[Chapter 24: A Trip to Remember]
The school trip had finally arrived, and excitement buzzed in the air as students gathered early at the school gate. Their destination: a lakeside mountain retreat with stunning scenery and just enough chaos to make lasting memories.
Takumi stood lazily against the bus, half-awake, bag slung over his shoulder. Beside him, Haturo and Minato were already goofing around, energetic as ever.
"I packed four types of chips and two portable chargers," Haturo said proudly. "Prepared for anything."
"You forgot social shame. Can't pack that, huh?" Takumi muttered.
"Hey, don't hate the survivalist game."
Yuri arrived soon after, her light brown hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a cozy travel jacket and a soft smile. She waved gently at Takumi, who gave her a subtle nod. But even that small exchange didn't go unnoticed.
Minato nudged Haturo. "There's your bro, already locked in with the class angel."
Haturo smirked. "One day we'll get an answer on how he pulled it off."
[At the Lake]
Later that afternoon, after everyone had checked into their cabins, the class headed to the lake for a swim.
Yuri stepped out of the changing area wearing a simple, elegant light blue swimsuit with a white sheer wrap around her waist. Her long ponytail swayed as she walked, and the soft sunlight highlighted the gentle curves of her form.
Takumi, who had just finished helping with the towels, turned and caught sight of her.
His breath hitched for just a second.
She was beautiful.
She noticed his gaze and smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Everything okay?"
Takumi blinked. "Yeah… just didn't think you'd show up looking like a summer magazine cover."
Yuri blushed, laughing lightly. "That was oddly poetic for you."
He shrugged, looking away with his usual cool facade, but the faint tint on his ears gave him away.
Meanwhile, Haturo and Minato were floating on inflatable rings in the shallow part of the lake, watching Kana and Aoi splash each other nearby.
"Oi, Minato," Haturo whispered. "Tell me I'm not dreaming—did Kana just splash Aoi and live?"
Minato grinned. "Aoi's letting it slide. That means one thing…"
"War?" Haturo guessed.
"Nope—true love."
Aoi turned suddenly, nailed them both with a splash, and grinned. "You two look too relaxed. Time to sink."
Haturo sputtered, wiping his face. "I didn't sign up for this!"
But behind the chaos, there was a brief pause—a moment where Haturo looked at Aoi longer than usual. She was laughing, her hair wet and framing her face, eyes shining with energy.
Minato noticed. "Don't even think about it."
Haturo coughed. "Think about what?"
[Evening Bonfire]
That evening, under a starlit sky, the bonfire crackled as students roasted marshmallows and shared stories. The group sat together, wrapped in blankets.
Takumi found himself seated beside Yuri once again. Aoi "accidentally" left a blanket behind, which the two now shared.
"It's nice out here," Yuri whispered.
"Better than school," Takumi replied, watching the fire dance.
Yuri leaned her head lightly on his shoulder. "You've been smiling more lately."
"Must be the company," he murmured.
Across the fire, Kana was teasing Haturo for eating five marshmallows in a row.
"That's not roasting, that's roasting your stomach."
"I'm fueling up!" he argued.
Minato laughed. "For what? A food coma?"
Their laughter blended into the night, cozy and carefree.
[Late Night Balcony Scene]
Later that night, the group had all retired to their rooms, but Takumi couldn't sleep. He stepped out onto the balcony for some air—and found Yuri already there, gazing up at the stars.
"You always find the quiet places," he said softly, joining her.
"They're peaceful," Yuri said, smiling. "And when you're here too, even more so."
They stood in silence, the cool breeze brushing past. After a moment, Yuri turned to him. "This was… fun."
"Yeah," he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "You make these things less of a drag."
She looked up at him, eyes wide and calm.
Without thinking too much, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Yuri blinked, frozen for a moment. Then she smiled… and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
Both of them pulled back slightly flustered, eyes meeting—and then they burst into quiet laughter, cheeks pink.
"That was… cute," Yuri said shyly.
Takumi rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess the stars got to us."
"No," she replied, holding his hand lightly. "I think we got to each other."
The trip continued, but that night on the balcony became a quiet turning point—where friendship and affection had become something deeper, sealed not by grand gestures, but simple, sincere moments.
And so, the trip not only gave them fun memories and laughter—but a memory under the stars that neither of them would ever forget