The Calm Before the Storm

The week following the talent showcase felt like a strange mix of relief and anticipation. After the intense competition, our team took a well-deserved break — but the looming School Trip Challenge kept the excitement simmering just beneath the surface.

"Finally, some time to relax!" Kaito declared, flopping onto the grass during lunch. "No more late-night practices or nerve-wracking performances."

I smiled, but my thoughts were elsewhere. The loss to Rin's team still stung, and I knew I wasn't the only one feeling it.

"You're awfully quiet," May said, sitting down beside me. "Still thinking about the showcase?"

"A little," I admitted. "But mostly, I'm thinking ahead. This School Trip Challenge… I want us to win."

She nodded, her eyes serious. "Me too. We've come so far — I don't want us to lose momentum now."

As the days passed, the school buzzed with speculation about the trip. Rumors flew about what kind of challenges we'd face — physical tests, brain-teasers, maybe even survival games. The uncertainty only added to the anticipation.

One afternoon, I found myself in the library, flipping through books on strategy and team dynamics. I wasn't going to leave anything to chance this time.

"You really don't take breaks, do you?" May teased, appearing behind me with a warm smile.

"I just want to be ready," I replied. "Rin's not going to go easy on us."

"Then let's make sure we're ready together," she said softly.

The week flew by, and before I knew it, the night before the trip had arrived. My bag was packed, my mind racing with possibilities. Sleep was elusive, my thoughts filled with strategy and anticipation.

Morning came too soon, and as I stood at the school gates, the energy was palpable. Students gathered in clusters, laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Ready for this?" Kaito asked, his grin wide.

"More than ready," I replied.

A sleek bus pulled up, and the teachers began organizing everyone. But just before I stepped on board, I felt a familiar presence behind me.

"Don't get your hopes up too high, Kawaguchi," Rin said smoothly. "You won't stand a chance this time."

"We'll see about that," I shot back, the fire in my chest burning brighter than ever.

As the bus doors closed and the engine roared to life, I couldn't shake the feeling that this trip was going to change everything.

And I wasn't about to let Rin write my story's ending.