Let the Games Begin

The sun hadn't even risen properly, and the college gate was already buzzing louder than a beehive during a honey crisis. Suitcases. Excited students. Sleepy parents. Chattering teachers. Buses lined up like soldiers waiting for war.

And in the middle of all this, Aiko Nakamura stood like a stone. Wrapped in a hoodie twice her size, arms crossed, and face buried in her own thoughts.

Yui Suzuki, meanwhile, was in full trip mode. She had two bags (just snacks), three water bottles, and an energy level that could power a whole city.

"Oh my god, this is it!" Yui screamed, dragging Aiko to the middle row of Bus No. 2. She plopped into the window seat and declared dramatically, "I need to live this window life."

Aiko sat beside her quietly. Just then, Kaito Fujimoto entered. Wearing a white hoodie, hair messy in a just-woke-up-but-still-handsome way. Girls around whispered and giggled like they were watching a drama unfold.

He smiled and waved at a few people before sliding into the seat next to Aiko. "Morning," he said, flashing a relaxed grin.

"M-Morning," Aiko replied, pulling her hoodie strings tighter. Yui raised an eyebrow like a detective witnessing a juicy clue.

Kaito leaned slightly toward Aiko. "I hope the trip's not too rough for introverts like you."

Aiko blinked. "You knew?"

He grinned. "I observe."

Aiko internally screamed. He observes? Was she under surveillance or being wooed?

Then—just when things couldn't get more confusing—a familiar tall figure walked up to the bus, looking around. Haruki Takeda. Hair perfectly styled. Sunglasses on. A bag slung over one shoulder. And the most confused face.

Because… there were no seats left near Aiko.

Haruki's eyes scanned the rows and paused for half a second when he saw Kaito sitting beside her. Kaito gave a smug smile. Aiko noticed. Oh no. Oh no.

Just then, a cheerful voice rang out—

"Takeda-sensei! There's an empty seat here next to me!" It was Reina Shimizu, one of the staff teachers. A pretty, well-dressed young woman who looked like she belonged in a television drama.

Haruki gave her a polite smile and followed.

Aiko watched it all. Her eyes. Her brain. Her whole being—angry.

Why was he smiling at her like that? Why was she smiling back? Why was he taking her bag and placing it on the shelf?

Yui leaned closer. "Girl, your face is turning red. Like a boiled tomato."

"I am calm," Aiko lied.

"I can hear you grinding your teeth."

Aiko folded her arms and looked straight ahead. The bus started. Yui turned into a social butterfly, chatting with students from other departments, teachers, and even the driver. Aiko mostly listened, occasionally smiling, especially when Kaito made jokes. But her eyes kept darting toward the back of the bus. To Haruki and Reina. And they were laughing. Laughing.

She wanted to throw her water bottle at his perfectly smug head.

After two hours, they reached the trip destination. Students spilled out of the bus like popcorn kernels. Everyone stretched and yawned. Yui was already bouncing again, phone in hand. "Let's get so many selfies!"

Aiko stepped down slowly, still scanning for Haruki. Then she saw him. Getting down from the bus. With Reina. Still smiling. Did he just brush a leaf off her shoulder? Aiko's jaw tightened.

What is this? A rom-com episode with a side heroine?

"Come on!" Yui shouted, grabbing Aiko's wrist.

They wandered around the grounds where the trip was organized—lush greenery, huge tents, and signs for trekking, bonfires, and camp activities.

Teachers gathered students for instructions. Reina took the mic. "Alright students, listen carefully—there will be tent allocations based on your group numbers. Please don't change your tent without informing us."

Aiko saw Haruki standing beside Reina. Still smiling. Still annoyingly polite.

"Why is he with her the whole time?" she muttered.

Kaito suddenly appeared beside her. "Who?"

She flinched. "N-No one!"

He smirked. "You're a bad liar. You've been glaring at Takeda-sensei like you want to karate chop him."

"W-What? No! I'm just observing nature," she said, pointing at a bush.

"That's a trash bin."

Aiko internally wanted to be buried in it. Kaito laughed and shook his head.

Meanwhile, Yui dragged Aiko to take photos with her and explore the trekking path. For a while, Aiko tried to focus on being present. But deep inside, that image of Haruki laughing with Reina burned like a cursed memory.

Later that afternoon during break time, Aiko was walking alone near the camping area when someone suddenly walked beside her.

Haruki.

"Hey," he said casually.

She didn't respond.

"Did I become invisible or are you just ignoring me?"

She finally turned, expression blank. "I thought you were busy. With Shimizu-sensei."

Haruki narrowed his eyes, amused. "Jealousy doesn't look good on you."

Aiko's face turned five shades of red. "I'm not jealous."

He leaned closer. "You sure? You've been glaring at me like a laser beam all morning."

"Do whatever you want."

He grinned. "Are you mad because I didn't sit next to you on the bus?"

She stayed quiet.

Haruki stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "You're cute when you're mad, you know."

"You're annoying."

"I missed sitting next to you too," he said gently. That made her freeze. He looked at her, eyes softer now. "But there wasn't any seat near you. And Shimizu... kind of insisted."

Aiko sighed. "It's fine. Whatever."

"You pouted."

"I did not."

Haruki laughed. Then he reached forward, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Aiko blinked. Her heart stalled.

"You still owe me a month of following my rules, remember?"

She looked away. "Unfortunately, yes."

"Good. Rule four—no giving cute smiles to Kaito. Especially not over fries."

"That's not a rule."

"It is now."

Their eyes locked. The tension, the closeness, the silent heartbeat between them.

Just then—Yui appeared.

"Ah-ha! Found you two! What's this shady romantic corner rendezvous?"

Haruki stepped back, looking far too smug. Aiko covered her face again.

"I'm never going on trips again," she mumbled.

Yui dragged her off, shouting, "Save the romance for bonfire night!"

Haruki chuckled under his breath.

Let the games begin.