The sun hadn't even risen properly, yet the college gates were already teeming with chaos. Suitcases rolled in all directions. Excited students buzzed with chatter, sleepy parents clung to tea flasks, and teachers barked instructions while trying to look enthusiastic. A line of buses waited, perfectly aligned, ready to carry the madness into the wilderness.
In the middle of it all stood Aiko Nakamura.
Wrapped in an oversized hoodie, arms folded and her face half-hidden behind her scarf, she looked like someone trying to disappear into the fabric of the universe. Her mind raced with quiet anxiety, drowning out the excited hum of everyone else.
Beside her, Yui Suzuki was vibrating with excitement. She had two bags full of snacks, three water bottles strapped to her arms, and a level of energy that could power a small village.
"Oh my god, this is it!" Yui screamed, dragging Aiko toward Bus No. 2. "We're going to make memories!"
Yui dove for the window seat like a soldier claiming territory. "I NEED this window. I was born for this window."
Aiko sat beside her silently, too tired to argue. Just as she tried to pull her hood further down, Kaito Fujimoto entered the bus.
Wearing a white hoodie and messy hair that somehow made him look even more attractive, Kaito strolled down the aisle like the lead in a drama. Girls whispered and giggled as he passed. He caught Aiko's eye and smiled.
"Morning," he said, sliding into the seat beside her.
"M-Morning," Aiko replied, instinctively tightening her hoodie strings.
Yui raised an eyebrow but said nothing, though her smirk said everything.
Kaito leaned a little closer. "Hope this trip isn't too rough for introverts like you."
Aiko blinked in surprise. "You knew?"
He grinned. "I observe."
That was enough to send her spiraling internally. He observes? Was she under some romantic surveillance or just friendly teasing?
Before she could recover, another presence arrived at the bus door.
Haruki Takeda.
Hair neatly styled, sunglasses in place, and a bag slung effortlessly over one shoulder, he stepped into the bus, scanning for an empty seat.
His eyes paused briefly when they landed on Aiko.
Or rather, on Kaito sitting beside Aiko.
Kaito gave him a smug smile.
Aiko saw the look. Her heart thudded. The air between them thickened with unspoken tension.
Just then, Mika Ma'am, one of the younger faculty members, called out, "Haruki! There's a seat next to me!"
She was perfectly dressed, polished, and smiling sweetly. Haruki gave her a polite nod and made his way toward her. Aiko watched as he helped place Mika's bag in the overhead rack.
Yui whispered, "Girl, your face is turning red. Like a tomato under a spotlight."
"I'm calm," Aiko muttered.
"You're grinding your teeth," Yui pointed out.
The bus started moving.
Yui immediately switched into social mode, chatting with students, waving at other buses, even laughing with the driver. Aiko tried to focus on the view but couldn't stop herself from glancing toward the back of the bus.
Haruki and Mika were laughing about something. Smiling. Their shoulders close. Aiko wanted to throw her water bottle at someone. Preferably him.
Kaito made another joke, earning another reluctant laugh from Aiko.
But her eyes kept drifting back.
Two hours later, the buses arrived at the trip site. Students poured out like popcorn kernels, stretching, groaning, and instantly reaching for their phones.
Yui was already taking selfies. "This is the perfect lighting! Come here!"
Aiko stepped down slowly, still scanning the area for a particular someone.
There he was.
Haruki, getting down from the bus with Mika Ma'am. Still smiling. Still charming.
And brushing a leaf off her shoulder.
Aiko's jaw clenched. Was this a romantic subplot she hadn't been warned about?
Yui tugged her wrist. "Come on! Let's explore before they give us rules."
They wandered around the beautifully green site, with tents pitched all over, signs for bonfires and trekking, and teachers gathering everyone near a small platform for instructions.
Mika took the mic. "Tent allocations will follow your group numbers. Do not change tents without permission."
Haruki stood beside her, all smiles. Still.
Aiko muttered under her breath, "Why is he with her the whole time?"
Kaito appeared beside her. "Who?"
She jumped. "No one!"
He tilted his head. "You've been glaring at Haruki-sensei like you're planning his slow destruction."
"I—What? No! I was observing nature!" she said quickly, pointing at the nearest object.
"That's a trash bin."
Aiko sighed. She wanted to climb in.
Later that afternoon, during a break, Aiko found herself walking alone near the tents when footsteps approached beside her.
"Hey," Haruki said casually.
She didn't answer.
"Did I become invisible or are you just ignoring me now?"
She finally turned. "I thought you were busy. With Mika Ma'am."
He smirked slightly. "Jealousy doesn't look good on you."
Her face flushed instantly. "I am not jealous."
"You sure? You've been glaring at me like you want to set me on fire."
She folded her arms. "Do whatever you want."
He stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "You're cute when you're mad."
"You're annoying."
"I missed sitting next to you too," he said, voice softening.
She paused.
"There wasn't any seat left near you," he added. "And Mika... insisted."
She sighed. "It's fine."
"You pouted."
"I did not."
He laughed, then gently reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Aiko froze.
"You still owe me a month of following my rules, remember?"
She looked away. "Unfortunately."
"Good. Rule number four—no smiling at Kaito. Especially not over fries."
"That's not a rule."
"It is now."
Their eyes locked. For a long second, neither moved.
Then Yui appeared.
"Ah-ha! Found you two. What's going on here? Planning a romantic rebellion in the woods?"
Haruki stepped back, smug as ever.
Aiko buried her face in her hands. "I am never going on another trip again."
Yui looped an arm around her and dragged her away. "Save it for bonfire night, Romeo."
Haruki watched them leave, a grin tugging at his lips.
Let the games begin.