The classroom buzzed with post-lunch chatter, the kind that made the air feel a little heavier and the desks vibrate with restless energy.
Haruto was halfway through doodling in his notebook when their homeroom teacher walked in, holding a stack of papers and wearing that mischievous smile everyone knew too well.
"Alright, class," she said, setting the papers down dramatically. "I have exciting news."
Instantly, the room fell silent.
Exciting news from their teacher could mean anything — from surprise quizzes to canceled classes.
"It's time," she continued, "for our annual overnight class trip!"
The room exploded.
"Ehh!? Finally!"
"Where are we going!?"
"Please not another museum!"
Aoi, who had been mid-yawn, suddenly shot upright.
"Did she say overnight!?"
Haruto chuckled. "You sound like someone who just heard there's free food."
"There will be free food!" she whispered fiercely. "And maybe hot springs!"
He raised a brow. "You're awfully excited for someone who hates hiking."
"That's because I'm not going for the hiking, Haruto-kun," she said with a wink. "I'm going for the vibes."
---
Their teacher cleared her throat. "Settle down, everyone! We'll be heading to Kawamura Mountain Lodge next weekend. There'll be team-building activities, nature walks, and a campfire night."
Aoi turned to Haruto with sparkling eyes. "Campfire night! You know what that means?"
"…Mosquitoes?"
She bonked his shoulder lightly with her notebook. "No, silly! Roasted marshmallows and ghost stories!"
Haruto smiled faintly. "You're way too excited about potential nightmares."
"Hey, they're fun nightmares."
---
The teacher started handing out permission slips. "You'll be grouped into teams for the entire trip, so no switching once assigned."
The class groaned.
"Oh no, it's random, isn't it?" one student muttered.
"Of course it is," said another. "She loves chaos."
The teacher grinned. "You know me so well."
She started reading names from the list.
"Team One: Tanaka, Ishikawa, Morimoto…"
"Team Two: Fujimoto, Sato, and—"
Aoi leaned forward, whispering under her breath, "Please, please, please…"
"…and Haruto!"
Aoi's jaw dropped.
Then she threw her arms in the air. "YES!! The universe loves me!"
The class burst out laughing.
Haruto rubbed his neck, smiling awkwardly. "You're acting like you just won the lottery."
"I did! The seat shuffle couldn't stop fate, Haruto-kun!"
---
After class, they walked out together, permission slips in hand.
"Are you really this excited?" he asked, watching her practically skip beside him.
"Of course! It's a class trip! And we're in the same team!"
"Yeah, but knowing our luck, we'll probably get stuck doing chores or something."
She puffed her cheeks. "Then we'll make chores fun."
He gave her a side glance. "You have a scary definition of fun."
"Scary? Or charming?" she teased.
He didn't answer — just smiled faintly as she grinned up at him.
---
That night, Aoi couldn't stop texting him.
> Aoi: What if we end up sharing campfire duties?
Haruto: Then you'll probably burn the marshmallows.
Aoi: I'll burn your heart instead 💘
Haruto: That doesn't even make sense.
Aoi: It's called flirting, Haruto-kun. Get with the program.
He stared at the screen for a long moment, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Maybe this trip would be more interesting than he expected.
---
A week later, the buses lined up in front of the school.
Students gathered with duffel bags and snacks, laughter filling the crisp morning air.
Aoi stood beside Haruto, her hair tied up in a playful ponytail, the sun glinting off her eyes.
"Adventure awaits!" she declared, holding up a peace sign.
Haruto chuckled. "You're going to get tired in the first hour."
"Maybe," she said, grinning, "but at least I'll have you to drag me up the mountain."
He sighed softly. "You planned that, didn't you?"
"Yup~."
And as the bus doors opened, Aoi grabbed his sleeve.
"C'mon, Haruto-kun," she said, smiling brightly. "Let's make this trip one to remember."