[Chapter 11: One Room, Two Hearts]
The morning of the trip was buzzing with excitement.
Students gathered at the school gates, dragging luggage and backpacks, chattering like birds. Teachers barked out instructions over the noise, clipboards in hand, trying—and mostly failing—to herd the mass of teenagers into something resembling order. It was the kind of chaos only a school trip could bring.
Takumi stood off to the side near the bus, headphones in, one hand tucked into his jacket pocket while the other loosely held his duffel bag. His expression was unreadable, eyes fixed on nothing in particular, content to drown in the music and escape the commotion. The soft hum of bass filled his ears, giving him a brief illusion of peace.
That didn't last long.
"You're awfully calm for a guy about to go on a romantic field trip," Haruto's voice cut through the music, teasing and smug. He swung his bag strap onto his shoulder with practiced ease, grinning like he knew every thought in Takumi's head.
Takumi slowly pulled out one earbud, already dreading the conversation. "It's not romantic. It's school," he said flatly, not bothering to look at him.
Haruto leaned in with the kind of mischief only a best friend could pull off. "Yeah, but—" his voice dropped to a whisper, eyes glinting with amusement, "—you and Yuri alone in a hot spring inn? There's no way that's just school."
Before Takumi could formulate a comeback, his gaze drifted—and froze.
Yuri had just arrived, walking beside Kana.
She wore a soft beige hoodie over a white t-shirt, with a small suitcase in hand.The breeze caught the ends of her light brown hair, lifting it like strands of silk. When her eyes met his, her steps faltered just slightly, and a delicate nervousness touched her smile—like she, too, was aware of the quiet tension hanging in the air.
Even she's not immune to the awkward tension, Takumi thought, a faint smirk curling on his lips.
On the bus, the teachers had pre-assigned seats. As fate—or maybe mischief—would have it, Takumi and Yuri were seated side by side.
"Oh wow," Haruto said from a few rows back, stretching the sarcasm as far as it would go. "What a coincidence."
Yuri gave a little sigh, clearly embarrassed but not unhappy. "We're cursed, aren't we?"
Takumi chuckled under his breath, sliding into the window seat. "Or blessed. Depends who you ask."
The bus rumbled to life, pulling away from the school and onto the winding road that led to the mountains. Outside the window, the city gradually faded into countryside—gray concrete giving way to green hills, fields, and forests dusted with the first hints of cherry blossoms. The ride stretched on, the soft drone of the engine mixing with conversation, laughter, and the occasional snore from someone already dozing off.
Most students paired up with their friends, chatting animatedly or playing games on their phones. But Takumi and Yuri stayed in their quiet bubble. The silence between them wasn't awkward; it was comfortable, familiar, like the kind that only came from knowing someone long enough to not need to fill every gap with words.
Halfway through the ride, as the bus curved along a mountain road, Yuri shifted slightly, leaning closer.
"I heard some girls trying to ask you to share a hiking group," she said, her tone casual, but her eyes gave her away—focused, slightly expectant.
Takumi didn't turn his head, still watching the trees rush past the window. "I turned them down."
She nodded slowly, eyes lingering on him a moment longer. "Good."
A beat passed. He smirked. "Jealous?"
She hesitated, lips pressing together for a second. "Maybe a little."
His voice dropped to a murmur. "We're really keeping score now, huh?"
No answer came, but the subtle rise in color on her cheeks said enough.
The bus arrived at the traditional mountain ryokan just after noon. It was an elegant, peaceful inn surrounded by trees and the scent of pine.
The students gasped at the view, pointing at the hot spring signs, the koi pond, and the cozy-looking rooms. Inside, they were welcomed by the inn staff with practiced bows and warm greetings. Tatami mats lined the floors, and the faint scent of green tea hung in the air.
Room assignments were handed out quickly. Takumi found himself rooming with Haruto and two other boys, while Yuri ended up with Kana and two girls from their class. The split was predictable, but there were still plenty of whispers and side-glances exchanged as students imagined what the evening might bring.
Later, as the group explored the inn, Takumi found himself walking through one of the quieter hallways, appreciating the serene stillness of the place.
That's when Yuri appeared from around the corner.
Her voice was soft, almost shy. "I saw a second-year girl try to talk to you during check-in."
Takumi blinked, amused. "She just asked if I needed help with my bag."
"She touched your arm."
He quirked an eyebrow. "Are we counting that too?"
Yuri crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitched like she was trying not to smile. "I'm just observing."
"Then observe this—" he stepped slightly closer, just enough that their arms almost brushed, "—I don't care about her. Or anyone else here."
Yuri's breath caught, and for a moment, she looked away.
"…Neither do I."
The hallway buzzed faintly with the sounds of distant footsteps, laughter echoing off the wooden walls. But for that fleeting second, wrapped in the soft light and quiet, it felt like they were alone in a world that had momentarily forgotten everyone else.