This (Q)!

This (Q)!

Vol - 5 "An Old Ending"

Ch 1 / 4

It had been about two months since the Club Together Festival. Since that day, Shyam had been fully absorbed in his club activities, leaving Raitha with barely any chances to talk to him.

Of course, she could have just messaged him on WhysApp anytime, but she never did. She figured he might find it annoying or feel bothered by her enthusiasm while he was busy.

Those were just thoughts she kept to herself. But to Shyam? He felt like a complete loser.

He had made a real friend—someone who had supported him through everything—yet he couldn't even spare her a moment of his time.

And so, two months passed, filled with Raitha's negative thoughts and Shyam's self-reproach.

Now, summer had arrived. Mornings felt like noon, and noon felt like evening. The heat was relentless, even though it was just the beginning of the season.

The sweltering air filled the classroom, but it didn't stop the students from studying, nor did it stop the teachers from teaching.

Golden sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on every student inside. The only thing breaking the heavy atmosphere was the teacher's voice as he made an unexpected announcement.

"Since it's unbearably hot these days, and summer break is coming up anyway… we've decided to arrange a school trip! If you'd like to participate, fill out this form and submit it to the student council. That's all—class dismissed."

With that, the lesson ended, leaving the entire class in shock.

Sure, they knew their school was pretty nice, but this? This was next level nice. The news sent a wave of excitement through the students.

Everyone was thrilled—except for one person.

Shyam.

As an introvert, this was a direct attack on his "Don't Talk to Random People" streak. A trip meant social interactions, which meant forced conversations, which meant his worst nightmare.

So, naturally, he decided not to go.

That is, until Raitha relentlessly insisted—over and over again—until he finally caved in.

Ritika was just as excited about the trip, making it even harder for Shyam to back out.

But then, one simple question shattered the excitement.

"Wait… where are we even going?"

Silence fell over the group like a heavy blanket.

For a moment, Raitha thought to herself, Does it even matter? It's my first-ever school trip, that's all that counts!

She turned to Shyam and asked, "Hey, have you ever been on a school trip before?"

The question hit Shyam like a sharp arrow piercing through his thick skull.

He stopped walking for a moment, exhaled deeply, and rubbed his ear in embarrassment.

"Actually… yeah. Back in kindergarten, we had a one-day trip to the forest. I don't remember much about it, but I do remember it wasn't fun at all."

---

Three days later…

The long-awaited trip day had finally arrived.

The school had divided students into groups, with two classes traveling to different locations. Fortunately, Raitha, Ritika, and Shyam were all in Class 11, meaning they were headed to the same destination.

The students gathered at the train station, where they would soon part ways.

Once inside the train, the teachers separated the boys and girls, forcing Shyam to sit next to one of his club members instead.

He actually preferred this arrangement. Not because Raitha was annoying or anything—far from it—but because she was too cute.

And let's be honest, the last thing he wanted was for his "magical stick" to betray him in the middle of a crowded train.

After hours of travel, they finally reached their destination. The teacher instructed everyone to stay together until they arrived at the hotel.

By the time they checked in, night had already fallen. The teachers announced that the real fun would begin the next morning.

But first—bath time.

The girls went in first.

Which, of course, was a huge mistake because the boys' minds immediately started running wild with all sorts of unspeakable fantasies.

Once the girls were done, the boys took their turn.

Later, dinner was served, and everyone ate together.

Afterward, the teachers told them to sleep.

And they did.

Or at least… they were supposed to.

Instead, they ended up having an intense pillow fight.

Not all night, of course. But they did keep at it until about 1:13 AM, which—if we're being technical—means they had already crossed over into the next day.