Her Expression Was As Calm As Ever.
Someone In The Back Asked The Question Everyone Was Thinking.
"Do We Get To Pick Our Groups?"
"No Groups This Time," The Teacher Replied. "You'll Be Following A Full-Class Itinerary. Everything Will Be Shared In A Handout By The End Of The Week. Consent Forms Need To Be Signed By Friday."
Some Students Groaned, Others Laughed. Chika Cheered. Kaito Did A Dramatic Fist Pump.
Ren Kept Quiet. But Somewhere In The Middle Of The Noise, He Felt Someone Glance At Him. And When He Turned — Miyu Was Already Looking Away.
— × —
The Day Passed Like Always. Some Classmates Were Still Talking About The Trip,
After Class, Ren Tried To Escape Early, But Vicky Caught Him Right Outside The Door.
"So," Vicky Grinned, "One Week. You Ready To Be Social For That Long?"
"I'm Not Talking To Anyone," Ren Muttered.
"Except Maybe Miyu?" Mahito Added As He Popped Up Beside Them With A Wicked Grin.
Ren Narrowed His Eyes.
"Don't Act Innocent. Word Is, You Two Were All Serious And Whispery During The Group Project. Now You're Off On A Trip Together—Romantic."
"There Are No Groups," Ren Said Flatly.
"Still," Vicky Smirked, "She's Going. And She's A Top Student. You, On The Other Hand, Barely Even Talk. Opposites Attract, Huh?"
Ren Sighed, But They Weren't Done Yet.
"Do You Think She'll Bring A Planner For The Trip?" Mahito Mused Aloud. "Imagine Ren, Forgetting Socks, And Miyu Handing Him A Checklist."
"Or She Reminds Him To Eat Breakfast," Vicky Added.
"I Already Eat Breakfast."
"Lies," They Said In Unison.
Ren Didn't Respond, Because Part Of Him Wondered If Miyu Really Would Bring A Checklist.
—
After School, The Streets Were Warm, Soaked In The Last Hints Of Sunlight. Ren Walked Home With His Bag Slung Loosely Over One Shoulder, His Footsteps Quiet Against The Pavement.
He Passed The Usual Places — The Corner Vending Machine Humming Faintly, The Bakery With Its Windows Fogged By Fresh Bread, And The Quiet Alley He Never Really Looked Into. Everything Felt The Same. Familiar. Routine.
At Home, Riko Was Already On The Couch, Earbuds In, Scrolling Through Something That Made Her Smile To Herself. She Didn't Look Up When He Entered, But The House Felt Full In Its Own Quiet Way.
Dinner Was Simple. Their Parents Talked A Little, Mostly About Work. Riko Teased Him Once, Lightly, But He Didn't Say Much Back. The Air Felt Calm, Unbothered.
Later, In The Stillness Of His Room, Ren Sat On His Bed. The Phone In His Hand Glowed Faintly, Casting A Soft Light Over His Fingers. It Was The Group Chat—Kaito Had Sent Something.
[Group Chat – "Group Project Survivors"]
[Kaito] : TRIP TIME!! I'm Packing Snacks Already.
[Chika] : It's Next Week, You Moron.
[Kaito] : Early Preparation Is The Key To Survival.
[Ren] : There's A Packing List.
[Kaito] : Look At Ren Being Responsible! Must Be Miyu's Influence.
[Chika] : For Real.
[Miyu] : …
[Ren] : Stop.
After A Little Pause,
[Miyu] : I'll Share The Schedule If The Teacher Gives It Tomorrow.
[Chika] : Miyu Is The Real MVP.
[Kaito] : Meanwhile, I Will Create A Fake Schedule With Wild Activities.
[Kaito] : Day 1: Dodgeball With Bears.
[Kaito] : Day 2: Deep Philosophical Debates At Sunrise.
[Chika] : Day 3: Watch Ren And Miyu Pretend They Aren't Flirting.
[Ren] : I'm Logging Off.
[Miyu] : Me Too. Goodnight.
[Kaito] : Don't Dream About Each Other.
Ren Left The Chat
Miyu Left The Chat
Moments Later—
[Private Chat]
[Ren] : They're Annoying.
[Miyu] : A Little. But It's Funny.
[Ren] : Are You… Actually Excited For The Trip?
[Miyu] : Maybe. I Usually Hate These Things. But This Time Feels Different.
[Ren] : Yeah… Same.
[Miyu] : I'm Packing Early. You?
[Ren] : I'll Do It The Night Before.
[Miyu] : You'd Forget Socks.
[Ren] : I Won't.
[Miyu] : Mm-Hm.
A Pause.
[Ren] : Hey, Miyu.
[Miyu] : Yeah?
[Ren] : If I Forget Anything… Can I Borrow From You?
[Miyu] : Only If You Say Please.
[Ren] : …Please.
[Miyu] : Then Yes.
—
That Night, Riko Knocked On Ren's Door, Wide Grin On Her Face.
"So," She Said, "Who's The Lucky Girl You're Going On A Trip With?"
"No One," Ren Replied.
"Oh Really? Because I Saw You Smiling At Your Phone."
"I Wasn't."
Riko Gasped Dramatically. "Did You Just Blush?"
"Out."
"Are You Gonna Sit Next To Her On The Bus? Do You Want Me To Help You Pack Snacks? Romantic Ones?"
Ren Turned Away, Face Burning. "Goodnight."
Riko Stood In The Hallway, Laughing All The Way Down To Her Room.
—
At Miyu's Place, Yui Peeked Into Her Sister's Room.
"You're Staring At Your Phone Again," She Said. "Is It Him?"
Miyu Calmly Replied, "No."
"Liar," Yui Sang. "You Only Look Like That When You're Texting Him."
Miyu Didn't Respond. Her Brother Did, Though, Walking By With A Teasing Grin.
"Hey, If You Need Love Advice, I'm Available. Big Brother Is Always Watching."
"I Will Throw Something At You."
Her Brother Leaned Into The Doorway.
"You're Blushing."
"I'm Not."
Yui Raised A Hand. "You Are. It's Even Spreading To Your Ears."
"I'm Going To Pack Earplugs For The Trip," Miyu Said, "So I Don't Have To Hear Either Of You."
"Aw, She's Flustered."
"I'm Closing The Door."
"Fine, Fine. But When You Come Back With A Boyfriend, I'm Taking Credit."
"OUT."
— × —
The Next Morning Arrived With An Unusual Buzz Humming Through The Classroom. A Pile Of Neatly Printed Consent Forms Sat On The Teacher's Desk, The First Step Toward Making The Trip Real.
"Please Collect Your Forms By Lunch," The Teacher Announced. "You'll Need To Return Them Signed By Friday, Along With The Checklist I'll Hand Out Tomorrow."
Whispers Followed Instantly. Some Students Discussed Where They Hoped They'd Be Going. Others Debated What Snacks Were Allowed. A Few Even Whispered That The Form Already Had Hints About The Destination.
Kaito Leaned Over From His Seat Beside Chika. "I Bet There's Gonna Be A Secret Onsen. Or Haunted Dorms."
"Why Not Both?" Chika Smirked. "Haunted Onsen. You'd Scream And Slip On Soap."
A Few Seats Behind Them, Ren Slowly Took His Form, Folded It Once, And Slid It Into His Bag. He Glanced Sideways.
Miyu Was Neatly Tucking Hers Into A Folder, Her Face Expressionless As Ever. But When She Noticed His Glance, She Offered A Small Nod.
He Looked Away Quickly, But Something In His Chest Lifted A Little.
Later That Afternoon, As Ren Turned The Corner Of The Hall Toward The Vending Machines, He Nearly Collided With Someone.
"Oh, Sorry—"
Miyu.
She Stepped Back Quickly, Her Bag Bumping Against Her Side. "Sorry. I Wasn't Looking."
Ren Blinked, Then Shook His Head. "No, My Fault. I Was Thinking."
A Pause. Not Awkward. Just Still.
"You Got The Form?" She Asked.
"Yeah. I Think Riko Will Forget To Give It To Mom, Though."
Miyu Gave A Small Smile. "Yui Already Lost Hers. I Had To Print A Copy."
Ren Let Out A Faint Chuckle. "We're The Responsible Ones."
"I Wouldn't Go That Far," She Murmured.
They Stood There For A Moment Longer. Not Speaking. Not Leaving.
"I'll… See You In The Chat Later," She Said At Last.
He Nodded. "Yeah."
—
Later That Night, The Group Chat Chaos Continued.
[Group Chat – "Group Project Survivors"]
[Chika] : Who Else Thinks We're Going Somewhere With A Campfire?
[Kaito] : Please. I Want Ghost Stories And S'mores.
[Chika] : Or Marshmallow Ren And Miyu.
[Ren] : No.
[Miyu] : …
[Kaito] : You Two Are No Fun.
[Chika] : It's Okay. They're The Slow Burn Couple. Like… Painfully Slow.
[Kaito] : Day 5 Of The Trip: Ren Accidentally Brushes Miyu's Hand And Faints.
[Chika] : Day 6: Miyu Calls Him Cute And He Combusts.
[Ren] : I'm Ignoring You All.
[Miyu] : Same.
[Chika] : You Two Leaving At The Same Time Is Very Suspicious.
—
[Private Chat]
[Ren] : You Okay With All This Teasing?
[Miyu] : It's Fine.
[Ren] : I'm Not Good At Handling Them.
[Miyu] : You're Doing Fine. It's Kind Of Funny.
[Ren] : You've Smiled More This Week.
[Miyu] : …Have I?
[Ren] : Yeah. I Notice.
[Miyu] : I've Been Trying To Be Less Tense.
[Ren] : You Don't Have To Try Too Hard.
[Miyu] : You're Easy To Talk To. That Helps.
[Ren] : Same.
A Pause.
[Miyu] : You Know, I Never Really Looked Forward To These Things Before.
[Ren] : Me Neither.
[Miyu] : But Now, I Kind Of Do.
[Ren] : Yeah. Same.
—
At Ren's House, Riko Appeared Dramatically In The Doorway.
"I Drafted A Checklist For You," She Said.
Ren Looked Up From His Phone. "Why?"
"You Will Forget Socks. Or Your Charger. Or Your Brain."
"I Packed My Brain."
"I Also Found A 'How To Impress Your Crush On A School Trip' Video. Want Me To Forward It?"
"No."
"I Also Added Romantic Playlist Suggestions To Your Music Folder."
Ren Grabbed A Pillow. "Get Out."
"I'm Just Being A Supportive Little Sister."
"You're Being A Disaster."
Meanwhile, At Miyu's House, She Had Barricaded Herself In Her Room.
Yui Was Outside The Door, Knocking Rhythmically.
"Hey Miyuuu~ Does He Like Black Coffee Or Sweet Things?"
"I'm Not Answering."
Her Brother Walked By Again. "Just Remember—First Kisses During Class Trips Are Classic."
Miyu Opened The Door Just Enough To Throw A Rolled-up Sock At Him.
"I Hope Your Coffee Goes Bitter Tomorrow."
"That's Cold."
"So Is Your Personality."
— × —
The Week Carried On, And With It Came The Usual Controlled Chaos That Only A School Trip Could Stir.
Wednesday Morning Began With The Teacher Handing Out A Detailed Packing Checklist. Printed In Blue Ink, It Outlined Everything From Uniform Reminders To Optional Raincoats And Insect Repellent.
"Some Of You Will Forget Things Anyway," The Teacher Sighed. "But At Least When You Do, You Can't Blame The School."
The Class Chuckled.
"Also, Final Day To Hand In The Consent Forms Is Friday. After That, You're Not Going Anywhere."
The Threat Was Only Half-serious, But Several Students Immediately Opened Their Bags To Double-Check.
In The Back Row, Vicky Nudged Ren With A Smirk. "You Didn't Lose Yours, Right? Or Did You Already Give It To Miyu For Safekeeping?"
Ren Groaned. "You're Still On This?"
Mahito Leaned Over From The Other Side. "Honestly, You're The Only Guy I Know Who Gets Paired With A Top Student And Survives."
"I Didn't Do Anything."
"Exactly," Vicky Grinned. "That's Your Power."
—
During Lunch, Vicky Pulled Out His Phone And Scrolled Through An Old Photo.
"Remember This?" He Said, Flashing It To Mahito And Ren. It Was A Blurry Picture From A Class Event Months Ago. Ren Stood Off To The Side, Eyes Half-closed, While The Rest Of The Group Posed Loudly In Front.
"You Were Always Like A Background NPC," Mahito Joked. "Now Look At You. Walking Next To Miyu In Hallways."
"Talking To Her In Group Chats," Vicky Added. "Exchanging Eye Contact."
"I Can Exchange Eye Rolls With You Too, Want One?"
They Laughed. Loudly. And Yet, In The Middle Of It, Ren Caught Himself Smiling Too.
—
As The Day Passed And Night Arrived, The Group Chat Continued,
[Group Chat – "Group Project Survivors"]
[Kaito] : Okay. Real talk. Who's Packing Instant Noodles?
[Chika] : We'll Have Proper Meals, Kaito.
[Kaito] : But What If I Miss The Taste Of Artificial Flavoring And Sadness?
[Chika] : Pack Your Trauma In Your Socks Then.
[Kaito] : I Will.
[Miyu] : …I'm Making A Color-coded Checklist.
[Chika] : Of Course You Are.
[Ren] : That Sounds Useful.
[Kaito] : I'm Gonna Make An "Anti-checklist" Of Stuff NOT To Bring. Like Scorpions.
[Chika] : Or Confessions.
[Kaito] : Too Real.
—
At The Same Time,
[Private Chat]
[Miyu] : My Brother Said We'll Come Back With Love Triangle Drama.
[Ren] : I Thought We Weren't Even In A Line.
[Miyu] : Apparently We're Part Of A Drama Arc.
[Ren] : I'm Tired Just Reading That.
[Miyu] : …I've Been Thinking.
[Ren] : About?
[Miyu] : I'm Not Good At These Things. Trips. Friends.
[Ren] : Me Neither.
[Miyu] : But It's Easier When You're Around.
[Ren] : …Same.
[Ren] : You Calm Me Down.
[Miyu] : That's The Nicest Thing Someone's Said To Me All Month.
They Paused.
And Then…
[Ren] : You're Easy To Talk To. You Don't Expect Me To Be Louder Than I Am.
[Miyu] : You Don't Expect Me To Smile More Than I Can.
Something Settled Between Their Words. A Quiet Comfort, The Kind That Didn't Need Declarations.
Ren Set His Phone Down, But Didn't Turn Off The Screen. It Stayed Dimly Lit For A While, As If Waiting For One More Message.
— × —
To Be Continued….